Proton therapy for breast cancer: What side effects did you have?

Posted by frogjumper @frogjumper, Mar 12, 2023

Could anyone who has had Proton Therapy (PBT) to the breast tell me what side affects they experienced and also the number of treatments they had? Thanks in advance for you input 🙂

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

mugs24cancer | @mugs24cancer | Mar 12, 2023

I did 25 sessions. No side effects other than the “sun burn” to the skin. It was minimized by the plastic like film that Mayo applied. Four years ago the film was not covered by insurance but a 5 week supply was less than $100. I did seem to get a little tired the last week but just took short naps in the afternoon.

cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Mar 13, 2023

In reply to @mugs24cancer "I did 25 sessions. No side effects other than the “sun burn” to the skin. It..." + (show)

did you have 25 sessions of proton or of regular radiation to breast? I thought proton was shorter.

mugs24cancer | @mugs24cancer | Mar 14, 2023

It was 25 treatments of proton beam. That was 4 years ago. I have read where they are doing less days.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 25, 2023

@frogjumper, you might be interested in reading @sheilazejdlik's experiences in this related discussion:
- My experience with proton beam therapy & breast cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/breast-cancer-diagnosis-in-february-2016/

When do you start treatment? How many treatments will you have?

dick61 | @dick61 | Mar 26, 2023

I had 16 treatments at MN Mayo Clinic. Had a moderate sunburn for 5 weeks treated easily with Vanicream. During treatment I felt well and walked long distances every day. Sun burn appeared at end of treatment.

kassie | @kassie | May 28, 2023

I want to follow metastatic breast cancer and be notified about new. activity.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 7, 2023

In reply to @kassie "I want to follow metastatic breast cancer and be notified about new. activity." + (show)

@kassie, you might find this article helpful for setting your notification preferences.
- How to customize your notifications and settings https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/newsfeed-post/how-to-customize-your-notifications-and-settings/

buddyfed30 | @buddyfed30 | Oct 30, 2023

@mugs24cancer, read old post re: townhome rental so joined to chat but I think there is a delay before I can send you a private message. Wondering about cost and availability Nov 13-end of month as I'm heading to Mayo for radiation (initial planning visit today). If I don't hear back I'll watch and message when it allows me to.

dick61 | @dick61 | Oct 31, 2023

I had 16 treatments to breast and under left arm and arm pit (axilla). I had serious sunburn for 5 weeks but using Vanicream twice each day prevented any skin problems. No pain. Then I got quickly better. I was 82 at time of tx. The very best type of radiation. You will get used to facial mask quickly. Mayo in MN is now using 5 treatments in some folks. Good luck!!