Radiotherapy related issues

Hi there

I had 9 sessions of radiotherapy to my left breast in January, so too soon to comment on heart or other issues further down the line. What I can say is that I did the breath hold technique. This is designed to move the heart away slightly since it’s on the same side as the breast requiring treatment. I felt I would rather have all the treatment offered, but can understand your concerns. I have developed a heart issue, but this was due to chemo as it was noticed before radiotherapy started. I have a leaky valve on the left side. This means that I will have echocardiograms more regularly. It is very common apparently.

Morning! I don’t know how long ago your friend had radiotherapy for lymph node cancer but my sister had radiotherapy for Hodgkin’s Disease (lymphatic cancer) in 1998, she did have issues years later but that was to do with the type of radiotherapy given then which is no longer used now. It’s also really important to note that they are different cancers and different radiotherapy treatments so try hard not to compare. I had radiotherapy to my right breast in 2003, I’ve not been aware of any long term health issues personally. All the best to you x

I‘m worried about holding my breath. I read they require 20-30 seconds, multiple times and I can barely get 20….I‘ve started practicing for it. 

She had cancer about 10-11 years ago so not sure if technology changed since. 

I managed 25 seconds. Some sessions were a bit of a struggle, but I managed it. I have asthma as well. Good idea to practice. They count you down so you know how long is left. Some days I had to do it about 8 times per session. Hard work and tiring. 

Hi. I had 20 sessions of radiotherapy to my left breast two and a half years ago. I did the breath holding and was reassured that if I couldn’t hold it the machine would stop, which in fact it did on one occasion. You could ask if this is the case at your hospital. I found the radiographers were really kind and happy to answer any questions. I moisturised my breast after each session, which helped and in fact still do every night. I hope everything goes well for you. Wishing you all the best. 

I can’t answer that I’m afraid. All I can say is that breast cancer treatment has changed since I was diagnosed second time in 2022 until now! Cancer has so much funding in terms of research that it really does move fast. You’ve got some good tips and advice from others now too, honestly, things change rapidly in the cancer world, just always post on here if you’re worried, someone will answer, all the best x