Day 1: Already swollen and red

MBEandQ

Hi everyone. I’ve lurked a bit and saw that a few others have had this issue in the past, but wanted to check recent experiences! I started 20 days of rad today (15/5 boost) after an initial diagnosis of DCIS, which was then upgraded to IDC thanks to 2 small invasive segments. I did fairly well with a lumpectomy and second sentinel lymph node biopsy, though I had a leaky seroma for a bit.

I have been very apprehensive about radiation due to the poor experience of friends, but understand it’s the best thing for me to do after multiple opinions. I’m also very anxious and claustrophobic and have crappy shoulders so was worried for that too. I needed xanax to get through the simulation but did ok.

I started prone therapy today. It actually went great. I drove myself and felt good and it was over quickly. I lotioned up with Miaderm when I got home at 9. By 2pm, I was very uncomfortable and by 3 I was swollen and getting pink. I called the nurse who said she’d have the doc look at me in the AM, but that she’s never seen anyone react that quickly in 15 years. She advised to use cortisone and more Miaderm and to monitor my temp, which is fine. I have used Miaderm for the last month to ensure I’m not allergic and I’m not. In fact, it healed a hand burn from a pot beautifully!

I went into this day down about a cup size on the left, thanks to the lumpectomy. I’m now swollen larger than my right boob. It’s a bit tingly and generally uncomfortable.

I’m completely freaking out. I expected this in a week or 2, not today. I’m afraid it means it will get worse very quickly. Obviously we will see what the doc says tomorrow...but ugh. I always get stupid weird reactions to everything and I guess this is no exception.

MBEandQ

So the Rad Onc said no radiation today - sent me to the surgeon for a check thinking I have cellulitis. She agreed, so it's 10 days of Augmentin for me. I feel gross all over, and my breast is pink, swollen, and sore. Kinda like when I had mastitis from nursing but at least no one is begging to be fed 8 times a day LOL. Will resume rads tomorrow. yipeeeeee.

fifthyear

oh boy that is tough to handle especially on your first day. I would see a dermatologist to confirm. Hope you heal well

hopeful23

Hope you are doing better! When I had radiation, I was very pink after just a few treatments. My radiation oncologist prescribed mometasone furoate cream which resolved it. I continued to use it during radiation andI didn’t get even pink after that. This may not be something your doctor would want you to try, but perhaps you could inquire. There are studies showing its benefits during radiation therapy. Best wishes!

MBEandQ

Thanks to you both! I am feeling better today after 3 doses of antibiotics. Hopefully it’ll continue to improve quickly. Resumed radiation today and it was ok. All of this makes me so anxious

moth

glad you're feeling better! come join us on the December radiation thread too https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/70/topics...

gb2115

FWIW, I was pink right away too. They said it was impossible. I think it was some sort of inflammation. It went away after a few days and then the actual pink from burning came right on schedule later.