Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer: What to Expect and All You Need to Know

What should you expect from radiation therapy for breast cancer? Who gets radiation therapy? When is it given? What are the possible side effects of radiation therapy? In this video, Dr. Jennifer Griggs explains everything you need to know about radiation therapy for breast cancer.

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Disclaimer: Yerbba YouTube videos are for informational purposes only, do not constitute medical advice, and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical team, mental health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

[nonyabiness]

I had radiation last time I had breast cancer. Everyday for 7 weeks. One good side effect…it permanently removed all armpit hair. I never have to shave my underarms. Gotta find the silver lining 👌🏽✨

[TBird]

I'm glad I came across this video as I'm just starting my journey not only did I find the video helpful/ calming but reading the comments makes me feel more at easy and know that I can do this as this for me is very scary I try to keep up beat and not cry as much but sometimes the water works just comes out of nowhere . I pray that we all can recover and rid our bodies from cancer.

[BubbleBurster-nvvl]

I just finished up radiation therapy - 20 days - 16 days at one dosage and 4 "boost" days at a higher dosage. The 16 days were about 2-3 minutes and the "boost" days (higher dosage) were about 1 minute - very quick. The therapy itself is painless. You feel nothing when being radiated. You just hear a buzz noise from the machine and in my situation sometimes the table tilted. There was never a fear of falling off or anything like that.

I was borderline since I am petite and small busted but my oncologist allowed me to receive the radiation FACE DOWN rather than laying on my back and FACE UP with your arms extended back. There was a cut out on the table for my left breast to be face down. It was an easier position and my organs - heart and lungs were more protected with the targeted radiation. I was tattooed only on my back - a small dot (a dot the size of a fine pen point) to align my position and make it exact each time. Lasers are used for alignment, coming from the left and from the right. Sometimes washable markers were used. It washed off easily. It's amazing how they can align you perfectly each time. Alignment was quick and easy They let me see what they saw when doing my radiation. It was really interesting.


It was tiring but what helped me was, after getting home from therapy was, I'd go out for a walk - 15 minutes or more. I felt better and for me, being outdoors is relaxing. We have a woods near by - it's at the end of our backyard. We have deer, foxes and other animals to observe and enjoy and sometimes I'd walk back to the creek and see the fish etc.. Other times I'd just take a walk around the neighborhood and still see wildlife. I enjoy nature so this was distracting and soothing. It also helped with keeping a normal sleep schedule.

I am also a Keto/Mediterranean dieter. I am very picky about what I eat. No sugar. No carbs - grain, wheat, flour ... I eat eggs, meat - steak and seafood - especially Salmon and lots of cruciferous vegetables. I think a clean diet makes a difference too. Avoid processed foods, junk food and snacking!

[vdquery]

Just finished 20 treatments for stage 1, node negative breast cancer after my lumpectomy. Had some redness and and sensitive nipple but three weeks later I'm doing well. The staff was wonderful. Not much fatigue.

[currypowder]

I am just getting started on my journey, had lumpectomy last Friday, triple positive cancer. These videos are very helpful while I am very happy with my physician team and feel they are taking care of me. Sometimes your just too upset to remember what you are being told.

[Mariegilbert]

Had 23 rounds. Being pale was a benefit. Never had skin issues but I sympathize with those who do as they can be awful. The fatigue is so personally dependent. I had none but others do. Being active helps!!

[deborahdyck]

I finished radiation, 16 rounds last Thursday! I am so red and sore, trying to air out! Love watching your videos ! I’m from Toronto Canada!

[Itzkem]

I was just diagnosed with Paget's disease of the nipple and having surgery in 3.5 weeks. I will get 20 radiation treatments afterwards. This is the only video I have watched on the radiation. I found it informative and it gave me realistic expectations. Thank you.

[ChocTigress]

I had my first diagnosis of DCIS in 2010, had skin and nipple sparing mastectomy and 8 courses of chemotherapy. Then a reconstruction. It was diagnosed again by annual MRI in August so the biopsy in the same breast, under the nipple, removed the cancer and had clear margins. So had 20 radiation therapy appointments that I finished yesterday.

[juaquiene]

Might want to take care to find a couple bras that don't rise up to far on the sides ( under armpits ) as your skin is fragile and sensitive. The rubbing caused open wounds in my armpit. Rubbing on bag balm really helped the condition. Yes Bag Balm is what a Vet would perscribe when your dairy cow has sore teats. Works good on people too

[carolinaburkholder]

Amazing!! As always!! I am battling breast cancer and her videos though me A LOT!! Thank you SO MUCH!

[oluwafunmilayo]

Thank you, Doc. Your videos have been of tremendous help to me.
I just completed my 5 weeks radiotheraphy last week after 10 rounds of chemotherapy and surgery. But had some peeling at the armpit and on the stitches to my chest. I was given Dermazin to apply on the spot. Also, my chest skin is so darkened now to the neck.
For Lagos, Nigeria.

[carolbraswell]

This was very helpful. I have to do radiation after my chemo. Thank you for all the good information and all of your videos as well! ❤

[fitou]

Thanks this has helped my understanding around this treatment

[nkgjcou]

Thanks for your informative videos. Helpful.

[naththomas]

Thank you for your educational information.

[liranoronha]

Thank you for your video, very informative.

[shathaomar]

The fatigue is acutally what annoying me. Slight itching and burining of the skin. I just want to sleep. I try to go out or cook and clean my home but its not easy. Tomorrow is my last radiotherapy session and hope things will get better after that. I have a lot of work and I am very worried that this fatigue may last long😢

[rowena]

I'll start my radiotherapy tomorrow.i don't know what to expect. I'm a bit nervous.😢

[sherriclark]

Stage 3 breast cancer 4 mo of chemo n 40 days of radiation.had tissue expander s removed due to a infection in my chest wall .I won't go through it again .I'm done 👍.my bones hurt stomach hurts feels like my insides got cooked.