I have replied to my own post as I found this and thought it might be useful to other ladies. Looks like at 7 weeks I am expecting too much ! and I should be looking at 6  MONTHS !!! FOR IT TO FEEL BETTER.... SIGH !

Any surgery creates changes in our body that requires time to heal. The initial phase of healing occurs in the first six weeks when collagen is being deposited and created. Then from six weeks to six months the collagen remodels to its eventual final healed state. After a lumpectomy, we typically begin radiation therapy within a few weeks to months, therefore it occurs during the six-month time frame of healing. Radiation therapy stops fast dividing cells from dividing thereby halting the growth of any cancer cells. It also affects the normal cells of the breast as well. There are many changes that take place in the breast and every breast reacts differently. Breast size, fat content, ptosis (droopiness), skin type and density of the breast can all influence the final outcome. 

The breast will often retain fluid after radiation therapy, and may experience increased swelling or a sense of fullness. (Women often report increase aching when a low-pressure weather system is rolling in!) Typically the radiated breast will not change in size with weight gain or loss, as the non-radiated breast will do. So the tenderness and the sharp pains are very normal and should not be a concern. If a lump is felt in the breast after radiation therapy it should be brought to the attention of the breast surgeon. 

Hi Suzie,

I hope you dont mind me cntacting you as I can see your post was from 2016. I have had RT reaction. It went like a bruise 6cm all way around the nipple and red raw on nipple itself. Had 3 lots of antibiotics incase of infection. At last skin looks healed but left with pain on wobble and walk which is stopping me going for a walk! I also have lymphoedema in nipple caused by radiotherapy and lymphoedema in incision area from post op haematoma.  Had op early Marc now July and finished RT couple of months so very fed up having swelling, some heat and lots of pain when walking. 

Hope you dont mind me asking but did you find anything else out about this RT damage and breast probs ost RT? Hope you got better and improved very fast.

Pat

Hello,,

After a lumpectomy and I am 6 six weeks post RT,I was very very sore,,although the sores have now heeled, it's the nipple area that is tender, I am keeping it's moistured but feels hot ,,and some days makes me feel very down .

I hope yours improved and you are feeling better, just wondered if you could give me any tips xx