Hi all
I’m a bit confused about by radiotherapy. I was told and signed consent form for radiotherapy to the chest wall. I’ve been putting cream on that but then saw the area under my arm was going a bit pink. I’ve been told that the area being zapped includes about half the armpit area. Is this normal?
I feel generally anxious about this as it’s on the left side - can anyone reassure me a bit on all this.
thanks Elinda x
Hi Elinda,
I had rads almost 2 years ago after having a mx on the left side and yes half the arm pit also got done.
It does mean that at least half the sweat glads have been zapped and so little if any sweat on that side even now.!
All the best
M x
Hi Elinda - I fnished rads a month ago to the chest wall. Although they did not target the lymph node area as lymph nodes were clear, it did extend about a third of the way into the armpit area and slightly round the back. I had 15 doses and although it got sore the skin didn’t break. The advice on skin care I was given was:
Use E45 or aqueaous cream or 99% pure aloe vera.
Apply liberally 2 to 3 times per day. When it gets sore and / or itchy use 1% hydrocortisone, but don’t use it if skin is broken.
I used mostly E45 lotion 3 times a day, then used the 1% hydrocortisone cream sparingly(which you can get on prescription).
Sking did get worse forabout 2 weeks after, then 1 week at a stand still then it got better quite quickly, Still suntanned but not sore.
Hope it goes well for you.
Clare
Thanks M and Clare - seems that zapping part of armpit is normal then - I wish they’d told me though.
I’ve also been having shooting pains in the centre of the mastectomy area and it all feels a bit tight today. I do still have a small seroma so maybe that’s why. I think I’m going into anxiety overdrive!
Elinda x
Pains are very normal too Elinda. For several weeks I was convinced the surgeon had stitched my insides to my ribs. Then I went through thinking that I had problems in my ribs.
Keep massaging the area gently if you can especially after rads as things do get tighter.
Even now almost two years after surgery I still have to stretch the side as things tighten up if I don’t.
How many rads are you having?
m x
Thanks for the advice and good to know this is normal. I’m having 15 rads with booster along the scar each session. All being well I’ll be finished the week before Christmas.
Elinda x
Hi Elinda
I’m nearly through 4 weeks rads, 3 weeks plus 5 booster days. I’m red all around left boob and 1/2 way under armpit too. I’m in no real pain although do feel that I have a flashing nipple! I too have shooting/stabbing pains/flashing (from centre of boob out), the radio nurse said this is normal and is likely to continue for some time. Weird feeling but as long as it’s been seen before I can put up with it. Like to think of bad cells getting zapped inside!!
Good luck
Katie x x
Elinda, I got my underarm zapped too and ive had no underarm hair since it was done, quite a blessing as I cant shave there anyway
every cloud !!!
I am six weeks finnished, still a bit tired and sore, but improving
love
Carol xx
I am starting radiotherapy tomorrow and am really upset about the timing because I can see that the tiredness is going to set in when trying to get ready for, and during, Christmas and New Year. I don’t finish until 6th Jan.
I feel exhausted already, what with not sleeping well and hormone tablets and whatever else is going on in my mind, and I have to drag myself round the shops. I wandered round the supermarket this afternoon, thinking I really must get stuff done and not having a clue what to buy!
Sorry, but I feel really down today. What would we do without this site to have a rant?
Ann x
Hi Ann - I felt really quite strabge when I started rads, it was yet something else to get used to after chemo and surgery. But the staff were really nice and it was OK in the end. Is there any one who can help you with the jobs? I know it’s difficult to ask, but sometimes people are just waiting for us to ask.
Love and hugs Clare
Hi Ann.
I wish you well with the start of your rads, i am sure you will be fine, l had my rads at 8 o’clock in the morning and usually went straight home and went to bed for a little sleep, i couldn’t believe how tired l felt, but usually after my little sleep i was fine. I was very anxious about it all at first but after the first treatment i felt much better, it really isn’t too bad at all. I know once you have had your first treatment you will feel the same, and you are another step nearer to finishing your treatment, keep going Ann, lots of love,Barbara xxx
Thanks, Barbara and Clare. I am sure you are right. I am surprised I feel like this as I have been so keen for it to start, having had to wait 11 weeks since surgery. Like everyone, I have my ups and downs, and I suppose it is the next big step after surgery and it is natural to feel apprehensive. I know it won’t hurt but it is not something one would want to have done unless absolutely necessary.
I’ll let you know how I get on tomorrow. Hope I don’t have to wait too long.
Love Ann x
Well, 1 down, 18 to go. Went smoothly, found parking space, didn’t have too wait long, no noticeable effects - but after I got home got a call to say the machine had broken down and they were having to double book for tomorrow and could I go at a different time. I hope the machine worked today!
Ann x