2 Years Post Radiation

I am 2 years post radiation for right brast cancer.  I still have really bad soreness of the breast and a very painful spot on the ribs underneath the breast.  I have also developed an area of very dry skin about the size of a quarter on the aureolar area.  I went to the doctor several weeks ago and she gave me some cream to use.  At first it looked like it was getting well, but now it looks worse.  The skin is dry and shiny and peeling off.  What does this sound like?  Is it normal to still be so sore this long after radiation?  The breast is so sore, I can barely stand to have mammograms.  I tried asking my radiation oncologist some of these questions and she never gave me any answers.  I don't know what to do.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Post radiation therapy side effects include skin problems in the treated area, including soreness, itching, peeling, and/or redness. You need to consult your pahysician or radiation oncologist only about this. She is the right person to tell you how severe are the side effects that you are having and what medication do you need to take. In the meantime you could try to wear lose clothes, cool compressus, avoid sun exposure. This should help to an extent. Goodluck.

[itsmegg]

I feel your identical pain.  I'm only eight weeks post radiation and my doc says this is normal.  Now I wonder.  Good thoughts to you.

[sweetpea2345]

I just stsrted my radiation  9 days ago.  Did you get sick at all during your treatment?  I'm being treated for right breast cancer post surgery post chemo,, I'm so tired of all the side effects

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You should consult your oncologist and raditherapist. Usually adjuvant drugs are given simultaneously to counter the side effects of radiotherapy esp antinausea and anti reflux medication and OTC painkillers alongwith vitamin and mineral supplements. That will make it a little more bearable. Discuss the symptoms that you ae having with your doctor, but do not discontinue your treatment except on medical advice.

[Twocapes]

I am almost four years out from breast cancer and radiation and the area still hurts.  All my doctors say this is okay (surgeon, radiation oncologist, and medical oncologist) and may never go away.  I've had a bone scan and all blood work still remains normal.  The skin around the surgical incision is dry and slightly reddened but I am told that I tolerated the radiation well.

[trisha42]

Hi,
I hope you have good success with your treatments.  I think it's different for everyone.  My sister also had radiation and she is having no residual problems.  Oh well...Hang in there.  It will be over before you know it.

[trisha42]

Hi,
I'm sorry to hear about your problems.  I hope that somehow you and I can become healed.  Maybe it will take more time.  I don't know what to do.  I became frustrated with my radiation oncologist and I stopped scheduling appointments.  I had a really rough time with radiation.  I ended up with open sores under my breast and underarm area, but the radiation oncologist would not stop the treatments even after the skin started to break down.  If I had this to do over I don't think I would.  As far as blood work, now I am told that I have MGUS.  I am told that this has to be watched because it can turn into a plasma cell cancer.  I don't know if this has anything to do with the radiation treatments or if this is something I already had -doctors don't know either.  Sometimes this all seems so unreal.  I was perfectly healthy before this treatment started, I have to figure out how to get back to where I was. Take care and try to think positive thoughts.