What happens after breast cancer radiation?
Long-term effects of radiation therapy. Some survivors experience breathlessness, a dry cough, and/or chest pain 2 to 3 months after finishing radiation therapy. That is because radiation therapy can cause swelling and a hardening or thickening of the lungs called fibrosis.
How long do the side effects of radiotherapy for breast cancer last?
Radiotherapy can cause side effects in the area of your body that is being treated. You may also have some general side effects, such as feeling tired. After treatment finishes, it may be 1 to 2 weeks before side effects start getting better. After this, most side effects usually slowly go away.
What are the three main adverse effects of radiotherapy?
Treatment Areas and Possible Side Effects
- Fatigue.
- Hair loss.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Skin changes.
- Headache.
- Blurry vision.
Do you lose weight during radiation treatment for breast cancer?
Most cancer patients lose weight during treatment, though certain therapies — particularly those for hormone-driven malignancies such as breast and prostate cancers — can trigger weight gain.
Does breast radiation make you sick?
Nausea is rare with radiation therapy to the breast. You won’t lose the hair on your head. However, you may lose some hair under your arm or on the breast or chest area getting radiation (this may be a concern for some men with breast cancer).
How long will my breast hurt after radiation?
Your breast or chest area may appear swollen and feel uncomfortable. This usually settles within a few weeks after treatment. If it continues after this time, talk to your specialist or breast care nurse as you may need to be seen and assessed by a lymphoedema specialist.
Can I drive myself to radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is usually given on an outpatient basis. Most patients will feel well enough to drive themselves. If you are not feeling well, arrange for a family member, friend, or neighbor to drive you.
What are the most common breast cancer radiation side effects?
The most common side effects experienced during a course of breast radiation therapy are fatigue , which is usually mild, and skin coloration changes such as redness, tanning, or darkening of the skin in the radiation field, similar to a sunburn. Radiation therapy is local, focused treatment so you will not feel sick, nauseous, or lose your hair.
What is radiation therapy best for breast cancer?
Conformal Radiation.
How does radiation work to fight breast cancer?
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It affects cells only in the part of the body that is treated with the radiation. Breast cancer radiation therapy may be used to destroy any remaining mutated cells that remain in the breast or armpit area after surgery.
What is the best kind of radiation for breast cancer?
External beam radiation is the most common kind of radiation treatment for breast cancer. It’s a painless treatment, like getting an X-ray. A doctor will place a machine on the outside of your body and aim the radiation beams at the area of the cancer.