Radiation: What should I expect? What are your tips?

@tapgirl Thank you! 😊

@babs28
I had 20 sessions and it was not bad at all. Mine was on the left breast and about one inch beneath the nipple. Aquafor seems so sticky for me, so I used fresh aloe vera from my garden. I cleaned it well and rubbed it with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any bacteria on the leaf, then refrigerated it. I cut a piece of it and brought it with me to rub on my breast right after each session and reapplied several times throughout the day. Clean it off before each treatment so it wouldn’t interfer with radiation. I had no blisters/burn except after the treatment was done. I should have probably continue to at least two weeks after. My skin was tan at the end but the radiologist said I tolerated well. If they give you cream, use it and continue using it to a few weeks later. The apoptosis continues even after the radiation stops. That is something I didn’t know.
I found this link regarding holding breath during radiation. There are comments from a radiologist which is very helpful.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-complications/
I was expecting some tiredness on week 3 and 4 and it never came. I was able to continue my exercise during treatment. Good luck with your treatment.

@mir123 I’m not sure. 🤔 I am just gathering information…. It’s in June.

I needed 15 rounds of radiation. For me, the hardest part was the table. The staff at MSK were wonderful though and quick to help me on and off the table. Choose your music, close your eyes, deep breaths. Best wishes.

@gailmarienewton Praying for you and sending love to all of us going through this journey. Blessings and hugs! 💕

I had 19 treatments. Right breast lumpectomy 3:00 o’clock. Had no ill effect during treatments. They are fast. No pain. They gave me Auqa fore and vanishing cream. Has petroleum and greasy. Put on every day and night. Also used some essential oils in unscented lotion. Roman chamomile, lavender, blue tansy, frankincense and Helichrysum.
5 drops each mixed in lotion. Had no skin peeling. 6 months later I still put lotion on. Keep motioning and you should be fine. Good luck You’ve got this.

My doctor had me go to physical therapy from the beginning of all my treatments. I had 16 rounds of chemo and surgery before 30 radiation treatments. The ongoing PT helped with my range of motion. Radiation causes tightness for the rest of your life. Stretching is very important.
The radiation was not bad. I was very careful to use prescription steroid ointment and Aquaphor or calendula immediately after each treatment. Your skin must be clean and free of lotions beforehand. I would put the steroid on when getting dressed afterwards in the changing room. And use the Aquaphor and calendula throughout the day and before bed. I showered it off each morning before my treatment.

I walked my dogs almost every day. It helped with the fatigue from radiation. Staying active helped me. But I also took naps in the afternoon.

Good luck. I hope you have a good experience. Keep in mind that the most current radiation technology allows for shorter more precise radiation. It’s better than it was in the past.

@dmr4ever I had 20 straight days. Team was tremendous. No peeling but a bit of itching and a lot of discoloration. Tender. I also had globus sensation in my throat but they prescribed liquid lidocaine and a week later it's fading. I don't like using Aquafor or Cerave since they're both petroleum jelly which is messy. Radiation in total was piece of cake.

@dmr4ever I'm a PT! I will be a good patient and keep at exercises to try to maintain my left arm range of motion. I didn't lose any should mobility after my lumpectomy and my revision. I'm still looking at various lotions. I don't think I will like aquaphor because it is an ointment. I'm starting to be less anxious about going through radiation thanks to all of the helpful and encouraging responses to my post.

I have very fair, red head type skin and I did radiation for 35 rounds (5 days a week for 7 weeks).

By the first week I was badly peeling - what really helped was slathering on calendula, Aquifer, cooling cloths.

For treatment I bought five or six of the silkiest, flowiest blouses from the thrift store, and I would put all my lotions on and then wear those braless for the rest of the day.