How long does it take to recover from radiation for breast cancer?
It often takes 3 to 4 weeks for skin reactions to heal. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your radiation oncologist or nurse.
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 after radiation Do you have side effects?
Reactions to the radiation therapy often start during the second or third week of treatment. Or, they may last for several weeks after the final treatment. Some side effects may be long term. Talk with your treatment team about what to expect.
How long does fatigue last after radiation treatment for breast cancer?
Radiation can give you fatigue that gets worse over time (called cumulative fatigue). It usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks after your treatment stops, but it can continue for up to 3 months.
Is breast pain common after radiation?
Surgery and radiotherapy are thought to cause acute and chronic breast pain, tenderness, and shoulder impairments in up to 50% of patients who complete breast-conserving therapy (56,128-132).
Will I ever feel normal again after breast cancer?
Most patients, I think, cannot live up to this standard and take time out during treatment. Some feel pretty normal after a year. Some might take two years. Yet others might battle chronic treatment side effects and never feel quite normal again.
Is your immune system low after radiotherapy?
Radiation therapy can potentially affect your immune system, especially if a significant amount of bone marrow is being irradiated because of its role in creating white blood cells. However, this doesn’t typically suppress the immune system enough to make you more susceptible to infections.
Can radiation after breast cancer do damage to other organs?
While radiation is highly effective at killing any lingering cancer cells in or around the breasts, it can also do damage to the lungs and the heart, especially if the left breast is being treated.
What are the risks of breast cancer radiation?
Radiation therapy for breast cancer can result in shrinking of breast tissue and changes in skin appearance. Radiation may cause scar tissue buildup which results in the breast feeling hard. Shrinkage of breast tissue is one of the more common breast cancer radiation side effects.
What are the long term effects of radiation?
Long-term side effects of radiation can include. persistent dry mouth/throat. swallowing dysfunction. increased risk of cavities or complications after dental procedures. stiffness or tanning of irradiated tissues. spinal cord or nerve damage – very rare. low thyroid.
How to ease the side effects of breast cancer treatment?
Managing nausea during breast cancer treatment.