I finished my 15 sessions of radiotherapy one week ago. The therapy was on my left breast (I had a lumpectomy) and my lymph nodes under my arm and at the base of my neck. Just a clear up procedure.
However, I have been in some discomfort across my shoulder blades and the base of the back of my neck ever since. This, on top of the tiredness is making me feel quite nauseous. Did anyone else experience this, and how long did it last?
Hi SusiQ welcome to the forum. I imagine this could be from the Radiotherapy itself or it could be as a result of the positioning during treatment. Is paracetamol helping with any discomfort for you. You may need to consider some skin cream if the skin under your arms or Base of neck is red. One week is not a long time since the finish of treatment and the tiredness can persist for some weeks after that..the issue with shoulder and neck should settle down in the next couple of weeks.
gail
Itchiness is common but keep an eye that the breast doesn't get red or hot to touch as that can indicate an infection which is not unheard of. The sternum has probably been included in the Radiotherapy range hence why it may feel a bit tender yet. Don't use any perfumed things on your skin, use something really mild like simple range. Don't rub the area when getting dried from shower or bath and maybe use an aloe Vera gel to help keep the area moisturised. Drink lots and lots of water as well as that keeps skin hydrated.
gail
