Today’s guest post comes from WhatNext, a Cancer Support site formed in part with the American Cancer Society ; it is where individuals with cancer can connect with others on a similar path.
If your doctor prescribes radiation after a lumpectomy here are some notes that might help you prepare.
Talk to Your Care Team Ahead of Time
Talk to your care team ahead of time; share your fears and apprehensions before treatment. They are there to take care of you, and they will be able to provide reliable answers on what to expect and how to prepare for what’s to come. Many women rave about the helpfulness and accessibility of their doctors, nurses, and technicians and their willingness to answer questions. Your care team will have insights on your specific treatment and how you can prepare.
Reactions Vary
- Burns on the breast or underarm that look similar to sunburn
- Breast soreness or swelling from fluid build-up
- Larger pores that are more noticeable
- Skin that feels thicker or firmer than before treatment
- Discoloration or darkening of the skin on the treated area
- Soreness in arms or shoulders
- Change in the size of breast (larger due to fluid build-up or smaller due to scar tissue)
- Fatigue
Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best
Since reactions vary so much it might help to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. It is easier to be prepared and scale back last minute than to scale up. Here are some ways that other women planned ahead and took care of themselves before and after radiation treatment.
- Before treatment inquire about the approved lotions and soaps that you may be able to use on your skin; your care team may have free samples. Also, ask when is the best time to apply the lotion to treat burns. Some women found it most helpful to apply creams after treatment and before bed.
- Ask a friend to go to treatment with you. Some women have been able to go to treatment and drive home, but others have felt fatigue directly after treatment and were not comfortable driving themselves home. If you find you don’t need someone that’s okay, it’s easier to cancel last minute than to be stuck without a plan.
- Consider adding thick tank tops or wireless bras to your closet. Some women experienced discomfort from old bras or tight fitting clothing due to skin sensitivity.
- It has helped some women to get their house in order before beginning treatment. If there is not much to do around the house then you may feel like it is easer to take naps and relax if you experience fatigue from treatment.
- If you experienced tiredness or have a busy work schedule talk to your boss ahead of time then take a few weeks off work after treatment finished.
- Be patient and do not try to rush their recovery. The last week of treatment is commonly harder for women compared to the weeks before.
- Some found that using a hair dryer on the cool setting or a handheld fan to dry areas on the breast after applying creams or lotions was soothing.
- If you experience soreness in your arms or shoulders, then ask your doctor what arm exercises you can do to relieve soreness.
- Pamper yourself in ways that help you relax. For example, get a massage or pedicure.
- Make a countdown for inspiration to keep your end goal in mind.
Although reactions of radiation treatment vary for everyone, women have found that by talking to their care team, asking about side effects, and preparing for the worst and hoping for the best has helped them enter treatment feeling more prepared.
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