I had a WLE and sentinel node surgery end of Jan this year and I am 11 weeks post radiation therapy (5 day treatment). At first I had very little in the way of side effects - just the odd stab and tingle but no effect to skin at all and little tiredness. I had occasional more discomfort and sore nipple start after around 6 weeks which has slowly got worse until this last week, when I now sometimes need a painkiller and last night had to use a heat pad for relief. My nipple is dark and painful and I can’t lie comfortably on my left side. The rest of my breast has developed what I can only describe as a constant, uncomfortable ‘prickly’ tingly feeling rather than a ‘pain’, which is very wearing. My underarm scar has become painful to pressure too and is hard to lie on, but I think that didn’t get any radiation. Everything I read says that symptoms start sooner and will gradually get less, but I seem to have the opposite! Can you advise please?
Dear Geeps,
So sorry to read you’re feeling so uncomfortable. It’s still very early days after your treatment. However I don’t think that you really have to suffer like this. I think if this were me I’d get in touch with my Breast Cancer team as soon as possible tell them how you’re feeling, and I’m sure that they’ll be able to help you and point you in the right direction.
Wishing you well with health and happiness going forward.
big hugs Tili???
Hello Geeps
Thanks for posting. It sounds like you are having a difficult time following your radiotherapy treatment and is understandable that you are finding it wearing.
Radiotherapy side effects vary from person to person and some people find that they experience more side effects than others. Side effects often resolve after a few weeks, but for some people the discomfort can last longer and may take some months to improve.
You describe experiencing a painful dark nipple and painful scar tissue under your arm. As these symptoms are getting worse and requiring pain relief and a heat pad, we would always suggest that you talk to your treatment team, as @Tili says. They can review you and advise you if any specialist cream or treatment is required.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.
You may also be interested in our resources that are particularly for those who have come to the end of their main hospital treatment. These are known as our Moving Forward services and include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.
The courses are open to people who have had a primary breast cancer diagnosis and have finished their hospital-based treatment within the last two years.
Through supportive, open conversations in a safe, confidential space, you’ll connect with people who understand.
You can attend Moving Forward either at our face-to-face course or take part by joining online. Find a course near you or register for an online course via the links above or call us on 03457 077 1893.
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Katy
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