Question on Radiation Post Surgery

I had no burning, redness, or rash. I had hypofractionalized partial breast radiation, lower outer quadrant. One thing to compare is the total rads you’ll receive. I had 600 cGy each day, 5 consecutive days, total 3000 cGy.

@triciaot , thank you. Did you feel okay or very tried during radiation?

I did have fatigue in the weeks after the radiation. I don’t remember feeling very tired the week of radiation - I think I was just coping with everything that had been happening. My weight stayed fairly low without trying, perhaps from the energy being used to heal. It’s hard to say how long the fatigue lasted because I started 20 mg tamoxifen 3 weeks after radiation. About 6 weeks into tamoxifen I was dealing with brain fog that stole my motivation to engage in activities. That got better with a lower dose.

The whole experience felt like being swept along a path, and I had some control making choices as needed, but all along being propelled along the path. I look back now, and think wow, that was a lot - but at the time it was just taking care of what needed to be done next.

I had no burning, redness, or any topical side effects with the 5 day treatment course which was spread over 10 days. I did apply a heavy lotion (name??) which was formulated by a nurse to my breast each day after treatment and at night before bed. I felt some weird deep bone pain in my spine for a few days which made me a little fatigued but nothing bad. I’m on tamoxifen now and no side effects so far at 6 weeks.
Best of luck. Everyone responds a little differently so if you do have side effects be sure to tell your radiation team.