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Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Whole Breast Radiation VS. Tumor Blasts

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
San Antonio, TX

So all you ladies who had a radiation course treatment that included whole breast radiation and then a targeted tumor bed blast at the end (usually 5 sessions) ... is one worse than the other? Did you have pain and/or other side effects more with one vs the other and how is it different? I have 5 more whole breast treatments before I switch to the 5 tumor blast sessions and I want to know what to expect.

April 9, 2018
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A MyBCTeam Member

I had 4 weeks radiation and boosts every time at the end. Some people had 5 weeks rads and a week of boosts. Mine was like a sunburn and I was really tired at the end. Use the cream they give you twice a day or more.

May 8, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

I had no pain with radiation treatment. My breast is sunburned. I use a lot of Aquaphor. I was tired at the end. I just finished yesterday.

May 26, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

I had 21 treatments of radiation - 16 of the whole breast and five targeted. I had little to no pain during treatment. The most difficult part was after radiation was over when I had pretty severe burns. The radiation oncologist prescribed a prescription, which really helped to heal. I was quite surprised about this side effect since I had not seen it in any literature. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you experience side effects from burns.

April 10, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

So sorry that you have to go through treatment twice. I am on my second year of cancer free. Radiation didn't bother me. The pills I have to take for 5 years, to hopefully prevent the cancer coming again, are what bother me. And because of no estrogen in my body, I have to take a Zometa infusion every six months for my bones. Blessings on you !

September 30, 2018
A MyBCTeam Member

I had 13 of my recommended 26 ,no boosts. I had severe chest pain, pericarditis, & costochonditis, had to stop all RA. I'm feeling a whole lot better now,after almost 9 months in which I've done a lot of alternatives such as acupuncture and ozone treatments. Have a 'suntanned' chest but no burns that causes any discomforts.

Hang in there it will get better even if it takes longer than some

April 30, 2018

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