I had 16 proton therapy treatments after mastectomy and 6 lymph nodes removed (3 positive) and began feeling some skin burning at the end of 16. Had 5 weeks of very red, hot skin with 3 blisters (easily treated with antibiotic ointment). I used Vanicream twice a day, and it worked very well. No dry or peeling skin, etc. The beauty of proton radiation is that no organs, bones or other body parts are radiated. Week 6 was back to normal except for sunburned skin and some heat radiating from the site. My surgeon and I agreed that she would remove only positive nodes or those suspicious if I would have proton therapy--instead of removing all the lymph nodes and facing the risk of lymphedema. Great bargain.