After effects of radiotherapy

Ah no worries It’s easily done. X 

I am curious about this. I was told by a radiologist that my post radiation breast pain was caused by seromas… but I just came to the USA and the breast doc I saw here says they are fatty necroses. She said they need to be removed… has referred me to a plastic surgeon I have not yet seen - and told me that they may not be able to remove them without a mastectomy! Needless to say - having had a lumpectomy with reconstruction-this is very disturbing! I will add that it was about 5-6 months post radiation that the cancer breast has shrunk badly and is painful - whilst the other breast has dropped and I’m very unhappy with the appearance let alone the pain. Seems I have long term radiation effects. I wish there was a clear path to pain relief - as well as cosmetic improvement. Feeling demoralized.

So sorry to hear that you are now facing more surgery.  Plastic surgeons are amazing so hopefully he/she will be able to take care of you and make you feel better.  I am sure the pain is awful.  Radiation can cause so many issues .  How did they diagnose you?  Can always get a second opinion too before you decide.  Take care and good luck.  I live in Florida so there are many excellent centers for care. 
Barbara

Hi I am still hot and red. My full chest has shrunk from g to e and have been told my bra is not strong enough despite M&S saying it was. I have a full right mastectomy and my scar looks terrible but have been told it will settle over the next two years! My RT finished in June so give it time to settle down. Most professionals are honest with you but some fob you off. Have you talked to Maggie's? They have been very good for me. Clearly explaining things and giving personalised counselling?

Hope this helps. You will feel better with time.️

Thank you for the encouragement Hopeful Barb. I just saw the plastic surgeon who also said the L (cancer) breast is all fat necroses and that even a mastectomy might not remove the pain as he feels there is also chest wall radiation damage. He said the R breast could be slightly raised but the nipple would likely die? Not terribly encouraging at this point. I will seek a second opinion... 

Thank you DIdo. I simply had NO idea how badly radiation can be long term. My RT ended mid March 2022... and things are still going downhill. I will get a second opinion and see. I am in the USA now, though my treatment was in UK, mostly in Harley Street. sigh! 

I also just read a new study that came out in September 2022 at Harvard suggesting that women over 65 may not really need radiation! I was 66 when I got mine... I would be very cautious about radiation for any of you older women!

I am about to call my breast care nurse. My radiation finished in June and for the last two months I am having a lot of pain not hurting just muscle pain when touching it on my ribs and top of breast and a tightening solid feeling. Underarms still feel tingly numb when touching it. 
just want to make sure this is normal x 

Hi Lorelei,  It is so disheartening to have to deal with these post radiation issues.  I know there is a test that can be done for DCIS to see if there is a benefit for radiation and here is the link

https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/dcisionrt-test-appears-predictive-of-benefit-from-radiation-therapy-dcis-of-the-breast

I was going to get it done as had DCIS right breast but margin was less than 2mm in one small area so opted for radiation.  So had radiation to both breasts and I am hopeful that the side effects stay far away from me as they can surface years later.  Everyone talks about how bad chemotherapy is but radiation has issues too.  My breast surgeon was excellent and he did discuss about the elimination of radiation but felt that it would give me a better long term outcome as I didn’t have any other serious medical issues. I was 73 when I  had radiation and am 8 months out.    Certainly should be discussed with everyone over 65 if early breast cancer and no node involvement.  Should be personalized for sure. 
I will be thinking of you and hope you can get a positive resolution.  Definitely get a second opinion.  Do you have access to one of the top Cancer hospitals?  There are good ones here and do cutting edge procedures.  No pun intended.  Hope you feel better.

Barbara