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Skin Burns and Radiotherapy

MaryXmas
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Hi everyone.  I wonder if anyone has had any experience of the effect of radiotherapy on burns?

I had a haemorrhage following my lumpectomy and remove of very very old breast implants.

I was rushed into theatre, with the warning that my skin may go black and die, from the extreme pressure.  I had haemorrhaged a litre of blood in seconds.

Thank goodness, I am only left with early stage necrosis which is akin to burns.  It's slowly healing but still very painful, despite this happening on the 22nd July.  

The areas of skin that are scan free are still very red and raw.  I am concerned that the radiotherapy will damage the skin further and wonder how I will know when my skin will be suitable for radiotherapy.

Any advise would be much appropriate.  Thank you

  • Hello there

    I am sorry to hear about your situation and the pain you are in. It sounds like you have had a tough time of it the past month or so and I can understand you having some questions but I am unsure if anyone on here will be able to best answer them.

    I think the scenario you find yourself is a pretty rare one, so it is probably best if you to talk this through with your breast care nurses and specialist doctor to see what they have to say. They will be in a position to assess your skin and recommend what else may help promote healing and say when the right time is for you to have radiotherapy.

    You can read about radiotherapy treatment here but as you say often one of the side effects of radiotherapy includes skin damage and burns which could be worse if the skin is thin and fragile to begin with. However the team looking after you will be monitoring this during your treatment to try and control and manage any side effects along the way.

    I hope the healing process speeds up for you and the pain settles soon but do talk to your team when you can.

    Please get back if you need to and you are welcome to call our nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040, Monday-Friday 9-5.

    All the very best

    Naomi

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