Radiotherapy side effects

Yes my nipples got irritated and a little sore for a few days but went away.  I used hydrocortisone if any itching and took itch right away..  I had a 3 week radiation course so doses were less each day so side effects may be happening at different times.

Hi HeatherLassie , yes my nipple really suffered! It was sore already though, post op. My wound was nowhere near it but I think the pain was from the blue dye injection which in my case was done once I was under the anaesthetic so I didn’t know where it had been done until I researched it (mainly out of curiosity as I couldn’t understand why it was so sore). Anyway it got sorer and sorer during rads, I had 3 weeks like Hopeful Barb . At my mid rads review I mentioned it and the consultant gave me some dressings to pad it from clothes rubbing. By that stage I’d stopped wearing a bra, was using crop tops as less friction. Definitely get advice from the team as the dressings did help. Love and hugs, HFxx

Oh and also, I was told to air it as much as possible so when I got back from hospital each day, I moisturised and then lay on my bed with no top for at least half an hour. It was January so a bit chilly! I just chilled or read a book. Then it was out on my daily sanity saver walk, often in the dark! Xx

Thank you Hopeful Barb and HappyFeet1. I had my appointment this morning and asked for advice on nipple being swollen, itchy and sore. I was told I can take antihistamines for the itch and keep moisturising. I was also told it'll probably get worse before it gets better (oh the joys!). I'm still wearing my post-op front fastening bras (which are more like sports bras) as they are way more comfortable than normal bras (I don't know if I'll ever go back to normal bras lol). 

Thanks again for the advice!

That is a plus about being small chested.  I go braless most of the time in the house and if I go out I do wear if too noticeable but otherwise let the puppies breathe!! Lol.  

Hi HeatherLassie,  I just posted to see how you’re doing on my thread but then came across you on here. Sounds like you’re doing ok. Side effects don’t sound too nice but almost there x

Hi Love Being a Nan

I'm doing ok, thank you for asking . The side effects aren't too bad - fatigue, swollen nipple which is itchy too. My breast feels swollen too but hospital said that's normal as the radiotherapy causes inflammation (just gets better eh?). I count myself as being fortunate in that my radiotherapy finished today after 5 sessions. Xx

At least that’s it now. Look after yourself and good luck in your recovery and getting back to normal life ! X

Hi. How are you now after the radiotherapy? I had some blisters under my breast about two weeks after the last session and the hospital gave me a gel to dry them up and cream to moisturise after that. I also have a lovely suntan under my right boob. 

Since I finished mine in September last year, I've been using Moogoo udder restore cream which I get on the Moogoo website and it helps lots with any itching and keeps the skin soft too. It's also worth having scar therapy to soften any scars if you find they're a bit hard underneath them. 

All the best. x

Hi, 

I’m on number 7 today of 10. Been quite tired lately and getting a little sore but otherwise ok. I’m getting a bit down as now back to night flushes, brain fog and headaches ! So if anyone has any suggestions whilst you’re on Oestrogen blockers ?   The reason I went on patches 2 months before my diagnosis ( although been about 8 yrs without any HRT , coincidence? Not so sure?) 

I hadn’t understood scar therapy but am now seeing what you mean so may look into it. 
Finding it really helpful reading others experiences on here as gradually realising that once the treatment ends it’s not the end of it as left with many physical and emotional challenges to combat. Hope post not too negative but feeling fed up although know I’m very lucky as obviously given a choice of menopause symptoms over cancer is a no brainer! 
I’ve used Moogoo for the elderly as really helps bad backs aches etc.. 
stay well X