Radiation side effects

I'm going in for 29/30 today.   So far moderate fatigue is the main thing.   My whole breast has developed a very slight tan, but never got really red but the boost area is turning pretty pink.  I don't think it will get bad though as there are only two more times it's going to get hit.    Left breast here, as well.

As for long term things like lung or heart, I was told that I should be at minimal risk for that having done my rads (except for boosts) in the prone position where the breast falls away from the body so the heart/lungs aren't really in the radiation field.  

Today will be 19/28+5 -- finishing week 4.  My skin is looking slightly tan as opposed to slightly pink.  That's about the only skin difference so far.  The woman who gets her treatment after me will have her final boost today.  She is VERY dark in her armpit and had a reddish rash between her boobs.  (We couldn't figure out that one.)  We laugh and chat and haven't broken down in agony and misery so I guess we both are making it.

I am about 4 years past and can tell you that yes, I did end up with a pink that turned into a tan......I am fair skinned

someone had advised me to YELL loud if I thought I was burning and I did, but it was close to the end.  They had good creams and while as a DD I ended up with a blister under my boob, that was all

now, do I have any other side effects?  that is tough to answer.  I occasionally get a pain in my ribs on the same side as the rads.  Have not been able to figure out if a side effect but have read of others with similar pain.  Understand it is only occasionally

but in 9 months I get to stop the aromasin and call my 5 years done!

I'm exactly halfway through treatment (today was 15 of 30).  I have felt good, energy-wise, since I have been mindful of my water intake (made a huge difference in the beginning!) and have been doing qi gong movement (it's the foundation of tai chi) and have had acupuncture treatments.

However, last week I started to develop a very itchy, bumpy rash on my chest.  My RO said it's rads-induced folliculitis.  I have been prescribed a regimen of 3x daily washing of the area with diluted Hibiclens + a mild steroid cream (can't remember the name right now) twice daily.  RO and nurse looked at it again today, because it was driving me crazy over the weekend.  I will admit I have not been good at using the wash and cream more than once daily.  RO also suggested I use a cold washcloth compress over the area after the Hibiclens and before the steroid cream to help calm things down.  I'm trying to leave it alone, but believe me, I'm fantasizing about rubbing a rough, dry washcloth over the area!  (Of course I won't ... but still! ...)

I just hope this area calms down soon, otherwise it's going to be a long and uncomfortable three weeks ahead.

I am 1 1/2 weeks post radiation on the left side, 20 treatments.  I'm definitely having some issues with my lung.  Shortness of breath and extreme pain with movement.  This is very discouraging for me as I am a fitness instructor and not able to work.  Has anyone experienced this?  Any advice for me? 

I'm over a year out from receiving left-sided radiation to the breast and regional nodes.  I have experienced no lingering side effects from the treatment.  I am very athletic and have not noticed any issues with my lungs or heart.  No sign of lymphadema.  My breast skin remains a bit reactive to scented skin products, but that's about it: no hardness, no "tanning", no lopsidedness.  It's all cool.

I had a lumpectomy; upper, outside quadrant.

I will be doing treatment #10/25 tomorrow.  No side effects so far except for a very itchy rash that I developed since Friday.  It seemed to center around tattoo and sticker between my breasts.  I had to finally remove the sticker last night as it was driving me crazy and applied some cortizone cream.  I will be my oncologist tomorrow and hopefully she will give me something for this.  

Wanted to ask about bras. I have spent a good deal of money on camis, bras, etc. but none of them are doing the job.  I wear a C cup and my breasts want to squish together causing me to sweat and it is uncomfortable.  Since I can't wear an underwire bra, has anyone else had this problem and what is the solution?  I need "the girls" separated, if not lifted.  

I read here where several of you were emotional the first day - when they applied the markers. I thought I was ready for treatment, had been cheerful and just ready to get started, but the day that the markers were applied I just could not hold back the tears.  I was just not prepared to be half naked with a man in the room....I know he has seen a zillion breasts but that didn't seem to matter.  I can't explain the feeling but I know what some of you are going through.  The therapist at Duke told me this week that there is nothing wrong with crying and I shouldn't care what people think....cry if you want to.  I think that is good advice.

Looking forward to having this over.  I am staying in NC in the motel room during the week and coming home on weekends.  Three weeks to go.....Good Friday is my last treatment!!!

Ps wanted to add about Good Friday being your last day -- I considered rads my Lenten offering! ;-)



(My last day is 3/25, day after Palm Sunday.)

CarolynVM, I have been goofy at times also, I think it is a delayed stress reaction. Someone will tell me something and it just doesn't register I have to ask again! I have done fine so far, but last night I was very tired and slept quite a bit....could have been the time change though and the pollen here in Savannah right now is thick! I have been drinking lots of water and I think that helps alot.

It is quite an adjustment to go 5 days a week for a duration, I think that adds to it. I go before work, I have to be there at 7:15, so I am getting up alot earlier than before. I am glad that I made that choice though.

I appreciate all of your input here. I have yet to see the RO, but I am looking at 30 treatments (according to my BS). It seems you see so many negative things about it, it's nice to read some of the lesser evils. I want those evil cancer specks zapped, but I have very sensitive skin, and I'm concerned. It's good to read your issues and feel your support.

Thanks!

Lynn