Hi Everyone,
As I started this little thread - and thanks to all who keep sharing their tips & tricks - I’m sure for people who haven’t yet started radiotherapy , as they search and come across this thread it will give great advice.
I also know forums tend to be full more of the “worries” and when things “don’t go as well”. It’s natural to post more about these things isn’t it.
So I just wanted to add that I’ve now been through radiotherapy - had 15 back to back fractions. I found it got cumulatively more tiring - and I was definitely left with v red (like sunburn) skin. And with some swelling. Just for reference I was radiated on my right side - so did not have to hold my breath etc.
I worked almost throughout but not for the last week and a half.
The swelling has started to settle down as has the “sunburn” and I keep moisturising etc etc. But I had a good experience - so if someone stumbles across this in the future - understandably nervous etc - know that you’ll be fine and it is very doable.
My very best to all.
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Thank you so much for this as it gives me encouragement. I am due to start my 10 sessions on 27th March - also on the right side - it’s good to know I won’t have to hold my breath as I didn’t know that!! I am nervous about how I react due to a holiday immediately afterwards but am heartened by all I read on here so will try and go well prepared.
THANK YOU SO MUCH
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I’ve just had 14 of 15 sessions (3 weeks of 5 days), last one tomorrow! The centre I’m being treated at does breath hold even for right sided treatment as it can protect the liver, but it’s easy enough to do as you have a screen to watch with a bar which moves up/down with your breath and you are told exactly what to do. I’ve had swelling and a few aches in my arm/armpit but nothing that I needed to take any medication for. I’ve got away with just a very tiny bit of pink speckle on my skin so far and have moisturised about 3 times a day with a combination of aloe Vera gel/aloe Vera lotion and Moo Goo. Managed to keep working throughout and kept up my running 6 times a week too, all in all a very positive experience
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finished my 10 sessions 3 weeks ago and am at the height of reactions, like earlier comments it’s like severe sunburn. mine was on my right breast too with 5 doses in a row then 5 boosters the following week. i am due on holiday in may so hope it calms down by then. i have rash vests, factor 50, bamboo shirts and big floppy hat! just remember that this is another step in the journey and be kind, drink fluids, eat well and rest!!!
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It’s like the gift that keeps on giving isn’t it!
Seems I spoke too soon! I’ve developed an incredibly itchy rash, hundreds of pin prick sized tiny pink bumps across the top of my chest and collar bone, in between the breasts and on the breast. I’m now taking antihistamine tablets and went to see the radiologist who gave me Flamigel RT to put on three times a day. Very frustrating as I thought I’d got away without major skin issues! The Itching is driving me potty. Just wanted to get that off my chest (pardon the pun) and pass on to others that even if your skin is good during it can still catch you up after - in my case 13 days after finishing
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I’m with you 
. Only two days after a week of radiotherapy and the itching is intense - particularly around the nipple and around the lymph node removal scar. The post-surgery seroma under the breast had just about disappeared but is now back bigger and harder than ever which means my lumpectomy scar is being sandwiched so probably thrush next:roll_eyes:. But, thanks to this forum I know I can use antihistamines and Canestan so thank you ladies - looking forward to a better night’s sleep tonight 
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Try putting something under your boob with your bra over the top - if you’re wearing one. Something made out of bamboo or silk - a cloth or scarf ( I used a sock ) . I was very red and itchy my nipple area peeled several times but my skin didn’t break down and I didn’t get an I section. The bamboo seemed to help the itching a bit - I was able to forget about it in the day but in the morning when I was just waking up I had been starting to scratch without really being fully aware of what I was doing but once the sock was in there my hand found the sock instead which allowed me to remember that I wasn’t supposed to scratch . Xx
Thank you - I’ll try that. I’ve gone back to a compression bra at night because the boob is also quite swollen. I’m sure I’ve got a silk handkerchief somewhere which will cover it nicely 
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Itching is horrible isn’t it, I couldn’t even bear to have clothes on my top when the rash was as it’s worst and had to keep having a cool shower! 
. Luckily it improved a lot in a few days
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I hope it helps . My boob was a bit swollen as well for a few months and I was told that it’s important to keep good support in place - so the compression bra should hopefully help you as well. Xx
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Hi everyone. I’m expecting to have RT at some point after having had my lumpectomy and snb today. My question is how long after the surgery does this usually take place? Is there flexibility as to when you can start the RT? I have a preplanned holiday in 7 weeks so ideally wouldn’t want to start any post op treatments until around 9 or 10 weeks. Grateful for all the stories and advice on this thread.
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I believe there is flexibility as they won’t do the radiotherapy until the scars are fully healed and your arm can move easily. Obviously, I don’t know your circumstances so you’d have to take your Surgeon’s advice, but if I had a holiday in seven weeks, I’d definitely wait until afterwards for the radiotherapy. I only needed five days of radiotherapy which I had last week, but I’ve had quite bad side-effects which could carry on for another week or so. I’d enjoy your holiday first if you can😊
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Hi Montreal, thanks for your reply. Yes, I will definitely try to get the holiday out of the way first. Sorry to hear you’re struggling with side effects from the RT. Have you been nauseous and fatigued? Hope you start feeling better soon xx
My main problem has been an incredibly swollen, hot and itchy boob - not painful but extremely uncomfortable. The hospital gave me some gel which eases the heat coming from it😊. I had just one day of severe fatigue but otherwise been fine.
Good to know what to expect. Hope it all settles down soon for you xx
Hi can I just ask the ladies using moogoo which one have you used during radiotherapy. I used the natural fast hydrating lotion from the oncology pack whilst on chemo and I’m about to start Radiotherapy and was going to order another but before I did just wanted to know if that was the one people were using during radiotherapy. I have also used the udder cream on my scar which I found really good.x
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I didn’t use Moogoo but my team just advised to use something that is a good moisturiser and that my skin likes - they said not the time to try new products that may cause a skin reaction. The only other advice was to avoid Sudocrem . You can ask at your planning appointment or if you had that already when you have your first treatment and some areas give out creams on prescription or have their own recommendations. But I would think that you would be able to continue with the ones that you like. Best wishes for your treatment xx
My Radiology Team gave me Flamigel RT - specifically for radiotherapy-induced skin reactions and it’s very good at easing the heat and itching. I was fortunate to be given it free at Peterborough Hospital but not sure all hospitals do this?
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They certainly don’t - though some will then get / give it out if your skin reacts and you need it. One of my friends was given Aveeno on prescription but where I went which is a major centre they didn’t give you anything.