Hypofractional Whole Breast Irradiation

Options
2»

Comments

  • Rnflower5
    Rnflower5 Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2021

    I have just completed 16 rounds of hypo-fractionated whole breast radiation, in the prone position. I couldn't get the 4 boosts because the second lumpectomy surgery (re-excision) created a deeper area in the breast. RadOnc did not think the breast tissue there could handle the radiation.

    The biggest concern I have is that I have a rash on the front of my chest only, and absolutely nothing on the breast. Also, I have redness on my lymph node incision (nodes were clear). There is no sigh of radiation on my tumor's incision site!

    I am worried that the the radiation was not targeted properly. It seems to have hit the front of my chest and lymph node area only. My nipple is darker, but the breast has no sign of receiving radiation. The skin is like a baby's.

    Sadly, I don't have a lot of faith in any of my care providers. I got my treatment from a local Cancer Center. They all treated me like a number on a conveyor belt, just shuffled me through the standard of care treatment. Minimal info was ever given to me on anything pertaining to treatment, prognosis.... I have had to do all of my learning on-line.

    Do my concerns seem legit? I am hoping someone here can reassure me that the radiation went to all the needed spots, even though there are no signs of it doing that.






    ,



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CindyNY
    CindyNY Member Posts: 1,022
    edited May 2021

    Rnflower5 - its been a while since I had it but I recall being told the areas that showed up worse were on skin that had been sun damaged previously over your lifetime. And as I recall that's exactly what I had show up. My skin wasn't bad even on those parts. As I healed, I recall the area becoming itchy. My scars never had a serious reaction. I'm not sure if you can see another RO to reassure you, if so maybe that will help with your fears. Good luck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rnflower5
    Rnflower5 Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2021

    Thanks for your reply! I have tried to get through to the nurses at my radiology clinic, but they are all too busy to stop for a phone call. Yes,I really do need to go in and show them my situation. But I am back to working my job though, and healing will be taking place this week and next. I want themto see this right now! I guess I could take a selfie ... Follow-up with rad onc is in 3 mos.

    I reiterate: The center of my upper chest is moderately burned and my lymph node incision (plus the entire underarm area) is dark red. The breast appears to be un radiated, except the nipple is dark and sore. It seems to me that the rays missed the breast! If anyone has experienced this please reply. I just don't see how this could be a rarity. The rad techs were always having me scooch down a bit. Now it seems as if they were aiming for my lymph nodes, which were not cancerous.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cindr
    Cindr Member Posts: 47
    edited May 2021

    Hi RNFlower5,

    I totally feel your pain! After my radiation I had severe burns and blistering, I would attach a pic but it would probably scare everyone to death!! Tried to ask for help from my Radiologist but kept getting emails from the nurses saying it was normal. I finally sent several selfies and receive a call from the dr immediately. She put me in a steroid cream and I was better within days!! Keep trying. So sorry your going through this, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. I’m 2 years out, no scaring from the burns and so far I’m free if any cancer!! XXOO Cindr

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Rnflower5
    Rnflower5 Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2021

    Thank-you for replying. I'm so glad you advocated for yourself! I hope you live long and prosper :) Still, I just don't understand the dismissive attitude toward breast cancer patients. It is possibly a gender bias? Smh:

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KIDI919
    KIDI919 Member Posts: 425
    edited May 2021

    I had 16 tx of the same. i never had a burned area but a yr and and a half later i have tiny scabs show up. also,

    my thyroid shit the bed so now i'm on med for that.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KIDI919
    KIDI919 Member Posts: 425
    edited May 2021

    PS. Radiologist said my thyroid dying wasn't caused by my tx. I'm calling the bullshit card on that.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cindr
    Cindr Member Posts: 47
    edited May 2021

    I don’t understand their attitude either. I just know that somehow you have to get past the gate keepers to het to yourRO to get a response. At least that was my experience 😬. Hang in there, as they say… this too shall pass. Keep advocating for yourself. XXOO

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories