RADIATION-What to ask, what to expect

Hi, Sheri -

Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions about using creams and lotions on the radiated breast tissue rather than advice you get from various people online.  They should talk with you thoroughly about breast care during the radiation - one example that stands out in my mind is avoiding washing your breast because the skin gets so fragile toward the end, etc.  Okay to take a shower and get it wet - you just don't want to be rubbing a lot of drying soap etc or rubbing it period when the radiation treatment has been ongoing for a couple of weeks. 

I had the same diagnosis as you and I was scared to death of the therapy, but once I got started with it, it wasn't nearly as bad as the fear itself.  It became part of my routine and I was able to keep a positive attitude about it because I kept reminding myself that this was saving my life.

One thing you'll definitely want to do is get some cornstarch powder and some long  cotton sports bras that are about two sizes too big because you just can't wear a regular bra after awhile.  The area directly underneath your breast gets really sore, and while you don't want a bra cutting into you down there it's also really important to keep that area dry and powdered so the skin does not rub together.  I ended up with a keloid scar in that area that makes my life a misery now - it's right where the bra hits and it just keeps on growing.  I don't think this is a common thing, so don't get too nervous.  I just wanted to warn you because I definitely think I had a skin breakdown under there that I wasn't even aware of, and I was not diligent about the powder.