I am 4.5 months since radiotherapy finished. I posted on here once before about having the whole area go red and sore again on wearing a running bra. (15 sessions RT including clavicle, chest nodes).
More recently I’ve been able to wear one for short sessions but was on holiday in south coast last week and did longer run/ walk stints plus went in sea (previous swimming costume with reinforced areas was unbearable second time I wore it in sea, so I got new costume with nothing in boob area). I don’t normally wear a bra during day but am dismayed at this flare up. It’s improving with creams but as soon as I get warm it gets worse again. I had r side mastectomy and implant reconstruction followed by chemo.
Do you think I’ve been over ambitious? I so wanted to up my exercise in order to boost myself and ready to do so, but now I’m despondent. And naturally slightly worried in case this is first sign of local recurrence. Altho timing suggests not. I have very sensitive skin and everyone was amazed how much better than expected it was during RT. I’ve looked up radiation dermatitis and feel I may be prone to it without workarounds.
I’m also confused by sun guidance on RT area. It looks like you should keep RT areas covered and normally I avoid sun anyway so this is my first exposure Or should you avoid sun totally regardless of area which had RT?
Thank you
Fran
Hi, I am not an expert at all, but I think radiotherapy can cause some lingering side effects. It might be worth checking back in with your medial team for specific advice. I've been suffering from lymphoedema as a consequence, which doesn't cause a redness, but does give me swelling.
Regarding the sun, the advice I had was to keep the whole area from the shoulder bone to the breastbone, breast and armpit covered or use factor 50. I bought a rash top to use when in / on the water and that has been useful.
Good luck
