Radiation Swelling

Swelling is common.  My doctor advised that I could use an ice pack for pain, but not directly on my skin.  You may see other doctors or posts that advise against the ice pack.  I never used it however, since I always seemed to have the shooting pains while I was at work - not exactly something that you can do discretely.

I'm just done with the 4th week of radiation.. one more to go.

But I started swelling around the 3rd treatment and have struggled with it the whole time.  It's been the most bothersome side effect for me.  My doctor said that it was fluid in the breast and in the cavity where the lumpectomy was done.  The fluid aparently "pooled" in the lowest point, so when I sat at work, it was creating a really hard, uncomfortable zone on the under side of the breast.  Although a bra isn't good for the skin, it does help keep the fluid from pooling.  So I'm going with a lovely fashion statement of a "wife-beater" undershirt with the oldest rattiest jog bra that has super stretched out elastic over it.  I take the bra on and off depending on what I'm doing.  I also think it helps to do some yoga stretching with my arms to keep fluid moving around - but that may just be in my head.  For some reasons Tuesdays seem to be the most "swelly".

Good luck!   

Hi all,  I finished rads on 3/9 and within the last 2-3 weeks, I have noticed some swelling of my dds. It is most uncomfortable on the underside.  I think I am going to try the sports bras for some relief after I see my onc next week.  I can't even lay on my stomach like I want.