Hi there,
I completed my radiotherapy in October 2024 for my left breast. Everything was healing well, but recently I’ve noticed that the breast is swollen, feels “warm inside,” is very tight, and the skin has developed folds.
Is this a normal long-term effect of the treatment and part of the healing process, or should I contact the nurse at the breast clinic? I’ve been hesitant to reach out, as I feel others who were more recently diagnosed might need help more urgently.
Is anyone been there ?
Thanks
Hi , I had similar about 10 weeks after radiotherapy ended . Warm boob, swollen pitted .
went into panic mode , went to see the surgeon . He said it was breast edema but he didn’t want to treat yet
To be fair , it did calm down after a couple of weeks . Not swollen or red , the radio causes some discolouration.
i had my treatment under BUPA, so . I also saw a private lymph specialist . She wasn’t too concerned. Equated radiotherapy to having a hot frying pan on your boob 
.
Her top tips were
Suportive bra, I wear a non wired sports bra when I can .
Exercise. Water aerobics and swimming . Rebounding . Anything . Just move . Variety is better .
Weight- keep it off . Can hinder fluid movement
Unfortunately , radiotherapy causes internal damage , which restricts the movement of fluid, so it gets stuck .
i would definitely contact your BCN to get it checked but it may calm down in time x
