Breast Cancer Treatment: Radiation Therapy Recovery Overview

For many women diagnosed with breast cancer, radiation therapy is a necessary treatment to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. While radiation therapy is an effective way to treat breast cancer, it can come with its own set of challenges. Most notably, the recovery period after radiation therapy can be difficult to navigate. This article will provide an overview of the recovery process from radiation therapy and what women should expect.

What to Expect After Radiation Therapy

After radiation therapy, it is common for patients to experience the following common side effects:

• skin irritation
• fatigue
• changes in breast tissue

Skin Irritation

Skin irritation is the most common side effect after radiation therapy. The skin can begin showing undesired side effects almost immediately after starting treatment. The following symptoms can occur in varying degrees of severity:

• dryness
• itching
• redness
• peeling
• blisters
• weeping skin

It is important to keep the skin moisturized and to avoid using harsh soaps or lotions. It is also important to stay out of the sun as much as possible to reduce the risk of further irritation. The skin will continue to experience these cumulative effects on the skin until about 2 weeks post treatment. It is recommended to continue keeping the radiated area as hydrated as possible up to a month post treatment. This will allow your skin to really stay hydrated and supple.

When used during the entire course of the radiation treatment, and post treatment, Kwench’d Skin Oil has been shown to greatly reduce and/or completely eliminate this painful side effect all together!

Fatigue

Radiation-induced fatigue is another common side effect of radiation therapy and is characterized by extreme tiredness and lack of energy. It can range from mild to severe and can last for days, weeks, or even months after radiation therapy has been completed.

The exact cause of radiation-induced fatigue is not known, but it is believed to be caused by damage to the cells in the body from the radiation. This damage can cause the body to become fatigued and unable to produce enough energy to perform everyday tasks.

In order to help the body recover it is important to:

• get plenty of rest
• avoid strenuous activities
• stay hydrated
• eat a healthy diet

Changes in Breast Tissue

Radiation therapy can also cause changes in breast tissue. It is not uncommon for women who undergo radiation therapy to experience breast pain or discomfort, particularly during the course of treatment.

Some common symptoms of changes in breast tissue due to radiation therapy include:

• Changes in breast size or shape
• Changes in skin texture, such as redness or thickening
• Breast pain or discomfort
• Lymphedema, or swelling in the affected breast
• Scarring or thickened skin
• Changes to the nipple or areola, such as retraction or flattening.

Getting Support

Recovering from radiation therapy can be a difficult process. It is important to have support from family and friends to make it through. Additionally, it is important to find a support group or counselor who can provide guidance and advice.

Summary

• Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer, but can cause side effects during recovery.
• The most common side effect is skin irritation, which can cause dryness, itching, redness, blisters, and weeping skin.
• Fatigue is another common side effect that can range from mild to severe and last for days, weeks, or months after radiation therapy.
• Changes in breast tissue can occur, including changes in size or shape, texture of the skin, breast pain or discomfort, lymphedema, scarring, and changes to the nipple or areola.
• It is important to have support from family and friends and to find a support group or counselor who can provide guidance and advice during the recovery period.