Side effects post radio

Oh JemMo, just sending you a great big hug! I'm not at this stage yet so can't help, but I do feel for you.

XX

Hi JemMo - I finished radiotherapy (15) 27th October after surgery and chemotherapy. My breast and back had small blisters  and peeled and were painful towards the end and took a couple of weeks to settle down. I now have sharp discomfort intermittently and tightness in the irradiated breast - still searching for a comfortable bra! - and if I lie on that side when sleeping it becomes more uncomfortable .  I take a couple of ibuprofen at night and wear vests rather than a bra during the day if need be. 
I view it as yet another side effect of treatment and as mine isn’t getting any worse I expect it to resolve over time . You are a month  ahead of me so it looks like I’ve got a while to go!

Hope pain settles soon for you 

Thank you so much for your responses. Just having people listen to my thoughts and fears is in itself quite a healer. I wouldn't have felt so anxious about it if it all happened immeadiately after radio, its the fact it started 6 weeks later. I can only hope its a delayed reaction to everything and not something more sinister. I always knew this was going to be the hardest part of this process but even with preparation its still difficult.

On a lighter note though, the search for the comfortable bra is never over! I've just been wearing sports bras since surgery in April, I have one favourite and nothing else compares. Trouble is I bought it at TK Maxx and because of Covid I can't go back to the shop to buy more and I can't find it on the internet! Gutted!!!! I've just bought a ridiculous number of sports bras on Black Friday, here's hoping I can find something that works. I'll let you know if I find something decent.

J x

Looking forward to hearing about a decent bra! 
The pain in my breast only started recently unlike the blistering so I think it’s a later effect for me too . 

So I am being booked in for a bone scan straight away rather than getting seen by the doc first. Could take a couple of weeks but my anxiety is already a little less just knowing its going to get looked at. Fingers crossed the appointment comes soon.

The pain in my breast was bad for about 2 days and now has settled, my armpit is still sore but no shooting pains anymore. Hopefully your pain will subside too.

In more important news I have found another decent bra! Huzzah! Its the Pepe Jeans myleene seamless bra in large. I'm a size 14-16 34DD-E and its a nice fit. Actually feels comfortable, decent sized bottom band and straps, and gives a good amount of support. I tried other Pepe Jeans sports bras but they had zero support. Also tried New Look sports bras but same problem, no support. I don't want to spend a fortune on sports bras, hence going for cheaper brands.

I try to stick to pull over sports bras rather than ones with a clip to the back, they just feel better especially with the rib pain. Although I can imagine that may be difficult for some post surgery.

J x

Good to hear you are booked in for a scan - I’m betting on there being nothing of note - but it will put your mind at rest . 
I am so impressed that you have found a sports bra with good support and comfort that I have ordered a couple- on sale and free return if not suitable so I can’t lose!

Hope you get your scan appointment soon 

I’m struggling finding a bra since my mastectomy in September. Bought a couple from Damart. Not fashionable but ok ish. Also have one from Asda. The area under my scar is hard so rubs on the band. Prefer a snug camisole. Good job I’m not very big!!! Going to a bra specialist in the new year. 

Good luck with the search Moppers! Free returns has been so handy this year. I feel a lot better today now, just knowing it's going to get checked out has calmed me down.

Floss b, I hope the bra specialist will be able to find the perfect fit for you. I've always heard good things about M&S for bras, maybe they might have something good for you in the meantime? I've got a sports bra from Asda too, was a great fit before I was diagnosed but since my taste buds have come back it's safe to say I've been enjoying food a little too much now! That bra is holding on for dear life when wrapped around my expanding torso! Haha!!

Yes the lady I'm going to worked for M and S fitting bras until they closed the store in Newark. She set up her own business with her redundancy money. The Maggie's centre and a couple of drs have been to see her and have rated her very highly! She stocks 8 different ranges for cancer ladies and also fits prostheses.

I hope your scan brings you more comfort. I had a planning scan for radiotherapy last week. I asked if it would also show up anything untoward!! They said the dr would see it and they would point anything out. Like you I get pain in my armpit.

All the best! Hugs xx

That's great she could set up her own business so quickly, sounds like she'll get the job done well for you. 

I've got my appointment in Monday 7th Dec, much sooner than I thought! 

I'm assuming you'll be starting radio soon if you've had the planning scan? Hope it all goes well for you. 

J x