Radiotherapy reactions

Hi Ali boo, sorry you’re having this pain, I very much sympathise as it was my nipple that suffered the most too. It was already sore after the op - I think from the blue dye injection which was done while I was under anaesthetic, though most people seemed to have it before the op. Anyway it got steadily sorer during my 3 weeks of rads (pre Covid) and I asked about it at my mid rads review. The radiology consultant gave me some dressings to wear inside my top and advised me to wear a crop top instead of a bra as under the breast was getting very red. I found the dressings tricky as they seemed to stick but I may have been using them wrongly. She also said that I could come back to the radiology nurses if I needed to, for 2 weeks post rads. After that it would be the breast clinic (different hospital). She also said that GPs and practice nurses wouldn’t really have experience of radiation issues. So I wonder if you could contact the radiology department and ask their advice? 
In terms of painkillers I didn’t actually take any as it was just the nipple that hurt so much and it didn’t feel like the kind of pain that would be helped, but maybe I should have tried! It actually went pretty much black, and eventually a big scab fell off (apologies if tmi!!) and it felt a bit better, about 10 weeks after I finished rads. I think the scab was pulling. It gradually resolved but remains inverted. Apparently that’s not uncommon, a combination of stuff being taken out of the breast along with the lump, which can pull the nipple in, and the shrivelling effects of the radiotherapy. Who knew?? 
I hope you can get some professional advice as you need to know what’s best to try to get some relief. Sending love and a very gentle virtual hug, HFxx

Thank you so much I will give the radiotherapy department a call and see what they say I stay on an island off the  top of Scotland so going in for an appointment is to far and really difficult butfingers crossed they will be able to give me some advice Thank you 

Ah maybe a video consultation Ali boo. How lovely, are you on one of the Orkney islands? I can see why face to face appointments are tricky! Xx

I lost all the skin under my boob and tried lots of creams and ended up with Sudocrem for a few days. just lots of moisture lotion and also remember to drink lots as being dehydrated can hinder healing. I did also have a sore nipple and just resorted to painkillers at night to help me sleep. It does improve but can often feel very slow going. good luck x

• Ye it’s great till u need treatment then it’s Aberdeen  which is a ferry and a flight away x

Thank you I will stick with it x