Late effects from radiotherapy

  • 2 replies
  • 225 subscribers
  • 59 views

I had therapeutic mamoplasty and 25 radiotherapy sessions 8 years ago for large area of DCIS. All is generally fine now, a red flare up a year ago which they put down to late effects of radiotherapy and dehydration. 
recently I’m just aware of the breast, slight tenderness and tightness. It is firmer than the other but I wondered if anyone else had experienced these late effects? Is there anything I should be doing or avoiding to prevent this? Thanks!

  • I’ve been fortunate in that my area has a late effects clinic which will see patients as long as they are a year post radiotherapy. She’s actually he only person who sees me and examines my mx area fully. I’ve been given massages and stretches to do, as she says, for life. She sees improvement which is so minimal and gradual that I don’t notice it but I do demand a lot from my mx side, and try to achieve as much as possible (it’s the occupational therapist in me!) 

    I guess all I can suggest is that you seek qualified advice and follow up, make sure you do the shoulder and arm exercises every day, that will help anyway.

    Hugs xxx

    Moomy

  • Thank you. I’ve never been told about specific exercises I should do! Sometimes I wonder if it’s worse after having been to the gym but I think I might need to check in with the clinic just to get some advice. Appreciate the reply.