Breast cancer

Can anyone give me any tips about dealing with side effects of radiation and what to expect

Hi Barley,

My name is Carla and I’m one of the Cancer information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Thanks for reaching out to us here at the Online Community. I see you have joined our Triple Negative Breast Cancer Forum, I hope you find it useful and supportive.

I am very sorry that your daughter is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I am sure this is a very difficult time for your family.

Your daughter’s radiotherapy team will likely give her clear guidance when planning her treatment around what to expect.

We know many patients do drive themselves to and from the hospital for radiotherapy treatment however it is worth noting that your daughter may feel more tired as treatment progresses. If she is more tired and unable to drive as safely then the hospital will be able to offer transport for her.

Radiotherapy can cause side effects in the area of the body that is being treated. There may also be more generalised side effects such as feeling tired. Sometimes side effects can get worse for a time during and after you have finished radiotherapy before they get better.

You may find it helpful to have a read of our information on Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer as well as specific information available through Breast Cancer Now on side effects of radiotherapy treatment.

If you think it may be helpful to chat things over in more detail with one of the nurses here, please do give us a call. We can often explain things better over a spoken call with the opportunity to ask questions. 

Please stay in touch as often as you need, remember that we are here for YOU as well, to help you support your daughter.

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm. 

If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email, webchat, or phone. We would be glad to support you in any way we can. 

Best wishes, 

Carla, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

REF: CC/AD

Thank you