Any Women Who Had No Problems During Radiation?

ChiSandy · November 2015

(Posting this in response to a suggestion that since those of us who had no problems with various treatments never post about what an easy time we had, and that most people post because they’re seeking help in dealing with treatment problems, there ought to be a thread reassuring treatment newbies that it’s not necessarily gonna be torture).

I just finished the last of my 16 partial-breast (lumpectomy-cavity) treatments today. My cavity seroma enlarged, my breast was occasionally sore (from the inside) and my nipple is sensitive, and the color of the irradiated skin is pinky-tan. But I had no peeling, itching, blistering, ulceration or even irritated skin. Each time, I immediately slathered on Aquaphor in the dressing cubicle before I got dressed again post-treatment, and used either pure aloe vera gel (no alcohol or fragrance, purchased at the cancer center's pharmacy) or calendula cream every night (twice daily on weekends). Because I was told to have totally bare skin for 4 hours before each treatment, I showered off the previous night's stuff each morning before getting dressed.

I had a rather unusual situation, though--my SNB incision (in fact, my entire armpit) was outside the radiation field. I didn't know this before I began treatments (and I was given the same printed handouts as women undergoing longer whole-breast radiation), so I laid in a supply of cornstarch baby powder and nonmetallic deodorant (Tom's of Maine) beforehand. Turns out my RO was fine with me using my regular Dove antiperspirant. And because the underwires of my bras touched neither my lumpectomy scar nor SNB incision, he was okay with me wearing my regular underwire bras. (All those wirefree “Granny” bras--including some with scratchy linings that itch worse than the fancy lace underwires--as well as the shelf-bra compression camisoles I was told I would end up wearing instead of bras--were totally unnecessary)! Now, mind you, I am rather spectacularly overendowed (all you contemplating large-cup reconstructions or augmentations, be careful what you wish for). Pre-surgery I was a 38I or 40H. Only an underwire can properly support my "girls" without sagging. Now, I am a 38J or 40I. Not for the faint of heart, leery of online shopping, nor light of wallet. I did buy some cheap front-close Leading Lady stretch-cotton leisure bras in a few colors for immediately post-op, because the standard-issue surgical bra into which they stuffed me in the OR before waking me up was several sizes too small. (XL? Bwahahahaha). I was told to wear a bra 24/7---and that much was true. I am far comfier sleeping and lounging in those leisure bras (and maybe those camis) beneath my nighties, PJs or sweats than I am going braless. Word to the wise (wide?)--I had to buy the largest cup size, 40F/G/H, which is still a cup size or two too small. I'd been warned to avoid skin-to-skin contact but I had no irritation--and no reddening--beneath my breast, either.

Finally, as long as I got my 8 nightly hrs of sleep, the dreaded radiation fatigue never kicked in. (There went my excuse to bow out of stuff I didn’t want to do).

Your mileage may vary. But if you’re getting only the short, tumor-cavity-only accelerated (higher-dose-per-treatment) protocol, take heart.

Jelson · November 2015

I had whole breast radiation, 36 treatments including 6? boosts? I slathered myself with aloe vera in the changing room and during the day and calendula before I slept. 34DD, now 36DDD my bc breast has stayed larger than my unaffected breast. Also felt the regular no-wire bras were itchy and uncomfortable, during treatment I wore a heavy duty sports compression bra - which enabled me to continue kayaking during treatment - the girls stayed in place and chafing was minimal. I had redness and dark discoloration and some irritation towards the end and the week after radiation stopped but that resolved.

inks · November 2015

Excellent idea. I had radiation after mastectomy, 28 IMRT treatments to the chest wall, axilla and clavicle. By the end I only had a triangle in my underarm that was red, it did get slightly worse for a while after the radiation was over. I barely used anything on my skin, the radiaplex they gave me, calendula. I showered with Dove soap (the PH is the same as the skin).

jojo9999 · November 2015

I was having radiaiton a year ago at this time. 25 treatments, after a BMX with one positive node - so I had my armpit and clavical nodes radiated as well. I certainly got red and had minor itching but no peeling or blistering. I used Miaderm lotion developed by a RO - active ingredients are Calendula, aloe vera and hyaluranic acid (i think). Worked great. I also bought aloe vera gel capsules - that some people take orally, but I would puncture the capsule, and squeeze the gel out - 100% aloe. They were GNC brand. I wasn't fatigued and didn't feel ill during the treatments. The rads did have an impact on my reconstruction but everything looks OK in clothes so I am not complaining. My shoulder often gets stiff so stretching is a must. I do wonder what my body would be like if I had the full axillary lymph node dissection instead of the radiation (I think it was an option). I must say I have not had any lymphedema on the radiation side.

ruthbru · November 2015

No problems then or later. My skin got a little hot and red at the end (like a sunburn from the inside out) but that was it. I used Aquafor religiously. I brought some into the changing room & slathered it on right after the zap (never before as that can intensify the burn) and again right before I went to bed. I did train a fan on the site in the end when it felt hot. I did chemo first, so actually felt my energy returning during radiation.

ksusan · November 2015

I had very little trouble. All within acceptable limits and better than I expected.

amylsp · November 2015

I did chemo first and then radiation. For me, radiation was much easier. The hardest part was having to go 5 days a week for 33 treatments. Luckily I only lived 20 minutes away. My skin did get quite red and a bit uncomfortable towards the end, but no peeling or blisters. I used aquafor and aloe vera several times a day, as needed. Fatigue was noticable, but again, not as bad as Chemo.

kbram · November 2015

No problems here! I used organic coconut oil on my reconstructed breast every night before bed. Skin looked great!

Kathy

Kicks · November 2015

I did 25 radiations (no boosts) with no problems at all during the time.

I started rads a week after last Taxol and I was completely and utterly EXHAUSTED from it. With each day that passed while on rads the exhaustion got better and was completely gone by the end of rads. During the rads skin was not an issue at all but the day after last rad was a different story but this is to be about positive experiences DURING radiation and my time during was definitely easy and got continually better.

proudtospin · November 2015

my poor big boobie got just a bit pink, I did get one blister under the boob and was told that was common for large ones. I was warned by a pal online to speak up if burning occurred so I did yell when pink made an appearance

used the aquafor all during treatment but honestly went braless during most of it, I just wore a soft cotton T shirt

no big deal but did get tired as I was working throughout

doxie · November 2015

I'm small breasted, so I wasn't expecting problems. My more elderly MO would only let me use cornstarch. Right before boosts my axilla was very tender, but never pealed, and a week after the boost my tiny bit of areola left became one blister. Don't know if moisturizers would have made a difference.

I started rads three weeks after chemo. I napped for an hour every evening and still slept like a rock each night. Clearly, I was still recovering from chemo and a very low RBC.

Only wore camisoles and went braless much of the time. At 32B, not much of a problem.

Claire_in_Seattle · November 2015

Minimal problems. I used aloe supplemented with Bag Balm. Just a bit pink towards the end. A bit of energy drop too, but not until Week 5. This means that I did 45 mile and not 60 mile cycling events the following weeks.

"Burn" was minimal. Just a bit of peeling when it was all over.

Wore my regular bras, but washed all the time due to all the gels/Bag Balm. Six weeks later I did the Seattle-to-Portland. No, not at full strength, but I finished!!!! - Claire

queenmomcat · December 2015

Chiming in to bump the topic if nothing else, though I too had minimal problems with radiation treatment. I had the Canadian protocol--15 whole breast and three boosts at the end. A bit fatigued at the end, but I wore my regular bras throughout and got quite pink but no peeling, blistering or skin breaks. Not even any peeling.

