1 year post rads (after lumpectomy), how is everyone doing?

sweetp6217

It's been a year since the last of the rads (5 times a week for 12 weeks) and I still have a few things going on. I also had rads close to the collarbone lymph node area. That area is still a little bit pink in an uneven way. I still have a tan in the crease under my breast and the ribs there are tender at times. In addition, there is a small area on my back that itches almost daily. There is nothing visible there according to my hubby. The area under/near my armpit also is a little pink. My RO didn't really have anything to say about it, so I think I'll have to find another RO.

If you have time, please share. Thanks.

Oomie

Completed radiation 13 months ago. Have continued with pain and hardness at lumpectomy site, redness of breast and swelling and pain to armpit. MRI done in Dec. was negative and 8 biopsies at lumpectomy site and skin and tissue near nipple were negative. Mammogram and ultrasound done in Dec. was also negative. Surgeon believes this is all radiation related. Do not have any further appointments with my RO but will be seeing MO in June along with a follow up with the surgeon.

Anyone else with these problems

sweetp6217

oomie, After I finished my rads a year ago, I went to see my RO, actually, right before I finished rads and 6 months after. She then told me to come back in a year, which I won't since she doesn't focus on the topics at hand. The only thing that bothers me nowadays is an itchy feeling on my back and a feeling of a sprained rib now and then (only if I do things differently than normal).

Oomie

sweetp6217 Guess I’ll just wait and see what the MO has to say

sweetp6217

Oomie, I hope that you got some answers in June. Is it any better?

Oomie

Sweetp6217, I didn’t get any answers from my MO but the surgeon believes it is all radiation related. As of today my breast is much less red, less tender and not as hard. I still experience some irritation in my armpit from time to time but much better then a few months ago. Am due for mammogram and ultrasound in October and follow up with surgeon in November. My MO said she would see me in 5 years!

How are things with you? Hope you had an enjoyable summer

sweetp6217

Such good news Oomie. I'm glad you are much better. The tan has gone away along with any pain. But, I still have that weird itch on my back. Thanks for asking.

santabarbarian

I think an itch can be a manifestation of a wonky nerve. You get a small exit dose of rads out of the back and that might be the source of it. But good to ask a pro... Skin cancer can present w an itch, also (I had a melanoma 20 years ago that did).

sweetp6217

Thank you so much santabarbarian! I will make sure my hubby keeps an eye on it, so to speak.