pain after rads

Gals .. I am 2 years out from rads and still have pain in the radiated breast.  My armpit on that side was completely numb for over a year.  Made shaving kind've tricky!  It's very painful when I get CBE and mammograms.  I think this might be permanent.  My docs told me it was nerve and scar tissue SE's of lumpectomy and rads.  They (surgeon, rad onc and PCP) don't seem too concerned about it.  Most likely because there is nothing to fix it.  I had a lumpectomy specifically to save my breast .. and truthfully, at this point, it is not functional ... just there.

I had a very small 7 mm IDC tumor, and in hindsight, I think I would have skipped rads altogether. 

None of these thing were discussed with me prior to tx.  I wish I knew then what I know now .. and had taken the time to do more research about tx options.

I also have rib pain to touch on the treated side under my arm.

On the plus side, by observation, you can't tell I had radiation tx. 

I hope you both continue to improve and your pain lessens.

Bren

I noticed this article today on the home page: 

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/new_research/20091110b.jsp

Hi CaeCae ... I popped on here when I saw your name ... brought a smile to my face.  My sister's name is KK, given to her by me when were so tiny, I couldn't pronounce her real name!  And she's been KK ever since.

The good thing about the boosts, in my case, was that the field of rads was narrowed.  My tumor was at about 3:00 on the left side.  The areas outside the boost field started to get better.  I burned really badly as well.  And the itching was awful! 

I developed a cough during radiation .. and the techs told me to try not to cough during rads.  Oh gosh .. that put a lot of pressure on me, trying to focus on NOT coughing!

I'm sure you gals know that the cummulative effects of the rads and boosts will continue for a couple of weeks.  The burns may even get worse for a few days after tx ends.  The good thing is, in my case, after that, they healed very quickly. 

I don't know how long it takes for the long-term effects to go away .. maybe some are permanent.  After 2 1/2 years, I'm finally close to acceptance that this may be the best it's going to get.

You gals will get through this ... when rads ended, I was sort of stunned ... like, what now?!  For those two months, my life and schedule revolved around my tx. 

I wish you all the best,

hugs,

Bren

Somany ... the actual radiation tx is a very short time.  I counted the seconds so I knew how long it took for both fields.  That helped with my anxiety!  About 45 seconds for one view and a little more for the second field.

I used Aquafor religiously.  Because it's so thick and slimy, I wore old tanks over my breast, then a regular shirt on top of that.  I also went bra-less.  If I had to go out, I would skip the Aquafor until I was back at home.  I also used 100% aloe vera.  For the itching, my doc had me use Benadryl itch creme first, then put the Aquafor on over that.  Both are OTC and in just about every big store.

The time seems to drag in the beginning, but somehow when it's over, it seemed to pass so quickly.

Best to you,

Bren

PS .. Wanted to add that my rad nurse also recommended using a cold, damp hankie and laying it on my breast until it air dryed.  This really helped me with the burning and itching.

caycaye - You said it all for me exactly. I did so well also up until last week. I have 2 boosts left today and tomorrow. Not only is it killing me under my arm but now the boost site where the tumor was is starting to hurt also. To me I liked Taxol better as the steroids covered up so much. Only thing I hated was gaininig 25 pounds with Taxol. The other thing that is driving me nuts is hot flashes, I hate them and would rather have my periods back LOL.

I finished rads on Sept 4--the same day my mom died from breast cancer 2 years ago.  About treatment # 16 I started to burn really bad. I used the aquaphor and a precription cream, but neither helped much.  Now after being done for 3 months, I am in constant pain.  I have shooting pains which I guess  are common, but I am also very sensitive to any kind of touch.  Even my bra makes me hurt.  The radiologist said my breast is very inflamed due to the fact that I have very large breasts and they had to give me very large doses of rads. He prescribed 1000 mg. of Naproxen which hasn't helped.  He said the pain could last for months or years.  The surgeon said it will never go away. The radiologist also said that my sweat glands and oil glands were destroyed on that side and I will need to use a lotion without fragrance every day.  I'm having trouble finding something that will stay on and actually help with itching and dryness.  Does anyone know of anything that works and doesn't cost a fortune? Thank you and I wish for everyone to have a New Year free of pain and worry.  We deserve it!

Linda G.

Hi Liz,

Yes I have tried aloe, but it seemed to dry out my skin.  Right now I am using a few different fragrance free products.  Haven't found anything to stick with though.  Thanks for the advice!

I just finished rads on Feb. 24.  I use Gold Bond Ultimate Healing; fragrance free.  My rads doctor says it is working well and to continue.  You might try that.  It is an ointment and features the medical caduceus on the bottle.