MeToo14 · December 2015

I too sailed through radiation. I had minimal burning, I used all the lotions 3 times a day. I didn't get fatigued and I work 2 jobs through it. I also wore undwire bras. On yeah I had 40 rounds of whole breast and node radiation.

Annette47 · December 2015

I had whole breast radiation (35 regular and 5 boosts) almost 3 years ago. Had no skin changes at all up until boosts, and that was like a mild sunburn in the area of the boost. I did have some breast swelling, but nothing too bad. Some fatigue, but just enough where I went to bed a little earlier than usual.

Eventually - probably between 1.5-2 years later, the color of my nipple and areola completely faded, but it doesn't really matter to me or my husband - just looks odd when I catch sight of myself in a mirror because they no longer match, LOL.

MomOfTwins98 · December 2015

Hi - I am still having IMRT radiation - whole breast for 28 treatments. I was to have boosts but, it was explained that, as my tumor bed is so large, deep, and close to my chest wall, the boosts were not a good idea. So far, so good. I do use the prescription Momatasone after every treatment. I bring it with me and use in the dressing room right after treatment and then use Toms deodorant. A bit red and tender but not bad at all. I have worked every day and do feel tired but I have some other medical issues so that may not be helping. I also was started on Tamoxifin 7 days after radiation began so lots to handle at once. I live close to the oncology office so not a hassle to get there. I bring my children to school at 7am, appointment at 7:20ish, an then to work. While I am having IMRT whole breast only, I do feel tender where my sentinal node biopsy scar is but think that will improve. Hope this helps everyone out there. The Momatasone is awesome and I am sure it is helping tremendously if you need a different cream.

Grammy4 · January 2016

Hello,

I am currently receiving radiation 16 whole breast and 4 boosts. I have had treatment 7 today. So far no issues. Since you have recently been through radiation I am asking your opinion on travel. I have just been presented with an opportunity to go with friends to Florida about a week post finishing. Would you recommend traveling far from home at that point?

Hopefully I continue to do well with no skin reactions.

thanks

rainnyc · January 2016

Grammy, you didn't say how far you have to go to get to Florida. I did have the bad skin reactions from rads, and I still traveled a few days after it was done. I was on painkillers and dressing burns, but it still felt great to get out of town and distract myself with a family get-together.

We had a long car trip (6 hours one way, 4 the other) but I brought a small pillow to keep the seatbelt off the irritated site.

I say go for it!

ruthbru · January 2016

My recommendation is to GO! If you are feeling good, why not? Just make sure you cover up and/or wear lots of sunscreen because your skin will still be tender.

Grammy4 · January 2016

I live in PA so it is 3 hour flight to Fort Myers, FL. I think you are right the distraction will do me well and I will definitely get myself some good sunscreen and use it. Fortunately it won't be warm enough to spend too much beach time but the sun will be stronger being farther south. Thank you!!

Hopeful82014 · January 2016

I agree with Ruth. Keep in mind, too, that you may be more tired after finishing RT than you expect, so truly treat yourself as though you're on vacation! My experience this past fall was that, while getting ready for our anniversary trip was a LOT of work, the change of scenery and of focus was completely worthwhile. Your trip should be, too. Enjoy!!

MomOfTwins98 · January 2016

I hope you have a great trip - My skin did not get too bad until a day or two after I finished - the skin under my breast is completely gone so very raw and so so sore. I do the Domeboro soaks and just starting to get a bit better. Mine is in a bad spot, just where your underwire would be so hard to heal there anyway. A distraction and trip away sounds lovely - enjoy. My RO nurse did tell me to protect the skin for a good year after treatment so keep that in mind

ChiSandy · January 2016

I went to Europe 2-1/2 wks post-rads, with no radiation-related problems.

