Skin peeling and stabbing pains after radiotherapy

I have just spoken to radiotherapy nurse similar problems.  Apparently this is normal and the pains can last un to a year. She said if the skin gets bad to ring and they will see me and give me cream.  Have you tried aveeno  xx 

Hi , sorry you’re having these issues post rads. I remember the stabbing pains which did ease off but I can’t remember how long they lasted. As for the nipple - mine was already sore after the lumpectomy (my scar is nowhere near it but I think it was the injection of dye at the start of the op that caused that pain), and it got sorer and sorer during and post rads. The doctor at a follow up appointment at the breast clinic said ‘oh yes it really didn’t like the radiotherapy, did it?’ Understatement! It was really quite horrible, went pretty much black and then a huge scab finally came off some weeks later when I was moisturising the area (sorry if tmi). After that it gradually resolved in terms of pain although it’s still a bit sensitive. Re the peeling, I had a slightly different skin reaction - I developed little shiny patches that became like little scales. These gradually slid off over weeks. It really wasn’t a lovely sight but they weren’t painful. I just kept slapping on the moisturiser. 

If in any doubt do phone the radiotherapy team as they should advise for the first couple of weeks post rads (and possibly beyond).

Good luck with it all, I hated all the skin effects, especially the nipple, but it did resolve in the end! Love and hugs, HFxx

Thanks for your response x good to know it's normal.. The pain is very intense at times! 

The only thing I have used so far is flamigel given to me by the radiotherapy nurse. Will give aveeno a go

Hope you are well x

Thanks for this!

Oh bless you! You have had a tough time! Hope your ok now?

The skin in the nipple area is flaking off terribly so will get the nurse to have a look! 

Take care xx

Hi

I completed my 15 sessions of radiotherapy on 6th May.  I was told it continues to work on you and peaks after 2 weeks then starts to get better.

I suffered really badly with this treatment and got very severe blisters and skin breakdown under my rather large breast and on my lumpectomy scar.  It was the worst part of my treatment so far! I have had 7 rounds of chemo and lumpectomy then radiotherapy.

I also had the stabbing pains here and there.

My oncologist prescribed 2 lots of antibiotics just in case there was any infection as it was under my armpit and breast so can be warm and moist with skin touching skin.

I used flamigel, flaminal hydro and flaminal forte as prescribed but I found Aloe Vera gel was the best for taking away the itch and mixed it in with the others.

Although I am now definitely on the mend my breast is still sore, swollen and sometimes itchy.... weird feeling too as it seemed to go very heavy and solid during treatment and it is now like it is thawing out......very bizarre!

I was basically debilitated for over a month and my husband did everything around the house and cooked every day and looked after me.

I have now started to get out more and have started to go on walks with the dogs etc.  Still very tired all the time but not sleeping well due to the pain and discomfort of the sore breast!

I got a shock by how bad I got it as a lot of people seem to sail through it with minimal reaction!

but it is all downhill now and I am thinking positive!  You will get there. Take care and think positive too x

Oh my dear, you have really had a tough time, really sorry to hear xx I.do wish you a speedy recovery. And well done to your husband for his support when you have needed it most. Lucky you.

Thanks for sharing this, it's crazy how each treatment can effect everyone so differently. I felt ok through the sessions of radiotherapy but afterwards I.have been in constant pain and skin issues that seem to be getting worse..I understand from you lovely ladies that this is all normal and fingers crossed it improves soon! 

Take care of yourself xx

I agree with the aloe vera gel.  Before I went for radio, I was recommended a gel specifically for radiotherapy - it cost £25 + P&P per pot - I ended up getting through 3 pots of it with 15 rounds.  But, Holland & Barrett aloe vera gel (rather than cream) seemed to be just the same at a fraction of the cost.  The gel is so much more soothing than a cream.

My mistake was putting on too much under my breast as my bra strap rubbed and it opened up- so in hindsight I would have stopped putting it on after 2/3rds of the way through the treatment.

They do say to continue with the gel for a while after radio as it is still working (as has been mentioned) after you've finished your sessions.

Best wishes, Lesley