I know this is probably me worrying about everything (as usual) but what longer term effects have you experienced from having radiotherapy? my breasts are small and already lumpy after 2 lots of surgery. I’m starting to wonder if the breast will be worth having after it’s been zapped with the radiotherapy. Please let me know even if it isn’t great news.
Hi journeyman,
I had WLE Sept 07, 15 rads & 3 booster in Nov/Dec, I’m a size 40DD. For some months after the rads my breast was hard, it’s now still firmer than the other but more natural feeling. I don’t know if you have been advised to use aqueous cream, if not get a big tub from Boots (about £2-£3) and start using it now and continue through treatment, It helps to prepare the skin for rads. I stopped creaming about 3wks after treatment ended, only doing it occasionally but I would say continue to moisturise, it also helps with the scar. I’ve started to moisturise regularly again because in the last 6 wks I’ve noticed the breast has shrunk or tightened up a small amount, it looks like I’ve had a small breast lift compared with the other one.
Something else I found during and after rads was sudden sharp pains in the breast and a sort of burning sensation, it comes and goes quickly but can catch you unaware. I spoke to my onc and she said it was nerve damage and judging by the posts on here quite common. I wish I’d known this before because as you will know any pain sends you into panic, I now only get them when I’ve overdone things a bit. I also had a bit of soreness in my rib area and would often have to take my bra off in the evening but this has also improved.
I hope this helps and wish you luck with your treatment.
Caz x
Hi journeyman
My onc said it could take anything up to six mths and I would say mine definitely improved after that time. My friend works with someone who had the same op as me 2yrs ago and she still gets a slight discomfort. I wouldn’t let it bother you, like we say if we know what the pain is we can handle it.
Best wishes
Caz x