HOW TO TREAT RADIATION FIBROSIS SCARRING - Long Term Effects of Radiation & How To Treat It

Radiation Fibrosis Scarring is not typically a condition that people diagnosed with Breast Cancer talk about. This needs to change because from my clinical experience I can tell you that Radiation Fibrosis Scarring can significantly impact your Quality of Life. Unfortunately not many patients are educated about the possibility of this condition occurring and how it will effect them.

Radiation Fibrosis Scarring is a side effect of Radiation Treatment that can occur weeks, months or even years following the completion of Radiation. It involves the scarring (tightening and thickening) of the tissue that has been Radiated (e.g. chest wall, breast, axilla or armpit, supraclavicular fossa).

On a functional level Radiation Fibrosis Scarring can affect people who have had either a Lumpectomy or a Mastectomy. Most commonly women will report Breast Pain or chest wall pain and tension. Activities such as wearing a bra, hugging another person, raising your arm can be painful. The tissue itself can become tender to touch, and have lumps and bumps. As you can imagine new, painful lumps can raise serious alarm bells in the mind of the Breast Cancer survivor.

The good news - treatment techniques to improve this condition are very simple and often very effective. Massage, Mobiderm or Medi Lymph Pads and Education are my main staples of treatment for Radiation Fibrosis Scarring. At the end of this video I also discuss what we can do to potentially change the way we treat Radiation Fibrosis Scarring, so that we are preventative rather than reactive. I strongly believe Radiation Fibrosis Scarring Education and Treatment needs to be a standard part of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.

Remember to SUBSCRIBE, LIKE and COMMENT on the video! I hope you enjoy it and gain some great information! Jen x

LINKS:
Mobiderm

Medi Lymph Pads

RELATED VIDEOS:
How To Reduce Breast Pain After Lumpectomy & Radiation

How To Mastectomy Reduce Scar Pain & Tension

[LisaBeatsCancer]

This is by far way more education than my own Radiation Oncologist has given me. It's ridiculous how little they tell you. Thank you so much Jen. I rely on your channel so much and it gives me great peace of mind. Appreciate you ❤

[kpbiorlz]

Thank you for this. I cried. My radiation team never, NEVER, went over any information afterwards. I always had scary thoughts after any pain from the radiation. Your words hit me so hard.

[jeansmiley]

Thank you for validating a Lumpectomy and radiation treatment as having had Breast Cancer and all the concerns that go with it. I have finished radiation and will begin AI meds in a week or so. Sometimes I feel like because I was fortunate to not have chemotherapy that what I went through wasn't that big of a deal. Cancer is cancer and I feel that you care about that.

[puertoricanlu]

Thank you for educating me on this important issue, that no one else talk about before surgery, radiation

[nancysee]

This is so helpful. I'm in US. 1 week since finished radiation after surgery and chemo. Stage 2 IDC left breast. Fatigue setting in. But your site has saved me from worrying and given me more ways to heal. Thank you. May 2023.

[terrigreen]

OMG. I am almost 12 years out of my cancer. This makes so much sense to the pain my doctor says is just muscle or tissue pain with no further info on fibrosis or way to resolve it. I have not seen oncology till just recentydue to my years of complaints. My female oncologist referred me back, now I am going to have massage therapy, and hope it helps my pain

[ElAnderson-dzft]

This is so helpful. I have an excellent PT. But, I have found every video by JMC to be so incredibly compassionate and helpful. Thank you.

[megand]

You are to be commended for providing such excellent current information, all totally free and with no extra ‘product’ to sell at the end! This Remedial Massage therapist says a big thank you from myself and my clients.😊

[cassandraholdeman]

Jen, thank you for focusing on this frequent post-radiation problem that too few "experts" in the oncology field acknowledge. I've lived for several years with debilitating RFS following a mastectomy with chemo and radiation. Per your advice, I purchased a mobiderm pad and it has helped immensely. Also, I exercise my chest as you've recommended. I'd like to share two things I've discovered on my own that are beneficial: first, I bought online a zip-up binder, a vest-like garment worn by transgender folks, that relieves fibrotic tissue discomfort by supporting the chest through light compression; and second, I apply eucalyptus oil to the scarred area liberally since it loosens the fibrotic tissue. I appreciate your videos very much. Thanks again.

[Carmenmills-cg]

I wish this had been explained to me earlier - i''ve been living with discomfort since early November when my radiation ended

[katrinahammond]

You are such a wonderful source of information, Jen. This is exactly what has happened to me, months after radiation, and I knew something was wrong but had no idea what it was. Great to have it explained articulately and in your reassuring manner. Agree, we need to be educated that this condition is a possibility and that treatment is available. Information overload at the time of diagnosis/surgery etc is a problem, especially when we are feeling so vulnerable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.

[nickyb]

I am so glad I found your channel, the cording stretches help, my hand is still numb while I am typing... I have been in so mucg pain for weeks, my physio therapeut in Germany knows nothing about cording and all the rest.... I have been to the 3rd physio praxis now.... Thank you Jen, you are a life saver. God bless you.x

[wem-cf]

I had three weeks of radiation done and I was blessed with fresh aloe vera from a friend. Every day I brought cut aloe to the radiation place and apply right after the procedure. My mastectomy skin healed beautifully. Even my two plastic surgeons were amazed how supple it is. I started planting aloe vera and gift to patients who can come collect from me for their own use during radiation. Even my radiation oncologist, who is a lovely lady, never talked about care after radiation. I had to educate myself. Massaging the healed radiation area with olive oil is good as well.

[janedelrosso]

Thank you for this information, Jen. It's reassuring to hear this information communicated at the right time in my cancer journey by my Breast Cancer Surgeon's nurse. You are so right when you point out that it can be frustrating and scary to suddenly be presented with these symptoms when I thought I was on the mend and not looking for more problems. I'll be working my way through the rest of your videos to see what else may be in store!

[vickybaxter]

I can't thank you enough for making this video and how you've put my mind at ease. I experienced all the symptoms and worries of the last few minutes of this video about a year after radiation. Obviously I went back to my oncologist thinking the same worry about finding new lumps. He immediately sent me for an ultrasound but thankfully it was recognised as radiation scarring. I have a Personal Trainer now to help with enhancing the shoulder and breast area as I worry about overdoing things or damaging the scarring after my lumpectomy. Exercise afterwards is another thing that is not clearly spoken about apart from the physio exercises to get your shoulder movement back. I have regular MLD massages now to breakdown the scarring and helping with arm movement which helps immensely especially after getting recurring seromas (another subject not overly spoken about). I can't wait to watch your other videos. Thanks again 😊

[jackiewesterlund]

Thank you, Jen, for your video. I learned so much. It's been 7 years since my breast cancer surgery, chemo & radiation. I was never told i have radation fibrosis. I learned so much from your video. Thank you!

[kangarookids]

Thanks for insightful discussion in more obscure problems concerning breast cancer.

[chellic]

I am so glad I found your channel. I wish this information was explained to me when I saw my medical team thinking I was having an recurrence.

[HP-oqgz]

Thank you so much for your video Jen. I had surgery in June 22 and despite having excellent care, radiation fibrosis wasn’t explained clearly to me (or I wasn’t in the right place to absorb the information) Your video has really helped me understand why I’m now getting stiffness and discomfort and how to work with it.

[cynthialesser]

I am beyond grateful and thankful for all the information I never had heard of this or have it explained to me I’m experiencing this now and was frightened and confused Knowledge is power Thank goodness for you!!