pol- turn pink in week one or two?

I got a little pink week one. It was subtle, only I could see it. The skin was also warm to the touch, like I had a fever. I had mild pain, like the breast ache of a period. The second week I must have been into the "tanning" phase, as I saw no real changes. Inside pretty much stopped hurting. Skin still felt warm to the touch. I was more sore the first week than the second.

Since about day 10 I have significant swelling. I have gained about 2 lbs of fluid. I saw my rad doctor yesterday and she said it was the swelling causing pressure causing the pain. I'm not sure if that's the whole story, but it must be part of it; because I have pain even in areas that are not being irradiated due to the fluid buildup, like under the arm and around to the back. Pain is probably too strong a word, should be "ache". Still feels warm. I have occasional twinges when exercising, mostly when gravity changes the breast position.

At about day 13 I suddenly had this tan/pink colored "Square" on me. It is now getting a bit darker daily. Now I am having pain again, still very much like a period. I should probably cut down on coffee, which is famous for aggravating the lymph nodes and impacting drainage. I used to deal with that during my period by taking vit E. Since I can't take that now, ache it does.  Aleve and ibuprofen help that, about 50%. I don't want to be on them around the clock, so I take either one after the treatment (midday) when I am most sore. By morning it is a lot better.

I am using the same brand of aloe gel. I find it soothes, but does nothing for the color. Skin still feels hot. Some say here to refrigerate the bottle, so it's cold when you put it on. It's cold here, so I find it shocking enough to apply it at room temperature.

How many treatments have you had?

Hope this helps.

I am on day 21 of 33 whole breast radiation (last 4 will be boosts to surgical cavity) and just turned "splotch" pinkish today.  Rad onc told me to start mixing aquaphor into the 100% pure aloe I have been using. 

Linda

I am interested in this thread because I am shrinking. I have had 11/30 rads treatments. My radiated breast is shrinking.. Down from a D cup to a C. Lots of tenderness and shooting pains at times, but no redness...

Marcia

I turned pink and it felt like a bit like micorwave popcorn LOL.  I could feel the effect on the inside even before I saw it on the outside.  I recommend that you keep putting on the creme several times during the day, wear only cotton to sleep and wear a soft bra like the "barely there" brand that you can buy at Kohl's.  If you are having burning this early, watch it carefully.  There are perscription treatments to avoid breakdown.  I did not need them.  I got pretty pink but never really suffered much.  I took pain meds like advil if I felt uncomfortable at night.  Of course, check with your doctor.

Good luck.  It will be over before you know it!

Roseann