Radiotherapy side effects after 1st session

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Hi,

I had my first radiotherapy session today at 12 pm. I felt extremely tired a few minutes after the end of the session and had to spend the rest of the day in bed. I also felt warmth inside my breast almost immediately after the session (and it still hasn’t stopped). At 7pm, my breast has also almost doubled in size and is much tender and firmer than the other breast.

Is this normal after one session only or should I worry? (I a quite worried about the swelling) I was aware of the risk of fatigue and swelling but thought they would build up over time.

NB: I had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy 2 months ago, but recovery went well

Thank you in advance.
Best wishes,
Magali

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I had 5 days of radiotherapy and didn’t really feel effects till day 3.The nurse suggested putting moisturiser in fridge to cool it which felt nice on my breast when I put it on. It remained warm for about 2 weeks. I also still feel bit nauseous after I eat Nurse suggested ginger. If your breast has swollen significantly I would chat to nurses as soon as possible. I still feel very tired. Hope you improve soon :heart:

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The radiotherapy team should assess your breast before each session but you should also contact your BCN as it’s hard to know how much swelling and redness is normal. Some Trusts have a policy of giving skin preparation line Flamigel on prescription - others don’t routinely but may prescribe something if you ask.
My breast became red and hot on the inner slope and nipple / areola area after the second treatment and started to swell . I had the remaining 3 treatments though one of the Radiographers seemed a bit concerned . A few months down the line I had an appointment with my BCN in regard to a lump I had found - that was just an oil cyst but the BCN was concerned about my breast still being red and swollen 3 months after finishing treatment. My skin never broke down and the swelling and redness went on their own eventually but it took about 6 months . When your breast is red and swollen the post - op bras aren’t always the most comfortable but it’s important to have good support . Do the post - op exercises diligently to help move the fluid and hopefully you will have started moisturising your breasts as well ( though not before a treatment) . I wore a bamboo sock beneath my breast inside my bra to protect the skin there and I’ve heard of other people using bamboo cloths or silk scarves .

Make sure you drink lots of fluids as the treatment can make you dehydrated .

I also felt tired after each treatment - it was as though I’d worked a night shift but after a coffee and cake and a sit down for about 30 minutes I was ok for the rest of the day. I was hit with fatigue 3 days after finishing treatment though - which was not tiredness it was something more. I didn’t get out of bed much for the next 3 days and my activity was significantly impacted for another week or so . Things did improve after that but it took about 3 months to lift completely . The fatigue made me nauseated but food and drink with ginger helped me and I felt better once I’d managed to eat something . People seem to be hit with fatigue at different times some during treatment some after and some hardly at all but you have to lbe kind to yourself - a little bit of activity but plenty of rest if you feel you need it. If there is any useful help on offer from family or friends then take it and don’t listen to any stories about people who have sailed through this treatment or that treatment - if they are even true they aren’t relevant to you and your situation as everyone’s response is different . Xx

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Hi Magali,

Thanks for posting. It’s understandable that you would like to know if the fatigue and swelling you’ve experienced after your 1st radiotherapy session are normal.

Both fatigue and skin reactions are common when having radiotherapy but, as you say, they often develop during the course of treatment. Some people do find they react quickly to the treatment, as in your case.

As @beau123 and @JoanneN have said, it’s important to let your treatment team know how you’re feeling. You can speak to your treatment radiographer when you attend for radiotherapy today or call your breast care nurse. They will be able to assess the symptoms you have and ways to manage them.

You may also find this skin reaction guide from the Society & College of Radiographers helpful to read.

Going through treatment for breast cancer can be a worrying time. Some people find it helpful to talk to others who have been through a similar experience. Our Someone Like Me team can put you in touch with a trained volunteer to talk to for support.

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Best wishes

Cassie

Breast Care Nurse

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