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Post Surgery Radiotherapy

Carol1964
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Hi 

I have now (hopefully!) finished chemotherapy treatment and have pretty much been given the all clear for breast cancer as my recent follow-up MRI, mammogram and physical results could no longer find any sign of the cancer (woohoo!).  However, they still want to do a small lumpectomy to remove residual tissue and to remove 2 lymph nodes for biopsy (apparently there was a slight bulge which they are fairly sure is fibrous but want to be on the safe side and double-check.  I am hoping if it was any more onerous, it would have been zapped by my chemo treatment - fingers crossed).  Anyway, I should be in and out on the same day with minimal scarring and no reconstruction required. 

Around 3-4 weeks after surgery, I will need 15 sessions (one per day) of radiotherapy.  Has anyone had any experience of this?  I'm just wondering if it will be sore afterwards and if I will be able to drive myself to appointments, as asking someone to take me daily for 3 weeks is a bit much to ask. I gather the treatment itself is very quick and doesn't hurt, but just wondering what the after effects might be and am keen to chat to anyone who has had any experience of it, good and bad (as I am that 1% for whom something will go wrong lol). 

Be lovely to hear from someone.

Thank you

Carol

Parents

  • Hello Carol

    I'm sorry to hear that you're currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer but it's great to know that following your recent tests, no evidence of disease could be found. 

    It's understandable that you may be feeling a bit anxious about the surgery and radiotherapy but hopefully, the results from the surgery will bring you more reassurance. 

    We have many members who have been through radiotherapy for breast cancer and I hope some of them will post to share their experiences with you soon. 

    In the meantime, we have some information on our website about radiotherapy for breast cancer which you may find helpful. Side effects from this treatment tend to be cumulative meaning that they will increase as you get further into your treatment regime and can in some cases continue for a few weeks after treatment stops. If you feel well enough to drive yourself to your treatment sessions every day really will depend on a number of things. Some people find that they are well enough to do this and others need support from family, friends, or hospital transport. Discuss your concerns with the radiotherapy team when you go for your planning appointment and I'm sure they will be able to offer some advice and support. If you do need to ask family or friends to help with transport, maybe there are a couple of people that you could ask to help so that they can split the trips between them. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that the rest of your treatment goes smoothly. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

Reply

  • Hello Carol

    I'm sorry to hear that you're currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer but it's great to know that following your recent tests, no evidence of disease could be found. 

    It's understandable that you may be feeling a bit anxious about the surgery and radiotherapy but hopefully, the results from the surgery will bring you more reassurance. 

    We have many members who have been through radiotherapy for breast cancer and I hope some of them will post to share their experiences with you soon. 

    In the meantime, we have some information on our website about radiotherapy for breast cancer which you may find helpful. Side effects from this treatment tend to be cumulative meaning that they will increase as you get further into your treatment regime and can in some cases continue for a few weeks after treatment stops. If you feel well enough to drive yourself to your treatment sessions every day really will depend on a number of things. Some people find that they are well enough to do this and others need support from family, friends, or hospital transport. Discuss your concerns with the radiotherapy team when you go for your planning appointment and I'm sure they will be able to offer some advice and support. If you do need to ask family or friends to help with transport, maybe there are a couple of people that you could ask to help so that they can split the trips between them. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that the rest of your treatment goes smoothly. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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