Radiotherapy and side effects

Hi, I am starting radiotherapy on Monday. I’m going for my pre treatment chat tomorrow so I will find out more then. All I know so far that my breast might be itchy/sore for 2-3 weeks after treatment. 
I know there is another Radiotherapy group somewhere on this site too,  it I can’t find it right now but I think there is useful information there. 

Thanks for your reply, am just not sure what to expect . Hope everything goes well for you 

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Hi 

Yes there's a RT thread for Dec/ Jan/ Feb that I find really helpful ahead of my 5 sessions ( finished yesterday) I can't work out how to link it but if you look back on older posts it pops up on page 3 I think. Last post was earlier today xx

Hi

have a read of this. It might give you the info you need.

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/chat-breast-cancer/f/questions-about-diagnosis-and-treatment/229558/december-2021-january-february-2022-breast-cancer-radiotherapy

Hi Lacey 

Try not to be too scared.  I know every new treatment is scary but I have had chemo, lumpectomy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy and with each step of the way was very scared of whether it would hurt or whether I would have every side effect going.  Each time I have found things no where as bad as I was fearing.

Radiotherapy is not painful during the actual treatment session. Each session does not last very long.  They will spend longer putting you in the same position each day. Then about 5 minutes actually treating.

they will advise you what creams to apply after treatment and each day. You must ensure you have no creams on for your treatment though.  
ensure you drink plenty of water daily, this helps a lot and also aids cells to renew.

try to get a lot of rest and look after yourself as you can get very tired with it.

I personally recommend not to do too much physical exercise during the treatment and for the next 2 to 3 weeks to avoid friction under the breast. Gentle walking is okay, but nothing too bouncy.  I got blisters under my breasts but I have rather large breasts with skin meeting skin underneath.
be aware the radiotherapy is still working after treatment ends. They say it peaks around 2 weeks after and eases off after that.

the majority of people find this treatment one of the easiest to get through.

good luck. Stay calm and look after yourself x

Thankyou for that . I will try not to be too scared lol  just was knocked for 6 when told I had breast cancer. I don't like bothering my nurse with my fears. I know it's what they are there for but I feel that there are people worse off than me so I never bother them, I guess it's just the way I am

Ha ha! I am very similar and don’t like asking for help.

but that is the good thing about these forums.  You can ask anything and someone is sure to reply.  You can rant, you can just talk, anything!

we have all gone through so much, we are all scared at times, we are all in the same boat, but most of all we just seem to want to help each other.

together we will all stay strong and we will get through the treatments and then start to face the future again x

Hi, ive just finished my 5 session and you shouldn't worry.  I feel tired and a bit sore but the first time I had radiotherapy I had 23 sessions and going into hospital every day about drove me mad.  Look after yourself and just take 1day at a time

Hi Lacey, radiotherapy itself isn't painful, it's like mild sunburn, drink lots of water, rest & gentle moisture cream, E45, gentle massage to area. The Radiotherapy can take a while to work its way out of your system, so be kind to yourself. We are all in this together, whatever stage your journey is at. Read up on Lymphedema & the signs of it, which I wasn't really warned about, I focused alot on the Radiotherapy itself & not the after effects. Good luck with treatment, you will be fine xx

Sorry about the laughing face, not great with technology xx