Life After treatment

Hi there, some of your ongoing side effects sound remarkably like mine. I was very tender for probably about a year post radiotherapy and even now, 2 years on, my breast is tender and lumpy / swollen.  I know this is lymphoedema and I try and do the drainage massage that has been recommended, but it doesn't help a lot.  I was referred to the “late effects clinic” around 6-9 month after radiotherapy so might be worth asking about that.  It has settled down a bit, is much less uncomfortable than it was, so for me it did improve, albeit slowly and not completely. Best wishes 

Hi there thanks for your reply. That’s very helpful and I guess normal by the sounds of it xx 

It’s so stressful isn’t it! I had lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy sept, but requested ultrasound as not sure what new boob is and three cysts have appeared! Appointment has come through for 18th December but radio next week. Oncologist will not do radio until scan completed, which means putting radio off until next year. Not sure what to do and should I have radio and cancel scan?!? 

Hi, I guess if it were me I'd follow the advice of the oncologist, and I would personally want to get anything new checked out, but it so tempting to try and move through to get the treatment done.  Best wishes. 

Hi, I've just finished 20 sessions of RT on Tuesday. Was diagnosed with stage 2 carcinoma breast cancer in April. Had lumpectomy in June with lymph node removal. I'm now very sore from radiation burns to my skin which have blistered. My breast is also painful. Aveeno cream is helping and have some gel packs from hospital to help. Been an emotional journey. I'm still working, not fatigued out just yet but tired. I am told my fatigue may peak 2 weeks after treatment stops. Has anyone experienced the fatigue.  I just wanted to add that whilst our journeys are all different, we do come out stronger and our whole outlook on life changes instantly.  I always put others first but now I look after myself more. Lots of love and positive vibes to all the amazing women fighting this illness xx

Hi

My fatigue kicked in at the end of treatment, around 3 weeks and stayed with me for a good few weeks. I also use Aveena cream and still do. Although my breast isn’t sore any more, it’s still swollen and much darker than my other breast. I finished RT mid July. 
Hope this helps

Hi, your post radio symptoms sound difficult, I hope this eases soon for you.

Ot's funny you mention your outlook changing. I have noticed I am significantly more relaxed at work than I was before. I don't let anything get to me, and I am very chilled out with my team when things go wrong or get delayed. I am sure this makes me a better manager.  Odd how good comes from even this.  Best wishes 

Hi there 

I had same as you. Its been 3 years and I'm back at work Actually been back a year now. Im feeling fighting fit on Anastrozole all no more fatigue.. No more tingly hands or feet. But having issues with my implant can't l sleep on. My tummy. The occasional lumps and bumps appear  which sends me into panic but other than that.  I feel OK.

Speak to your oncologist or breast care team. I had flamigel given to me to use and there is also flamizine cream.

Thank you all.for your replies. It's early days for me after RT and I expect the symptoms will take time to heal, particularly the radiation  burns and painful breast. Long lasting effects also worry me. My sister had breast cancer to. She developed lymphomadema  and living with it now...its the unknown that's worrying. But thankyou all for sharing.