Post treatment side effects

I had treatment for inflammatory breast cancer from August 2022 to March 2023. I had chemo first then a radical mastectomy with auxiliary lymph node removal. My pathology report post mastectomy showed no evidence of disease. I then had 20 sessions of radiotherapy. Since then I have had a follow up CT scan and a mammogram both of which were fine. I finished rads at the end of March 2023. I noticed my skin on the mastectomy side looked a little more red than usual last week. Today it looks like the rash has spread slightly to the side of my body. Should I be worried? I will get this checked asap. Should I go back to my surgeon or to the GP? Could this be a post radiation reaction?

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  • Hi , I can’t diagnose but seem to remember when I had radiotherapy (18years ago) that they mentioned the possibility of a rash afterwards and to treat it with a simple cream ie E45 or Aqueous cream but I would give your breast care nurse a call on Monday . Is your mastectomy site hot to touch or do  you feel feverish or unwell?? 

  • I have been using E45 every day. No the site is not hot. I wouldn’t have been aware only for sight. I actually feel quite well. Just worried now. I saw my consultant just six week ago and he said everything seems fine and he doesn’t need to see me until next year. I am going away for a few days next week. Bringing my teenage daughter abroad for the first time. Was so looking forward to it. I will have to try and not worry I only noticed this last week so it will only be two weeks next Thursday. Even if I had made an appointment last week I would still be waiting. I will ring the hospital nurse on Monday for advice

  • Yes , I would ring the breast care nurse or the radiotherapy department just to put your mind at rest x Hope you have a lovely holiday 

  • I do think it is from the radiotherapy too . Are you just dabbing the area to dry it after shower ? 
    Check with breast nurses ,they might ask for a photo if they can’t see you . 
    Enjoy your trip xx

  • Yes I dab it very gently. I was afraid to touch it for awhile. It’s not sore or anything. The rash I had with inflammatory breast cancer was hot and painful and eventually quite red. Sometimes it’s hard to know when to go back. I saw the consultant just six weeks ago and am worried about perhaps been seen as anxious. I am quite an anxious person - even going on holiday stresses me! 

  • No , you know your body .If you think something is amiss ,see about it xx

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