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Lastchild13
Lastchild13 Member Posts: 17
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Hi everyone -- I am hoping that someone can possibly help. It has been 11 months since my lumpectomy and over 7 months since I have finished my rads. I am currently on Tamoxifen -- oh joy :-) and now I am experiencing very apparent nipple flaking in breast that had lumpectomy -- it is not red or itching or oozing just obvious flaking of the whole nipple. I have used lotion and it does not help. My GP scheduled bilateral mammograms with ultrasound. The radiologist said to me that there is a very dense area in my right breast and he referred me to my breast surgeon. He also mentioned that it could be from the radiation treatments (from 8 months ago?) or possibly Paget's but he is not too familiar with Paget's. Anyone have a similar experience or any advice. I am a bit nervous here :-) Thank you for listening. :-)

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited February 2013

    Last...I had 33 RADS treatments in 2011. The only problem I had was fatigue and a bit of redness. I am not sure I understand why our drs are referring you to other drs like your BS...I have heard that aftereffects from radiation doesnt show up for months and sometimes years like scarring of the lungs. So if it were me I would ask my Rad ONC. Good luck. diane

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  • Lastchild13
    Lastchild13 Member Posts: 17
    edited February 2013

    Thank you for your imput Diane -- I did not know that aftereffects from radiation can appear long after treatment ends -- I am still learning these things. I think that I will take your advice and ask my Rad Onc.

    Shawn

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited February 2013

    Make sure you see you radiation oncologist FIRST, before you have anything else done. My radiation oncologist stressed this very strongly with me. He said that when odd breast issues come up, even years later, many people have tests/procedures done that could have been avoided if they had come to him.

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  • Lastchild13
    Lastchild13 Member Posts: 17
    edited February 2013

    Dear ruthbru,

    The radiologist that did my mammograms and ultrasounds suggested that I see my breast surgeon -- I have an appointment with her next week. I really like her and trust her opinion. My radiation oncologist has absolutely zero bedside manner ( I call him Mr. Personality) so I was going to see my BS first and then make an appointment with my Rad onc as per Diane's suggestion. I am very fortunate because my GP, BS, Onc, and Rad onc all know each other and are afilliated with the same hospital. My GP got this ball rolling because I went to her with the whole nipple flaking thing and upon examining me she discovered an area of my breast that appeared suspicious to her hence mammos with us. The radiologist did mention possible after effects from radiation and my response was after 8 months? He also said that he wanted my BS to look at the suspect area of my breast and he mentioned that she would be more knowledgeable regarding Paget's (which he brought up). I just want to know what this could be. I have googled myself to death about it :-) Thank you for your reply and you are right I certainly do not want to go through anymore tests/procedures if it can be avoided.

    Shawn

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  • FilterLady
    FilterLady Member Posts: 407
    edited February 2013

    Hi Shawn,

    I also think you should see your RO first.  Mine told me to do so with ANY concerns about my left breast.  Rads side effects can show up months and years after finishing active treatments.

    Good luck,

    LaDonna

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  • Lastchild13
    Lastchild13 Member Posts: 17
    edited February 2013

    Hi LaDonna,

    I had no idea that rad side effects can show up much later down the road..... I thought that I had asked the right questions to become knowledgeable with bc and my treatments. I will be seeing my docs this coming week so I will be asking a multitude of questions. LaDonna did you have any skin issues that sprung up unexpectedly? How did your skin react during/after your rad treatments?

    Thank you,

    Shawn

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited February 2013

    Sounds like you are covering all your bases.  Let us know how it goes.

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  • Lastchild13
    Lastchild13 Member Posts: 17
    edited February 2013

    Dear ruthbru,

    I grately appreciate everyones imput. I have gone through this by myself and I just wish that I would have not been so shy to ask questions when I first found this site. Everyone is so kind and there is a plethora of strength, courage, compassion and experience on these boards. I will let you know what happens this week. Take care and thank you again for your imput.

    Shawn

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited February 2013

    Hang in there, don't jump to any conclusions, and don't google anymore!

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  • Lastchild13
    Lastchild13 Member Posts: 17
    edited February 2013

    Ruthbru --- thank you and I promise that I will not google anymore Smile

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited February 2013

    Question for you, I'm intrigued by your screen name: is your last child 13? Are you the youngest of 13 children? Do you have 13 children? Or....?

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  • Lastchild13
    Lastchild13 Member Posts: 17
    edited February 2013

    Truth be told I am the baby of the family... I have 2 older sisters who are 54 and 51. I am 46 and 13 is my favorite number. Therefore Lastchild13 was what I came up with :-)

    Shawn

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  • gentianviolet
    gentianviolet Member Posts: 316
    edited February 2013

    Lastchild - I also had a similar episode (about 16 months after rads) with my radiated breast/nipple.  My RO told me to use an over the counter cortisone cream for a week or two.........I did and it went away.  That was a year ago and so far it has been fine.  Hope you find the answer soon.  Good thoughts.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited February 2013

    Aha!

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