Regarding the side effects of radiation , I have only had 5 rounds and YES almost immediately I felt stiffness in arm as if I to had pulled a muscle . It almost feels like right after I had my mastectomy . So to help with it I started my stretches again and it has helped to relive the stiffness and tightness that I also feel across my chest area. As for the rash I hear that is a possibility ( maybe also reaction to lotion/ cream your using) . I am using a homeopathic lotion called Calendula , was recommended by my radiologist. As for the sore and itchy throat I have heard that this is very common with radiation. Shortness of breath or fatigue? Unsure about the shortness of breath but most def there is additional fatigue. So all in all seems you are experiencing side effects .

@A MyBCTeam Member When they told me that they were going to be radiating 13 different fields, I kept asking over and over, you're definitely doing both armpits, right? Not ever having to shave either armpit after this ordeal is my take away prize! .... It's the little things!

I am three months out from completing my radiation post chemo. I experienced all of what you described. The SOB improved significantly, but I still have periods of fatigue. The most troublesome issue is that I have suffered a significant change in to my voice. All the Docs, Rad, Onc and PS are puzzled as they say the radiation should not have caused such. My voice sounds weak, and labored. My Onc did say that the effects of chemo on my GI system may have damaged my vocal cords. There is no pain just a softer, weaker version. Kind like a laryngitis. Hope this helps you some. Gentle hugs.

Hi Marianne, I had exactly the side effects you are describing. The rash was so itchy, and I used the lotion as directed, but it didn't give a lot of relief. The muscle soreness, too, was unexpected and actually worse than after my lumpectomy. Hardest part was the fatigue and shortness of breath, I couldn't believe how hard it was to get through. My rad nurse kept telling me to think of it as a marathon. My advice to you: eat right, rest as much as you can, drink plenty of water and give yourself a break, you are going through a very difficult time and treatment.

Sore, scratchy throat and voice changes are normal, mine went away once done. Shortness of breath, common but mention to your oncologist. I went through a bunch of tests and by the end of testing my shortness of breath has basically went away! But mine started more at the end/after radiation. Stiffness/sore is very common. I had awesome range of motion after my masectomey but rafiation changes your skin and now I am in pt. make sure to ask your ps or oncologist to get you into pt. radiation can cause radiation nueropathy, it irratates your nerves. Fatigue was worse the last 2 weeks and about 2 weeks afterwards, but slowly gets better. You are almost done, side effects suck, but they lessen! Good luck, you will get through it!