Radiation Therapy Pain During Breast Cancer: How to Manage & What to Expect 

Thank you, Dr. Griggs, for your continuous support for breast cancer (health) and awareness.

I have three more sessions of Radiation Therapy to go. My specific therapy was Hypofractionated at 42 Gy for a total of 16 days. I've been very lucky to not have skin changes thus far, however, I do have a small blister that developed on the areola of my nipple along with hypersensitivity of the nipple itself - nothing too painful. Of course I had the Radiation Oncologist look at it and he felt that it was nothing to worry about. I all I can say to anyone who will be going through this - use the Ointments, Creams or anything that is recommended to you by your Radiation team faithfully! I applied it three times a day without fail with good results.

I was so lucky not to have any burn at all. I got a little pink, but that's it. Chemo on the other hand, was brutal for me.

Thanks so much , thats exactly what happened to me , my skin was a mess but it recovered after a week , no pain now just some discoloration . Not a big deal . However after 2 months now muscles of chest area still tighten if I missed 1 day of stretching exercise.

Thank you for your videos. I'm 8 months post surgery; lumpectomy, SNB (8 lymph nodes removed, 1 positive) and experienced extreme pain on 1/5. I followed-up with my surgeon who moved up my next scheduled mammogram and radiation oncologist who ordered a MRI and CT scan. I've also been experiencing numbness in my arms to fingertips. I knew I would experience aches/pains/zings and twinges but WOW this hurt. I am seeing PT, again, for weakness on my left-cancer side.

I wish I had a heads up about the longer-term side effects after radiation. Thankfully, there’s a lot that can be done to address this and the despite the fibrosis I would do radiation again given the upside of reducing recurrence. Thx for your videos!

I had no pain, no skin issues during and after radiotherapy. I had if for 3 weeks, every day. What I am experiencing this days - 3, 4 months after it - is thightness, hardness , stiffness of the area- chest wall, arm, shoulder. Like it wouldn’t be part of my body anymore but hard wooden plank. I’m doing exercises, massages, Pilates ,I use cupping but I don’t really see any improvement 😞 maybe I need more time, maybe it will never be what it was before cancer, chemo, mastectomy and radiation? I don’t know 🤷🏻‍♀️

Had rad left side collar bone under arm etc. And a few boosts. Had very bad skin reaction but it healed. Was prescribed Silvadene and in 2 to 3 weeks skin sloughing began to heal. Tough treatment but so worth it.

Thankyou so much for the advice, I have radio treatment in the spring - very informative 👍🏻

Radiation was no fun... I did burn but not till the end of treatment & it was controlled by using CLEAR aloe. I'm not 100% but I believe I did so well limiting my burns to only showering every other day (sponge bath instead), I tried to keep the area as dry as possible (not easy during the summer months) but limiting the amount of water on my Radiation area I still believe is what kept me from having severe burn issues.

Could you do a video on radiation fibrosis therapy. I only experienced a bit of the “sunburn” pain but have a lot of pain and tightness months after the radiation

Some time has passed for me now. Approximately a year. Have had issues with my armpit. From a long lingering seroma. To developing an abscess. Which required weeks of daily treatment.. Even with that healed now. I have a weird spot of mild but prosistant pain. I struggle to come to terms. With what is my new normal? Even my poor breast after a terrible lumpectomy is left with weird bulges. The surgeon sliced through my nipple and put in stitches so tight. My nipple is constantly stimulated. It points upward at an unatural angle. It feeaks me out. I do my best to ignore what I been left with. This I feel is something a woman should be warned about. Before surgery. Your contours are forever changed. Lumps and bumps that sure are alarming but this is the new you. Nerve damage that can be permanent. I feel counselling should be in place to forewarn and prepare a woman. But no, your told nothing. Find things out after the fact. Chemo & radiation can certainly cause changes in your body. That can go on forever.

pain existed for short period towards the last week of the 5-weeks long radiation. They are not comfortable but manageable, with light medication. However I just had implants exchange surgery, and my radiated side is feeling stiffer and tighter. Surgeon said it is common for areas that have been radiated. Hope this is not permanent and will loosen up over time.

My pain was 10+++ due to severe burns in the collarbone area of my chest. 4 weeks since my last treatment and still oozing in one area.

How about long term fibrosis? What do I have to expect?

I am thinking about taking radiation but I’m concerned about the effects it has on my white blood platelets being that they are already smaller than they should be. Please let me know your thoughts on this issue. Thanking you in advance. Aljetta B.

What about pain from fluid pockets. Will the fluid drain away on its own?

Can you have radiation done in the same spot twice?

Hi , I am feeling pain in my bones after six months of radiation. Pls suggest, What should I do

Thanks for the video. My mom-in-law is Stage 1 breast cancer, and the doctor is suggesting either “mastectomy without radiation therapy”, OR “Lumptectomy but with radiation therapy”… The issue is that she is a diabetic, and worried that if she does radiation therapy that her burns might not heal as quickly as normal non-diabetic people. We are confused which option is preferable. What would you suggest?

Can you be given Radiation in the same breast in the same spot twice? Why? Why not? Thank you!