How will breast look after radiation

[ladysmith105]

I recently had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy, negative.  I am to start radiation next Monday if I don't chicken out.  LOL  I have large breasts 38DDD, and have heard the results are not as good as with smaller breasts.  My original tumor was small .5 x .6 x .8 cm, and at this point my breasts don't look any different in size exactly 5 weeks post surgery.  

Ladies, please let me know your experience, good and bad, it will make me stronger as I face this treatment.

Thank you all, and Be Well

[ladysmith105]

Hi Sue,

Thank you sharing your experience with me.  This site is really priceless.  Even if I know I may encounter serious problems up ahead, the sharing makes it easier.

Be Well

[SueYoung55]

ladysmith,

Radiation does make the breast smaller and firmer, but not a lot. It also changes the coloring of the skin too to some degree.

I used the Biafine at first. Then ordered Jeans Cream off the web and still had horrible burns. My onc had to stop the radiation to my neck area for 6 days to let it heal some and put those treatments back on at the time of the boost.

He wrote me a prescription for sulfa diazine and that treats burns beautifully, but only if you're not allergic to sulfa.

Best wishes

[ladysmith105]

My Oncologist said my breast  will probably be smaller and firmer after radiation, but that was an educated guess.  I will have to wait and see. I have been recommended Biafine cream..

[japdip]

I don't see any reason that your breast would appear any different after Radiation ... the skin of course will be affected somewhat ... but that can be dealt with as your treatment progresses ... as your Oncologist about creams, etc. to use during Rads therapy. All healing of course takes some time.   Regards ...