Damned if you do................

After completing radiation on my right breast in 2013 with very little side effects I assumed, wrongly,that my second time, now on my left breast would be a breeze.
I expected the burns and blisters and the tiredness, that was all just a part of having radiation. This time around though my side effects were much worse than the first time. I found myself feeling very tired immediately after having radiation, I found it hard to keep my eyes open sometimes whilst still driving home. I couldn't rest or sleep as much as my body wanted me to and it was months before I got some energy back.
What I wasn't expecting was damage to my esophagus. I now have reflux. I have had episodes where I get excruciating pain in my chest. I can't swallow without pain, not even fluid. My doctor calls it spasms in the esophagus, caused by the radiation. I've just had a gastroscopy, a camera down the throat, to see how much damage has been caused to my esophagus. I will get those results in a few weeks.

This is just another side effect of breast cancer. Does it ever end?

Radiation Treatment

Radiation can reduce breast cancer recurrence by up to 70% — but it can also have unfortunate side effects. This is because it damages healthy cells while it’s zapping cancerous cells. It’s common to be nervous or scared of what may happen to your skin during this type of therapy, so we’re here to break it down.

The side effects tend to gradually appear a couple weeks after the treatment has started, and can last for up to six months after it has ended. The severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person, especially when you factor in how many weeks the therapy is required. In some cases, the onset of side effects won’t occur until months or even years after treatment, but this is fairly rare.
What Are The Side Effects Of Radiation Therapy?

The most common effects include damage to skin (like sensitivity, skin weepiness, burning, dryness, blisters, peeling, and itchiness) and fatigue that won’t improve with rest. Less common effects include heart problems, lung problems, low white blood cell count, and lymphoedema. In extremely rare cases, radiation can lead to a secondary cancer, like sarcoma (cancer of the connective tissues).
Your breasts may change slightly in size (due to fluid build-up or scar tissue), the skin may appear thicker, your pores may be more noticeable, and your skin may even become darker in the treated area. In addition, your changed body image will definitely take some getting used to, and then there are other emotional side effects like fear and anxiety that come from not knowing the outcome of your treatment.

Many people will not experience severe symptoms, so don’t fret: just be prepared. Since radiation therapy can seem overwhelming and scary, we’ve included a list of items that will help you get through your weeks of treatment.

Tips To Stay As Comfortable As Possible:

Wear loose clothing
Try not to wear a bra if areas are raw, try a sports bra.
The treated area will be more susceptible to sunburn than the rest of your skin, so be sure to use sunscreen.
Use warm water in the shower
When you wash the area, use only water and mild soap, eg dove.
Balance activity with plenty of rest.
Sweat can irritate the affected area.
Stay hydrated, water is crucial.

source-the breast cancer site

Radiation Round 2

I started radiation on Monday. At the same hospital that I was treated last time. I had my daughter at home because she was unwell so I had to take her with me. It's has only been two years since I had radiation but I've already noticed a few changes in that short time. Some are good and some well....

1. Two years ago the only time I saw the rad nurses was when I started developing blisters from the radiation, about three quarters of the way through. I was treated with lots of creams and bandaging.
This time on my very first day I was taken to meet with the rad nurses for education. I was given cream and information. I had another appointment today but I was allowed to skip this one. Apparently, I will see the rads nurses every week and they will keep check of my burns etc.


2. The radiation section has had a large extension added, with I think two new bays for radiation. The waiting areas inside have improved and there are more of them. Overall, the radiation section is looking really good.



3.So far, as soon as I have sat down to wait I have been called in. I've noticed that compared to last time, two years ago, that the place is almost deserted. Two years ago it was so busy there that you had to always sit near someone else. Now, the waiting room is empty bar 2 or 3 other people. That would be a good thing, a sign that less people in the area are needing radiation right now, only that I have also noticed that there are not nearly as many staff members as there once was. In fact I have only seen one or two machines operating and no more than 5 staff. Sadly, I think it's quite possible that the waiting lists will get longer because staff have been cut.


4. Now part of this is kind of funny. Two years ago I would go to reception , sit in the waiting room,and a nurse would come out and call my name. We would then go to my machine. Yesterday, the receptionist handed me one of those restaurant/club style beepers. The ones that go off when your meal is ready. I didn't know what it was for. When I asked the receptionist what it was for she told me to sit down and wait for it to beep then return it to her. I thought, how strange. As soon as I sat down it went off so I returned it to reception and asked her now what do I do. She said go through to my radiation bay.
I guess that there is another reason why there are less staff. They have been replaced by these beepers.

Radiation

First radiation treatment today. I had forgotten how tired I would feel afterwards. The treatment itself was fine, it took about ten minutes,but the tiredness has hit me almost immediately this time. I met with the rads nurses who gave me a list of possible side effects. This time around I will see a nurse every week to check on my burns. Today I was given some sorbolene cream to use everyday. The joys of breast cancer treatment.