Radiotherapy following a breast hematoma?

5 replies
284 subscribers
975 views

I´m due to see my oncologist on Thursday to discuss the results of my operation (took place on 31st March) and to discuss the next steps in terms of treatment. I´ve been told that it will probably be radiotherapy and I know usually this happens a month after the op.

However, I developed a large hematoma post op which caused a lot of swelling and then bleeding which I had to go back to hospital for. It´s not bleeding anymore and the swelling is less but after seeing the surgeon today for my post op check up, he wants me to come back again on Tues to see how it is as it´s still not 100%. I´d say more like 50%

So my question is will my radiotherapy likely be delayed due to the continued swelling in my breast and the complications I´ve had post op and if so, will that cause problems?

Thanks for reading.

Lfc74 over 3 years ago

Hi I had mastectomy on 7th April no issues so far. I spoke to oncologist today who said radiotherapy will likely start end of May first week in June. I will be referred to a different doctor for this an should have an appointment in two weeks time. She will discuss the plan and frequency of treatment. I will have a ct planning scan so they know exactly where to target the radiotherapy. She said all this on the phone she hasn't examine me but I do see surgeon tomorrow so will know more then.

Until your healed I don't think they would start the radiotherapy. Good luck xxx

Exraygirl over 3 years ago

The radiotherapy team will want to wait until your swelling has resolved or is stable.

The radiotherapy plan is created just for you and takes into account your size and shape and the underlying anatomy. Changes in your shape between your planning ct scan and treatment can cause problems in getting you in the right position for treatment so your treatment may get delayed.

It isn’t an issue if your treatment is delayed by a couple of weeks to allow you to heal.

Best wishes

Doria over 3 years ago

Thank you both for your helpful replies, much appreciated. I guess I´ll learn more when I see my oncologist tomorrow anyway

HappyFeet1 over 3 years ago in reply to Doria

Hi Doria, sorry you’re having this additional worry, it’s such a stressful time you really don’t need anything extra. Just thought I’d pop in as I had a 10 week gap between op and radiotherapy. It was a surprise to me as I’d understood that it would be 6 weeks after, but I’ve since realised that timings vary a lot. I was actually glad, in the end, as it gave me more healing time. I had a haematoma too and although it didn’t need further treatment I had extra clinic appointments with the nurse to check that it was very slowly resolving. I wouldn’t have wanted my radiotherapy any earlier due to the discomfort. Thankfully it all seems to have worked out ok so far and I’m now 3 years post rads.
Wishing you well and hope all is looking better when see the oncologist tomorrow. Love and a big virtual hug, HFxx

HappyFeet1 xx

Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts. – Hopi

Doria over 3 years ago in reply to HappyFeet1

Thanks HappyFeet1 for your kind reply and for reassuring me that if there is a delay to my radiotherapy then that should be OK.

I am a little worried about my hematoma tbh as although it´s not as swollen as it was, there is still swelling in the area where the tumour was which makes sense I guess as that area was manipulated a lot in surgery. But it´s more the deformed shape my breast has now due to the hematoma and swelling. I don´t know if that will resolve and go back to normal again?

I didn´t see my oncologist in the end on Thursday as my results weren´t ready but will hopefully be seeing her this coming Friday so I should know more then

I´m glad things worked out well for you with the radiotherapy and that you´re 3 yrs out of it too.

Hugs to you too. XXX

More from this forum

Radiotherapy following a breast hematoma?