Anybody had infection while doing radiation treatments?

I am so sorry for what you are going through. We’re not promised it’s going to be easy. But it just gets frustrating when you feel like everything is going well and then you’re just hit with something else and shakes you to your core.

I was on the fourth week, day 3 of the boost/super dose and just had to go tell them something is not right. The blistered part for me was the area around my nipple (pardon if too much info). I’m waiting for the surgeon clinic to open. They stopped my boosts. The radiology onco left me a message, and said if it’s too toxic for me then he recommends that I do not do the last 2 boosts.

I am praying for everyone, and I will definitely lift you in prayer. Please do not lose hope, I am hanging in there. God always listens.

Yes, I had a horrible infection - only the radiation doctor did not diagnose it - said I was just burnt. I was on fire, red, blistered and peeling. I went to my oncologist and he took one look and said it was a severe infection - two different oral antibiotics for 10 days.

I had four weeks of partial breast radiation on my right side- the last week are super doses. I not only suffered the burns and infection, but my lung was damaged. Ended up one month later, having acute pneumonia, life flighted to a major hospital and intubated for six days, hospitalized for 14.

If I knew what I know now - I would have chosen a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. NO radiation and no cancer drug (which is killing me) for years upon years.

Sorry - this has been a terrible journey and it's not close to being over. Sadly.

Yes, I had a horrible infection - only the radiation doctor did not diagnose it - said I was just burnt. I was on fire, red, blistered and peeling. I went to my oncologist and he took one look and said it was a severe infection - two different oral antibiotics for 10 days.

I had four weeks of partial breast radiation on my right side- the last week are super doses. I not only suffered the burns and infection, but my lung was damaged. Ended up one month later, having acute pneumonia, life flighted to a major hospital and intubated for six days, hospitalized for 14.

If I knew what I know now - I would have chosen a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. NO radiation and no cancer drug (which is killing me) for years upon years.

Sorry - this has been a terrible journey and it's not close to being over. Sadly.

I am so sorry for what you are going through. We’re not promised it’s going to be easy. But it just gets frustrating when you feel like everything is going well and then you’re just hit with something else and shakes you to your core.

I was on the fourth week, day 3 of the boost/super dose and just had to go tell them something is not right. The blistered part for me was the area around my nipple (pardon if too much info). I’m waiting for the surgeon clinic to open. They stopped my boosts. The radiology onco left me a message, and said if it’s too toxic for me then he recommends that I do not do the last 2 boosts.

I am praying for everyone, and I will definitely lift you in prayer. Please do not lose hope, I am hanging in there. God always listens.

Is lung damage permanent?
I cannot express how much sorrow I feel for you.
🙏🤍

Keep in mind that majority of us went through radiation just fine. That’s why you don’t hear much from us. Just make sure you apply cream to protect your skin diligently. Right after each treatment and reapply few times a day. Continue for 2 weeks after the treatment ends. I use fresh aloe vera because it helped heal my sun burns in the past. But you should get recommendations from your radiologist on what to use. My radiologist was a new intern just got out from Harvard Med, he didn’t have much to say and refused to prescribe cream for skin protection.

Radiation can be really scary, but the truth is that most cancer centers treat thousands of patients a year and the vast majority don’t have issues. I know that doesn’t mean it is less miserable for those who do, but it does mean that some of these side effects are rare. The most common side effect is fatigue, and a sunburn like burn.
Unfortunately for us, the folks who post are rarely the ones with no issues, they wouldn’t be as likely to be searching for support.
Please discuss the risk vs. benefit with your doctor, and try to remember that it is being recommended to treat cancer or to prevent it from relapsing.
Is your plan for standard radiation or targeted radiation? Have they scheduled you yet?