Hello, I am new to this group and am looking for thoughts or experiences on left breast radiotherapy?
I have a planning appointment next week and want to feel as prepared as I can be with specific questions around potential side effects?
Thank you in advance.
Have a lovely Sunday 
Hi Nevisgirl
I had left breast radiotherapy about 7 years ago. I lost an elbow joint in a road accident when I was 17, so they knew from the get go that I wouldn't be suitable for the breathe technique. I was concerned about this as it's over the heart and this is why they do the breathe technique.
The team were so reassuring and just said "no worries, it just means we need to do more calculations". At that time I had 15 sessions. There were a couple of occassions when it took longer to position me for radio. but other than this, all I did was when the beams were 'on' - you know when it's doing it's stuff and when it's just pausing, it's very obvious - I just held my breath as much as I could, so I didn't move more than I needed to.
7 years down the line, I have had no side effects whatsover, so the team were correct.
The other potential side effects that you may get is radio burns - using aloe vera gel or similar is important. I would have stopped using it under my breast on week 3 (in hindsight) as I got radio burns there - the gel and rubbing from my bra strap caused this, I'm sure. But also fatigue. I went at the same time every day with 3 other ladies. 2 of us drank lots and lots (they will tell you to drink plenty of fluids) and I am convinced this prevented fatigue. I drank more than I thought imaginable and the 2 of us who drank were fine - no fatigue whatsoever. The other 2 were not drinking much at all and one of them fell asleep at her desk at work!
They'll give you a leaflet about potential side effects, but again don't worry about it too much as this will list every possibility - a bit like taking tablets, you may not get them.
Kindest wishes,
Lesley
