🌟 May 2026 Radiation Roll Call — Come As You Are, We’re Right Here With You 🌟

moderators

If radiation is part of your plan this May, we’d love for you to join in here. ☀️

This isn’t just a check-in—it’s a place to connect with others who understand the routine, the build-up, the questions, and the quiet strength it takes to show up day after day.

Whether you’re counting down to your first session, in the middle of daily treatments, or wrapping things up, you’re welcome here.

✨ Jump in—no need to overthink it.
Say hello. Share your start date. Or just let us know you’re here.
That first comment can turn this from a thread into a support system.

💬 This is a space for the real experience:
• The “what should I expect?” thoughts
• The day-to-day rhythm of appointments
• Skin changes, fatigue, and how you’re managing
• The questions that keep popping up
• The small victories—and the tougher moments

Whatever you’re going through, there’s room for it here.

💛 A few steps ahead—or already finished? Your voice matters here, too.
If you’ve learned something along the way—about skin care, energy levels, mindset, or just getting through the routine—sharing it could make someone else’s path a little easier.

✨ Easy ways to be part of this:
• Share your radiation start date or where you are in treatment
• Ask a question (big or small)
• Respond to someone else—you might be exactly who they needed today
• Come back and update us as you go

The more people who participate, the more this space becomes something we can all lean on.

✨ We’ll take this one session at a time—together.
One appointment. One week. One step closer to the finish line.

📌 Getting ready or looking for guidance?
• Our List of What to Do / Get / Pack to Prep for Radiation Therapy
• The Radiation Therapy section of our site for what to expect, questions to ask, and ways to manage side effects

🤝 Want more connection? Our Virtual Support Groups are here during treatment and beyond.

🌟 Don’t hang back.
You don’t need the perfect words—you just need to show up.

We’re here to walk this with you, every step of the way.

And we’re really glad you’re here. 💛

—The Mods

catmagnet

Hi! Recently Dx in February 2026 with ILC. I've had a lumpectomy with clear margins and no lymph node involvement. I will not require chemo. My radiologist has given me the option of 5 sessions of radiation over a two week period with a day off between treatments. Would like to hear if anyone else has done this accelerated radiation treatment.

moderators

Hi @catmagnet , welcome to the May radiation thread and thank you for being the very first to jump in here.

It’s really encouraging that you’ve had clear margins and no lymph node involvement, even though I know it’s still a lot to process getting to this stage. Hopefully others who’ve done the same 5-session approach will share their experiences with you soon.

You’re in the right place to ask these questions and hear real, personal perspectives. We’re here with you, so please keep checking in as things move forward.

Warmly,

The Mods

mspiper

Finished simulation this week and received my schedule, 5 weeks starting May 19th. I will be treated at Moffitt in Tampa. It's 75 mile each way, but I feel confident in my doctors and the facility.

Two foci of invasive lobular carcinoma.   Lumpectomy on 3/4/26.  Micro Met in sentinel node.  No chemo.

Start AI 3 weeks post radiation.

DEXA indicated osteoporosis, I expect follow up with doctor as I just received the results in my portal Friday after.

moderators

Welcome to our May radiation group, @mspiper! Wishing you the best with your upcoming treatment. Please keep us posted if any questions or concerns pop up. 💛

kierston

Hello all! Was diagnosed triple positive grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma September 2025. 5.5cm tumor left breast and 5 lymph nodes. It’s been a wild ride for my husband and I with 3 little boys (ages 2, 5 & 7) but we’ve made it through. Finished neoadjuvant TCHP, double mastectomy with full axillary lymph node dissection and now about to start radiation. Had spacers placed in surgery and now I get to walk around with one inflated to a C cup and another deflated to concave, I keep asking my husband if my boob looks good LOL. 30 rounds of radiation and waiting on insurance so get to be the one boobed chick the next two months….so much for hot girl summer!! My biggest fear in radiation is developing lymphedema, any tips?! Also was going to try an extremely nutrient dense diet to try to avoid boys. I plan on going full anti-social outside of my burns so we can get through this part of treatment! Currently have T-DM1 infusions every 3 weeks as well. February 2027 is last infusions AND chest reconstruction, will finally get those Barbie boobs!!

moderators

Hi @kierston and welcome to the community! We're so glad you've found us and joined the May Radiation thread. We're all here to cheer you on as you navigate your care. You've certainly come a long way through the bulk of your treatment, so just a few more steps to go! You've got this!

Fears of lymphedema are real with radiation; here's some good info on steps you can take to help mitigate the risk:

https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/lymphedema/reducing-risk

Let us know what else we can help with, and welcome again!

—The Mods