What is breast radiation like and what side effects should I expect?

I just finished my 5 radiation treatments on Wednesday June 10th. I am very fair skinned being blond blue eyed and have had skin cancer. I notice no sunburn and am so surprised! I do not have any fatigue and actually feel pretty great so far. For this I am very grateful since my first grandchild I getting married in July 5th and I am doing the table flower decorations for the reception. So I pray that this continues and I pray that you have the same outcome that I have had. I will be praying for you.

@triciaot
Thank you for your information.
I am scheduled to start my radiation next week, with CT simulation first, then the 5 consecutive days the following week. My Radiation Oncologist did not mention every other day, or other option on when the 5 treatments would take place. Was your radiation at Mayo? I read in one of their articles that they are doing 3 radiation treatments after a small lumpectomy for older women. Any one else hear about this?
Hugs and prayers to all of us going through our breast cancer journey. Thanks, Suzanne

Hello @jules2026,jules2026 ..
it’s nice to hear from you! I was at Mayo back in 2013 for my first breast surgery, atypia, clear margins, the beat surgeon!
This time I had my surgery 5 weeks ago on the other breast, at MD Anderson in Houston. Great experience also. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, 7mm in size, Stage Ia, ER+, PR+, HER2- and clear margins.
I am not sure what my daily or total dosage will be on my 5 consecutive days of radiation, but will ask that question this evening on the MyChart. I would like to only do 3 days instead of 5 if that would be possible. My Breast Oncologist is suggesting 5 years of Letrozole. If you see Dr. Tina Hieken at Mayo next week, please tell her Suzanne from Texas says hello. Prayers and hugs for you that your treatment goes well.
Thanks for the note, Suzanne

In reply to @triciaot, I had radiation 5 days for 5 weeks with a total of 3000 (something, I can't remember). I didn't get any burns or irritation, I just got a tan with funky tan lines. When I went for mine they asked me if I burn easily or tan and I tan, so I believe that is why I had no issues. The question about "If I get sunburns or tans" was a telling question, once I had that answer I wasn't as nervous.

-My room was always chilly. If your room is also chilly you can ask for warmed blanket.

@texashummingbird , I will start my treatment next week at Mayo too, for 3 consecutive days. I had a lumpectomy 4 weeks ago, DCIS, 8mm, clear margin. My total does is 21.9 Gy. What is yours?
Hugs and prayers that everything will go well.

@texashummingbird I was at MD Anderson, had radiation therapy using VMAT (volume modulated arc therapy) where the radiation moves in 360 arc, guided by CT. I did the breath controlled where the beam only started when I had inhaled enough air. The radiation was laid out in what looked like concentric ovals with the center getting the most radiation.

Questions I would ask:
-Will the consecutive sessions increase the risk of cell damage (internal not the external skin). Ask: Would you be surprised if I had no hardening of tissue one year from now?
-Is the everyday treatment for the clinics benefit or for you the patient?
-How much cGy will I get each day? (I had 600 cGy, high in today's standards)
-Do you expect the area being radiated will include areas that have lymph vascular system? If so, do you expect that there will be fluid retention? Temporary? If so, will I have follow up care to help me know whether I should apply compression and how much?

The reason I suggest these questions: daily radiation if at a high enough level has the potential to cause more long term damage to the internal tissue.
Asking if he would be surprised about your outcomes means he needs to focus on your specific issues and not just answer with a population-based statistic.
It seems evident to me that a part of my lymph system, not the nodes, don’t work as well, Causing swelling. But my radiation was between 6:00 and 9:00 at the outer area of my right breast - where there are lymph branches. Your target area would be different from mine. Knowing what to look for based on the tx you’re given helps you to know when to bring up a potential problem.
Getting good follow up care is important - I think I didn’t convey my concern well enough, my breast did have some swelling, and it was flushed pink with underlying blood vessels near the skin. I discussed that with them. What I did was loosen the surgical bra a little - no pink! But I ended up with a seroma which may have been because I loosened up the bra. I do not have lymphadema, but I do have a seroma that keeps the breast sitting up a bit - other breast is softening more due to age. But still, they are pretty closely matched, with the nipple at the same level on each side.

BTW, I’m also in Texas, north of Austin. I drive to Houston for tx.

@triciaot

Good morning, my first CT Simulation was rescheduled for tomorrow, 6/18 due to the flooding in Houston earlier this week. Just found out MDA will be giving me 520 cgy each day for 5 straight days, total dose of 2600 cgy. Still a bit nervous with the radiation, but we will see. Hope you are doing well. Hugs,
Suzanne