15 whole breast, 5 boost- How long until you felt normal?

1982M

I’m still confused if I want to have a oncoplastic reduction with radiation (15 whole breast, 5 boost) or a unilateral mastectomy with implant based reconstruction.

I’m wondering if those of you who had 3 weeks of whole breast, plus boost- how long it took you to feel like yourself? Any regrets with choosing radiation?

I’m 39, I walk 30 min a day every singe day (not much but I have a pretty sedentary job). I’m hoping to have small C’s/Large B’s during radiation so I won’t get burns on my under boob. My energy has been pretty good on taxol thus far. I usually have one bad day.

I’m stuck in a forever loop of decisions. The radiation oncologist was very positive about radiation, but I don’t know much about it honestly.

I’d love to hear from those who did a similar plan and what there experiences was

Thank you!

Salamandra

Hello,

Radiation is generally well tolerated. Many women get some fatigue, some don't get any at all, a few get a lot. I can't say I ever felt like not myself. It generally doesn't have the kind of systemic effects of hormonal or chemo treatment.

AliceBastable

I had 33 radiation sessions, 5 of which were boosts. I felt fine the whole time, my skin near the nipple got slightly pink and dry and my clavicle got darker pink. It was just the tediousness of going every day that was the hard part.

MountainMia

I had lumpectomy, chemo, and same radiation scheme you're talking about. The radiation was tedious but not very hard. You might feel somewhat tired by the end, but your energy should pick back up pretty quickly. Feeling like yourself in other ways might take longer.

Spookiesmom

I’ve had to do rads twice, 7 years apart. The worst is Going.Every.Single.Day. Some ladies here seem to sail right through it, flattens others. After all the stress from the other treatments, this is pretty easy. Take the time you need, don’t compare yourself to others. If you want a nap, do it

moth

I've had rads 3 times now and all have been easy peasy. Didn't interfere with life at all. Hardest part has always been finding parking (I drove myself to these appointments. I have rides for chemo but drive myself for this) You just can't predict - hope for the best, plan for the worst and make the best decision you can. Best wishes!

1982M

Thanks for all the encouraging words. It’s nice to hear from people with experience.