Starting radiation October 2025? Let's support each other!
Are you scheduled to start radiation soon? Let's make a space where we can encourage each other who are traveling radiation road together — share experiences, get tips, ask questions and get answers from those who've "been there."
We encourage you to share your diagnosis, any previous treatment you've had, and your scheduled start date along with your radiation schedule.
To help you get started in preparation for your treatment, check out the List of What to Do/Get/Pack to Prep for Radiation Therapy. And, there's lots of great information on our site's Radiation Therapy section, including types of radiation, what to expect, questions to ask, and how to manage (or prevent) any side effects.
If you need more support, consider joining our Virtual Support Groups for those going through treatment — and beyond!
We're all here for you and look forward to supporting you!
—The Mods
Comments
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Hi there,
My simulation appt is tomorrow, with partial breast radiation scheduled to start the 21st.
I had a lumpectomy with SLNB in August for IDC w/ DCIS, stage 1, grade 1, ER/PR+, HER2-. I started Tamoxifen last week.
Currently dealing with cording so fingers crossed radiation doesn’t cause any other issues so I can start PT after radiation and get my full range of motion back in my arm.
Sending good vibes to anyone else on the radiation path this month. ❤️1 -
I have my first radiation treatment on Oct 20th. Any info/recommendations on what I should do the day before and what I can expect that day would be appreciated.. Thanks
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Seems like most of the people on this site are busy sharing recipies and pictures of trips, aka living their lives, which is a good thing, to respond to posts so as someone who is also starting radiation this month I hope we both have an easy time of it and that it will truly help do away with the chances of reoccurrence of this horrible disease. If I may ask, do you know how many treatments you are getting and are you doing whole or partial breast? I had hoped for a quick five and partial but my radiologist recommended 20 and whole. The idea of having to do this every day for four weeks is freaking me out some. How are you doing?
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Hi everyone! I just finished a week ago, and wanted to drop in to offer a word of encouragement. You got this! Going every single day can be a drag, but the time passed quickly for me.
As for being ready, there's nothing special that you need to do. Each rad onc has different protocols including what deodorant you can wear, so that's a question to ask. They'll give you instructions on how to care for your skin. Fatigue is definitely a side effect most feel, but that might not kick in until several days or even a few weeks after you start rads.
Happy to answer questions if you have them!
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Hi everyone, sjust had lumpectomy, supposed to be starting radiation end of oct/early nov—any suggestions for powder to use if allergic to cornstarch?
super-sensitive skin, lots of contact allergy issues. thanks
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I had very few side effects from radiation. I was a little more tired than usual, but still got out for my walk every single morning,
I had a little redness with radiation but no major skin irritation. I used calendula cream a couple times a day and used aquafor at bedtime. My oncologists office also gave me a prescription cream to apply once a day & they found that really helped prevent skin irritation. You are not supposed to apply anything 4 hours before your treatment. I applied Calendula as soon as I was done, before getting dressed.
I read on here to started using the calendula cream 2 weeks before you start rads- so I put that on once a day.
My radiation oncologist office gave me a bunch of samples of different things to try. I really liked the calendula cream and repeatedly saw that recommended on here.
Good luck to everyone starting radiation this month and hope it goes smoothly.
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Hi @july31 I hope you’re doing well! I start partial breast tomorrow. It was a long wait for a plan as I have very dense tissue with scarring from previous procedures. I’m grateful they were able to do partial. I agree it will be driving to the center every day would be tiring itself. I plan to do something nice for myself as I go, like get some flowers or a treat. Just something to throw a positive spin on this whole thing. It’s been a long road. Good luck to you! ❤️
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Hi @kks_11 and @ann5631 thanks for the insight and word of encouragement. Glad you are both doing well after your treatments! I’ve heard good things about calendula, it was on the list of approved lotions from my rad onc. I’ve been using emu oil (a gift from a friend) and Eucerin daily for the last 2 weeks to prepare my skin. @cat_guardian you may have to ask about lotions your rad onc approves.
Ready to get this step in the journey done. ❤️
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thanks y'all! Hope you're all still doing well. I'm very curious as to the process and looking forward to moving forward. I was happy to hear that a former co-worker has recently seen the same rad oncologist as I'll be seeing and really like her. (Kaiser in Oregon>)
would anyone care to post the brand of calendula cream you're using? I bought a tub of Boiron brank because it's a good first aid cream even if it turns out not to be the recommended brand.
good luck everyone!
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Thank you for starting this thread, I am to start my radiation treatments in November. I was intially going to receive 15 treatments (with my reconstruction and expander), but I ended up needing a Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction and the rad on doesn't know how the Flap will react to radiation so he recommended 25 treatments instead, but the radiation center is so far from my house, and ultimately he said its my body my choice so wondering if anyone else had experience receiving radiation with a Latissimus Dorsi Flap? Thanks so much
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