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Will I get sick from radiation treatments to the breast?

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Topics (Tags):

Radiation Side Effects Breast Breast Cancer Radiation Radiation Treatment Side Effects Cancer

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Radiation Side Effects X Breast X Breast Cancer X Radiation X Radiation Treatment X Side Effects X Cancer X

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Answers (2)

LeonardFarberMD (Physician - Oncology - Radiation (Verified) ) - 08 / 01 / 2011

Radiation therapy to the breast typically does not cause a person to feel sick. Typical side effects on treatment include redness and tanning of the skin, occasional skin irritation and breakdown as new skin epithelializes, and fatigue. If a patient has had prior chemotherapy there is the potential of a drop in blood counts as well.

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KathiKolbPT (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 08 / 03 / 2011

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3 Replies

I am sorry to hear about your experience. It is not typical. A significant lowering of red and white blood counts with radiation alone (no chemotherapy) is also not the norm, nor are fever and upper respiratory tract infections. A close dialogue with a treating radiation oncologist is paramount and it is unfortunate when patients do not have this relationship. Often times, coinciding medical issues, get mis-attributed to certain therapies when assessed by other caregivers. Again, a close relationship and constant interaction between patients and their treating physicians is of utmost importance. Lymphatic related issues can be exacerbated by radiation treatment (depending on whether older or newer techniques were utilized) and are a function of the lymph node dissection. It is important for patients to know that with state-of-the-art care and close relationships with their radiation oncologists that your experience falls into a very extreme category. Respectfully, it is also important to not have patients frightened away from treatment where for the most part, side effects are kept to a minimum, and local control and survival are significantly improved. At our center, patients are seen as often as a patient wants to be seen by their physician. We also employ educational workshops on nutrition, exercise, psychological healing during and after radiation therapy.

I am sorry to hear about your experience.  It is not typical.  A significant lowering of red and white blood counts with radiation alone (no chemotherapy) is also not the norm, nor are fever and upper respiratory tract infections.    A close dialogue with a treating radiation oncologist is paramount and it is unfortunate when patients do not have this relationship.  Often times, coinciding medical issues, get mis-attributed to certain therapies when assessed by other caregivers.  Again, a close relationship and constant interaction between patients and their treating physicians is of utmost importance.  Lymphatic related issues can be exacerbated by radiation treatment (depending on whether older or newer techniques were utilized) and are a function of the lymph node dissection.  It is important for patients to know that with state-of-the-art care and close relationships with their radiation oncologists that your experience falls into a very extreme category.  Respectfully, it is also important to not have patients frightened away from treatment where for the most part, side effects are kept to a minimum, and local control and survival are significantly improved.  At our center, patients are seen as often as a patient wants to be seen by their physician.  We also employ educational workshops on nutrition, exercise, psychological healing during and after radiation therapy.

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LeonardFarberMD
- 08/03/2011

Thanks for reply. Unfortunately, we don't all get treated by you! I was treated by the head of rad onc at a 'comprehensive cancer center.' It wasn't. Got the brush-off & no help. Sadly, this behavior is more prevalent than it should be. I was healthy, energetic, slim, fit, etc. before treatment. Am the poster girl for what can go wrong. Also stubborn, so getting back to 'normal' slowly but surely. ;)

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KathiKolbPT
- 08/03/2011

Oh, by the way, we're already frightened. Most of us deal with it. It's much more frightening to have side effects & problems that no one told you about, albeit rare but possible, than it is to have some kind of warning beforehand. I spent months having to find out what was wrong by myself, with no acknowledgement or help from cancer docs. Grateful for fabulous PCP who knew I wasn't nuts & other docs conducting a research study on CRF at a cancer center in nearby state that I was able to participate in. Hard lessons. No money-back guarantee on lack of thoroughness/informed consent/follow-up care.

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KathiKolbPT
- 08/03/2011

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Latest Activity: 08 / 03 / 2011
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