1 year post treatment - ongoing side effects of radiotherapy......

I’ve just had clearance to say all the cancer has finally been removed after 2 operations and am waiting my radiotherapy appointment 

I didn’t realise there were such uncomfortable after effects reading all your comments 

People have been telling me there’s nothing to it you’ll be fine, but reading some of these I think they were just being kind

No, seriously, don't worry about it. The radiotherapy is absolutely painless and the after effects are generally minimal to non-existent. I have spent the past year being amazed at how I have got off essentially scot-free. Bear in mind that the people who write here are those who are having a less-than-perfect time of it, and need somewhere to say so. The rest are out there enjoying life.

I think after surgery there will always be some discomfort in such a delicate area. This is the first I have read about this in the two years post surgery and thought I was alone. I think we have jut been unlucky and by all accounts what you have been told is the norm. ️

I start my radiotherapy next week for five days. I had lymph node removal and a lump in my breast removed in December, cancer was found in one lymph node, I am now on Letrozole tablets. I experienced chemotherapy when I had breast cancer 12 years ago and didn’t want to go through that experience again so have opted for hormone replacement tablets. Having read comment regarding radiotherapy I am now a little concerned.

I’m my experience of this journey so far, I have to say I have been fully informed of the possible side effects of every treatment offered. I have also done my own research, asked the teams a lot of questions and raised my concerns. I am aware that everything has side effects(even paracetamol which I’m always quick to pop when in pain). So for me it was about weighing the benefits and risks and making a decision to accept treatment or not. I accepted all offered treatment and although it is early days, I’ve experienced minor issues.

- Tamoxifen- initially felt nauseous but that quickly settled. Hot flushes are minimal. I take it at night and keep my room a cool temperature and I am fine. I also asked for ultrasound to check baseline of my uterus which my consultant agreed to and that’s now been done and am waiting to see gynaecology team.

- Radiotherapy- just finished 2 days ago and done over 15 days. Am tired and my breast has changed colour which I expected.Not much discomfort to speak of at present. I continue with moisturiser three times a day. 

I guess every one reacts differently and it is difficult know how every individual will react. Best wishes to everyone.

Hi there Brighton.  I want to say that although I am having ongoing pain, that I am still confident that the decision to accept the radiotherapy treatment was the right decision....  the impact it has on the risk of recurrence was explained to me and I am a numbers girl.  It cuts the risk of recurrence in that breast by about 50%.  The long term side effects I describe don't seem common, or I wouldn't have reached out on here, and the other ladies wouldn't have also been feeling that they were the only ones!  So make your own informed decision, knowing we are in the minority....  and I will be persevering to find how to improve things too, and will post what I learn on the way......  starting with regular massage, getting that assessment and taking up nordic walking....

Oh, and thank you all for how quickly you have all responded   you have done absolute wonders for my bounce- backability.  It's usually pretty good, but over the last 12 months has been under rather a lot of pressure.  

Hi Annaboo and Brighton , like others have said, it’s the minority who have unpleasant side effects, most people don’t have any of the things discussed here. I’d hate to scare anyone off having radiotherapy. If it was recommended to me in the future I’d do it again. Love and hugs, HFxx

yes,  I would also do it again!  love and hugs to everyone -  I personally find swearing and cake is better than crying, which makes my eyes sore and gives me a headache,  but we all need to find our own way.  We are all different,  but I love that we can empathise and support each other through what is difficult.   (I have cried quite a lot, but cake with those real friends is better) so virtual cake to everyone.

Haha yes I agree cake wins!! Also being out, regardless of the weather, walking has become my sanity saver. Ideally, walk with a friend and incorporate a cafe midway or at the end. Xx