Swelling may also occur in the breast, chest or back. Lymphedema is a condition in which fluid collects in the arm or hand, causing it to swell. You may also have mild tanning of the skin where the breast was treated, or red discoloration, especially around the surgical scar(s). Over time, your breast may feel firmer or it may become smaller or larger. Long-term side effects Breast and skin changes Talk with your health care provider if you’re fatigued or have insomnia (problems sleeping). Getting a good night’s sleep is also important. Regular exercise, even just walking for 20 minutes every day, may help reduce fatigue. You may feel like you don’t have any energy and may feel tired all the time. Fatigueįatigue is common during radiation therapy and may last for several weeks after treatment ends.įatigue is mainly a short-term problem, but for some, it can persist. Learn about long-term skin changes due to radiation therapy. Learn more about easing pain related to radiation therapy. They can give you creams and pads to make the area more comfortable until it heals. If this occurs, let your radiation team know. It’s most common in the skin folds and the underside of the breast. Sometimes the skin peels further and the area becomes tender and sensitive. Your health care provider may suggest special creams to ease this discomfort. Sometimes the skin may peel, as if sunburned. The treated breast may also be rough to the touch, red (like a sunburn), swollen and itchy. Talk with your health care provider about using mild pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease breast tenderness. Pain and skin changesĭuring and just after radiation therapy, your treated breast may be sore. They may be able to recommend things, such as creams, to lessen the side effects. Let your radiation oncologist or nurse know how the sessions are making you feel. Once radiation therapy ends, short-term side effects will mostly go away within 2 weeks. Most often, side effects from radiation therapy begin within a few weeks after starting treatment. You will not pose any radiation risk to your family or your pets. You will not be radioactive when you leave the radiation treatment center after any standard radiation therapy session. Learn about healthy ways to cope with stress. Learn more about support groups and other types of social support. Your health care provider may be able to suggest a hospital social worker, patient navigator, psychologist or support group to help ease anxiety related to radiation therapy (or breast cancer). Talk with your health care provider about your concerns. It’s normal to worry about possible side effects of radiation therapy. Others may not occur until months or even years later.īefore you begin radiation therapy, talk with your health care provider about possible side effects and how to manage them. Radiation therapy to the breast can cause side effects.
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