Hi my name is Lorraine and I’m new here. I was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer in a 2 cm tumour in my breast. This was 2 days before Christmas 2021, following a call back after my 3 yearly mammogram. Everything has happened very fast since then. I had my surgery over 2 weeks ago to remove tumour and a main lymph node from under my arm. I went for my results a few days ago and got amazing news from my surgeon. I had no cancer under my arm and was down graded to a stage 1. I thought that I would not now need radiotherapy ( as that plus hormone therapy was the original plan for me). I’ve been told that I do still have to have both in order to “ Cleanse the breast” and I’ve to see an oncologist on Wednesday who will go into more detail and explain things to me. I am so very grateful and relieved about my results especially given what other people are going through with cancer. I’m now eager to know how severe (or not) tthe side effects of radiotherapy will be or if I will only get a small amount since my tumour was so small. I would be so grateful if anyone can share their experience of radiotherapy. Thankyou and good wishes to you all.
Hi, I had radiotherapy in October, 10 sessions spread over 2 weeks. I had no side effects at the time snd was able to drive myself to and from the hospital for treatment. Using moisturiser cream each day is important to keep the skin from drying and it's factor 50 suncream for ever going forward.
Like TiredMinion, I do now have some side effects which are taking longer to clear up, basically swelling from a fluid build up and some tenderness which causes mild discomfort from time to time. It's not awful by any means, never stops me from doing anything and I am hopeful it will resolve over time.
Good luck
