Hi, I'm starting radiation next Tuesday, just curious anyone experience fatigue and are the burns pretty bad? Thanks I'm really nervous and trying to wrap my head around this entire thing.
I think you make a very important point, and it applies not just for breast cancer, that information about how you will be feeling after treatment and how to deal with it should be made available a lot earlier. Might be worth bringing the point up at your group. Kim
Hi, just to say I was offered a place on a course in November which I had to forego due to a second shoulder op but even then, I feel I could have done with it sooner than that. This time round we all voiced the same opinion but there are only three such courses a year in my area. One good thing though is that the breast care nurses have already picked up on this and will be starting their own version at my local hospital. As you say Kim, this doesn't just relate to breast cancer but could be very helpful for any long term illness. Sue x
Thanks everyone for responding. I start today and very nervous. So now I've been reading that there may be side affects several months or years after radiation, like breast pain, etc. Anyone experience these after treatment, I know there are some during treatment but didn't realize there could be some after effects months or years later.
Hi Lynn, hope today went well for you, you will soon get used to the routine of it all. I really hope you are one of the many lucky ones who sail through radiotherapy with few lasting side effects once the sunburn has worn off. Unfortunately though, as you have mentioned, for others the results are more severe. I had both sides treated at the same time and have since developed breast oedema and am still in a lot of pain almost 10 months on now, quite apart from the fatigue. There is no way to predict how we will each react to the treatment ut it certainly does it's job of blitzing any stray cancer cells. I keep being told that the positives outweigh the negatives but for some of us it is a pretty hard slog. As I said earlier I have my fingers crossed for you that you have an easier ride so do keep us posted on how you are doing. Take care Sue xx
I hope all went well today. Yep there can be long lasting side effects from the treatment but not everyone gets them. I'll let people who have been treated for breast cancer share their experinces with you, as mine was for cancer of the neck and throat. However your team at the hospital will show you ways to minimise and deal with any side effects you might experience, be sure to speak with the radiotherapists each day and let them know of any problems you have, they will know how to help you and usually have an immediate remedy for you. Kim
Hi Lynn. How is your radiotherapy going? I have had number 4 today. I have found it okay up till now. I have used the cream regularly and no burning as yet. I know this can change towards the end of the treatment. Hope it is going well for you x
Hi Audrey, actually it is going quite well! It's pretty quick. I haven't elxperienced much fatigue yet. And my skin is starting to get darker and itchy. I did get my Score back and found out I don't have to do chemo so I am elated about that. I start Tamoxifen after radiation and I'm nervous about the side effects because I've heard some terrible things. I'm glad yours is going well. I imagine as we continue on we may feel more of the effects from it. My last treatment date is -April 12th. Best wishes!!!