But an update--the rads caused fibrosis of the tissue covering the lateral side of my breast seroma, which is making it tough for MLD to release the fluid built up in it. And my LE therapist suggested I go a size bigger on my bras--the band on the 38J was too small and left marks, and the cups in the 38 I were too small and caused tissue to spill out the top and sides and skew my cleavage to the left. Even the 40F/G/H knitted sleep bras were leaving red marks. So I went to a 42F/G/H in the sleep bras, and replaced my 38 I and J bras with 40 I. (The cup in a 40 I is the same size as in a 38 J or 42 H). No more marks, and my cleavage is vertical and centered again.

Grammy4 · January 2016

Thank you for your replies. I have booked the trip for mid-February. I am hopeful of a relaxing time. I will keep in mind the tiredness that may occur. I will make decisions accordingly. My friends will understand for sure.

ruthbru · January 2016

Even if you just sit under an umbrella with a good book & a cold drink, it will be a wonderful break!!!!!

Jenwith4kids · January 2016

A walk in the park compared to chemo. I had no problems, used aquaphor religiously, but if I were doing again, I would skip the aquaphor and opt for something more natural. I don't like the ingredients in aquaphor.

NCDi · January 2016

I did 28 treatments and 5 boosts with few problems other than my treated breast being larger and darker toned for a while and now I am five months post rads the treated breast and nipple area look more normal but still no real bras - can't stand feeling restricted but wear cami type bras. My RO suggested applying CeraVe cream liberally after treatment so that helped keep the skin hydrated. When I remember, I also apply Vitamin E oil. I was tired during treatment but that went away very quickly and I flew to the UK to visit family for a few weeks when I finished.

Hopeful82014 · January 2016

I had 35 treatments. I was tired (but worked out religiously). The constantly changing effects on my skin and energy levels were wearing and I had no idea how badly my skin would (or wouldn't) do, despite my RO's assurances that I would do great. In the end, she was right - I had no burns and by the time I finished the boosts the rest of it was fading. However, it was a wearing, emotionally/psychologically exhausting time and my energy has fluctuated since then.

I did have some scarring on my lung and some fibrosis of the tissues. However, given how close my margins were to the chest wall and a few other factors, I can deal with the current SEs. I did NOT have a tough time with my skin (it has looked normal for several months now) and that was truly my biggest concern.

I'd love to not have to have gone through it but am convinced of its utility in the long run.

Cowgirl13 · January 2016

I had 19 rounds and it was a piece of cake. Yes I was tired but that was all. I used tons of acquaphor starting right after my rad session.

Denise-G · January 2016

My sister just finished 25 whole breast and 5 boosts radiation after chemo and DID AMAZING> She was NEVER tired, her skin barely turned red, she had little itching and I'm amazed. My experiences were not like that at all! I am so thrilled she did so well!! She just ended...

cuddyclothes · January 2016

I had 15 targeted treatments, with boosts being given at the same time. I wore cotton camisoles under my 42DD underwire bras. I bought two sports bras and wore those occasionally, but they looked awful, even under my clothes. During the radiation, my main problem was fatigue. But that's a pre-existing condition, so the rads only made it worse. I had to walk with a cane for about three weeks after it was over. But again, I have a pre-existing condition, none of the other women experienced it! (I have two plain canes and a "dress" walking stick, but I often don't need them.) I was way too tired to cook Thanksgiving dinner.

Other than that, it was minimal. I used Aquaphor and no deodorant (ugh). I was done by early December. The left side of my chest became itchy and red, with little bumps on it. Lots of Aquaphor and anti-itch cream did the trick. The bumps moved to my left armpit but that was brief. There's been an occasional twinge of pain in my breast. Beyond that, my nipple is brownish and my breast is red overall. But I'm pale, so if you didn't see my right breast, you'd never know anything had been done to the left!

My armpit stank, no matter how much I washed it. Afterwards, I did a regimen for a few days: antibacterial soap, then Dove, then antibacterial soap using a washcloth. It worked, and the smell hasn't come back.

Any Women Who Had No Problems During Radiation?

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