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Radiation side effects

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Alamogordo, NM
June 8
 · 
Reactions
A MyBCTeam Member

Mine as well. You're going to be okay!! You go girl!

June 10 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

I was mostly exhausted. It does get better. A bit of exercise, tons of water and a lot of rest helps tremendously. You just have to make yourself rest when your body is screaming for you to take a break I did have some redness and a bit of blistering like a sunburn at the the site. It was very tender and uncomfortable to wear a bra but that gets better as well. Ask your doctor what he prefers you do if that happens to you. Now I have a bit of scar tissue and purplish/red marks at the site of the surgery. Not bad but its still there. I'm glad I chose to do radiation and chemo. Radiation is quick. You're in and out pretty quickly. Chemo takes a bit longer. Wishing you the very best. Stay in touch so we know how you're doing. Much love and endless hugs! Hoping that info helps you.

June 8 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

Adding my prayers too, you’ve got this!😘🙏

June 9
MyBCTeam

Radiation therapy is a powerful tool in treating breast cancer, but it does come with side effects. These can be short-term (appearing during or shortly after treatment) or long-term (developing months or even years later).

Short-Term Side Effects

These tend to be milder and usually improve within 4–8 weeks after Show Full Answer

Radiation therapy is a powerful tool in treating breast cancer, but it does come with side effects. These can be short-term (appearing during or shortly after treatment) or long-term (developing months or even years later).

Short-Term Side Effects

These tend to be milder and usually improve within 4–8 weeks after finishing treatment:

- Skin changes — redness, dryness, peeling, blistering, or a sunburn-like appearance
- Swelling of the breast
- Soreness or tenderness in the breast, nipple, or armpit
- Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
- Enlarged pores

Long-Term Side Effects

These may appear 6 or more months after treatment ends:

- Skin thickening or darkening in the treated area
- Spider veins (small red/purple vessels) on the breast surface
- Changes in breast size or sensitivity
- Lymphedema (fluid buildup causing swelling in the breast, chest, or arm)
- Hair loss in the treated area (e.g., armpit) Radiation can also affect the heart and lungs, particularly with higher doses or left-sided treatment. Risks include lung inflammation, and heart-related issues like pericarditis (inflammation around the heart).

As one MyBCTeam member described the skin experience: "It's like a gradual sunburn." Everyone's experience is different, so always flag any new or worsening symptoms to your care team promptly.

June 8
A MyBCTeam Member

Keeping you in prayers for all good news delivered quickly! Hope you can skip the chemo! Hugs!

June 9

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