September 2010 Rads

Hi all,  I finished rads same time as most of the rest of you.  I have developed a rash all over the radiated area.  It is red, slightly raised and itchy.  Saw the doc, he said it might be a little infected and gave me a course of antibiotics which have not helped at all.  Yesterday I started having pain around the incision area.  I'm a little concerned, is anyone else having this kind of thing?

Hi!

My (PT) center was able to purchase the correct size compressure comfort bra by Bellisse for truncal lymphedema, and swapped with me.   Distributor wouldn't exchange for correct size.   Crazy goings on.

DiamondGirl,  don't know if I can say mine are little blisters, but the rash does have little bumps in it.  I've tried steroid cream, no difference.  Anti-biotics made no difference.  I've had it now for about 4 weeks, with no real difference.  Are you sure you don't have an infection?  I don't know, maybe I need to go back to the doctor, but he seemed pretty clueless the first time around.

Debborob,

i had a rash just like that that started about 3 weeks post rads.  Got a steroid cream from my PCP, it cleared it up, but as soon as I stopped the cream it came back.  Was freaking me out, finally after 2 months I stopped the cream and it has not returned.  I'm trying to be really good about moisturizing that side and esp. if I get any itching I immediately slather moisturizer on, so far so good.  I say you need to see a dermatologist, probably a prescription strength steroid cream will get rid of it, however, a rash on the effected breast can be BC coming back on your skin according to my oncologist, so go see someone and get it addressed.

Julia

I went to see the doctor yesterday - was supposed to have gone last week, but had bad winter storms and his office was closed.  He took a punch biopsy and now I'm waiting on the results.  I'm so worried that it's the return of cancer.  It feels like I'm about to start this whole thing all over again, and I've only just finished 9 months of treatment.  Hopefully, he'll come back and say it's just some kind of rash - reaction to radiation etc., but I'm really worried.  It spread very quickly, it is red and sort of lumpy.  It covers about 1/4 or more of the radiated breast now.

deborrob,

Sometimes a biopsy is the only way to determine the correct treatment for a rash.   I'll keep in touch.

DiamondGirl-I saw my BS this Monday. He feels it is a pocket of fluid where the tumor was. It has to leave the body from somewhere so it's using the nipple as it's exit point. To be on the safe side I am scheduled for an ultrasound and another mammo just on the effected breast this Friday. I have to wait for his call before I know anything else. I've read on other threads of other women that had this and they had pocket drained with some antibiotics. I am thinking positive!

Ladies,  had a call from my doctor.  This rash that I have is apparently cancer of the skin.  That's all he has told me so far.  Have to see the oncologist tomorrow.  I can't believe it.  I just finished radiation two months ago.  Now I wish I hadn't done radiation because this has come back right over the place that was radiated.  I always had my doubts about radiation.

Deborrob - So sorry to hear about your dx!  Just remember - we all make the best decisions possible with the information available at the time.  Praying for a quick treatment and recovery for you! Keep us posted.

Today, I had last (PT) and will continue daily breast massage at home.

Hello again.  I haven't posted here since October when I was part way thorugh with my rads. I did finish up in early November and then had to deal with heart and insurance issues. Heart is fine. Insurance is still a problem..

Question: has anyone had any issues with their thyroid being radiated too much during the breast rads? My thyroid function is questionable and it appears from lab tests that I am hyper-thyroid, not hypo. The ultrasound showed two very small nodules but nothing specific. They are ruling out thyroid cancer for now but wondering if my thyroid suffered collateral damage from the total breast rads that beam a wide range. It is on the 'watch list' along with every other thing we have to monitor for lumps and bumps. Ah, breast cancer and the treatments...the gift that keeps on giving.

All the best to everyone. Wishing you a bright and cancer free future.  Bon

Hi!

I had 6 weeks of radiation folllowed by 4 days of bliss, then 31 days of severe radiation burn under the breast.   Radiation oncologist two weeks later had me for an hour twice weekly receive (PT) breast massage to remove truncal lymphedema, and prevent scar tissue and heavy breast.   No pain.   I really needed the (compressure comfort bra by Bellisse) to prevent lymph fluid from pooling in the breast.   This is the (L) Breast massage I do daily at home.   1. Massage at base of neck, above the collar bones, using flat finger circles.   It is easier if you cross your hands over (45-60 seconds).   2. Perform diaphragmatic breathing (8-10 breaths).   Stomach should go up and down, not chest.   I am a chest breather.   3. Using the left hand, massage in the right armpit (45-60 seconds).   Wake up lymph nodes.   4. Using the left hand, move lymph fluid across the upper chest directing it into the right armpit.   Perform "C's", just enough to stretch the skin.   Massage the inner side of the left breast, if needed, and direct lymph fluid into the right armpit.   5. Using the left hand, massage the left groin.   Wake up lymph nodes.   6. Move fluid down the side of the left trunk, using the right hand, in the direction of the left groin.   Massage outer side of breast, if needed.   Perform "C's" direction is downwards.   7. Repeat steps 4+6, as necessary.   I NEVER MASSAGE LYMPH FLUID INTO LEFT ARMPIT!  

Hi!

I'll probably always have truncal lymphedema.   RATS!   So looking forward to spring.

Sespebadger, do consider requesting a referral from any doctor on your team to a well-trained lymphedema therapist for evaluation and individual risk-reduction strategies. Here's how to find a well-qualified therapist near you:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Finding_a_Qualified_Lymphedema_Therapist.htm

Since you have had bilateral surgery you're at risk for lymphedema on both sides, nodes or no nodes. While the risk is somewhat lower for the non-cancer side, it would still be a poor idea to move fluid toward the opposite axilla, as Teka describes, since that could overwhelm the compromised lymph system on that side and create a greater risk of lymphedema. Teka's massage routine is specific to her, taking into account her individual surgery history and any scar tissue in the area (lymph fluid can't readily cross scar tissue). You need a prophylactic massage routine specially suited to your own situation, and a lymphedema therapist can design and teach you that.

Be well!
Binney