🌟 February 2026 Radiation Roll Call—You’re Not Walking This Alone 🌟
If radiation is part of your plan this February, you’ve found a place to land. This thread is for everyone on the radiation road—whether you’re still waiting on your start date, in the middle of daily sessions, or already looking back on the experience.
This is a space for connection, honesty, encouragement, and the kind of support that only comes from people who truly understand what these weeks can feel like.
We invite you to share whatever feels helpful, including:
• Your diagnosis and treatments you’ve already had
• Your radiation start date and schedule (if you’d like)
• How your body and emotions are responding
• Questions, concerns, or those “is this normal?” moments
• Tips, reassurance, and perspective from people who’ve been there
If radiation is already behind you—or you’re further along—your insight is invaluable here. The things you wish you’d known, what helped you get through, and what surprised you can make this road feel far less daunting for someone just starting out.
As you get ready, don’t miss our List of What to Do / Get / Pack to Prep for Radiation Therapy. You’ll also find clear, practical guidance in our Radiation Therapy section, including:
• Types of radiation
• What to expect week by week
• Questions to ask your care team
• Ways to manage—or even prevent—side effects
And if you’re craving deeper connection, our Virtual Support Groups are here for you during treatment and beyond.
We’re really glad you’re here. This community is ready to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
💛 You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.
— The Mods
Comments
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I was in the January thread because I thought I would start in January but now it’s February. I have had 7 of 20 treatments. I feel like I’m getting sick so I can’t tell if it’s a cold or the radiation. I’m hoping for a cold so it will go away soon. I have a little redness, not too bad yet. Also, a little of the sharp jabs but I can still ignore those.
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Hello. I will be starting radiation soon. I had my simulation appointment and will have a two week wait to get started, which gives me plenty of time to worry about it. Cosun10, I hope your cold-like symptoms get better quickly. Here’s hoping for a good week and better days ahead!
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I went for my simulation today and begin treatments in 2 weeks. My radiation onc prescribed just 5 days of radiation. I did question it a bit - what only 5 days? but he assured me that it would be sufficient given my diagnosis.
I'm a bit apprehensive about treatment but not overly anxious. I am more worried about hormonal treatment - I'll be meeting with the medical oncologist tomorrow to get his recommendations. Cosun10, hoping that you feel better soon! Let us know.1 -
I’m halfway through now! I met with the RO today and all is going as expected. I’ve been working mornings and taking the afternoons off for treatment. The treatments themselves are super fast and easy. 4 breath holds and I’m finished for the day :) I’m starting to get tired and thinking of taking off work completely for a few weeks. I’m having a hard time admitting that I’m sick and need to do that.
I’m a bit worried about the tamoxifen too but I’m trying to just take it one step at a time.0 -
Nine of twenty radiation sessions now completed. Still feel pretty good, skin is a touch pink, but not really sore yet. Not really fatigued yet either, but I feel it's like that old joke—-waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Cosun10: I understand your sensation of feeling like you're getting sick. I have had that too, scratchy throat, runny nose, but it goes away after a few hours. It's a possible side effect of radiation I think. Wishing you well in your journey.
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One more week. Someone had her last treatment and rang the bell today. In some ways this whole thing feels like it’s been going on forever but I also can’t believe this part is almost finished. I’m tired, I wasn’t a napper but seem to need a lot of them these days. I’m ready to have my energy back again. My skin is red and itchy but not too bad.
My MO has already prescribed my tamoxifen and I have it. She told me to start when the radiation was finished. Today my RO told me to wait 2-3 weeks and recover from radiation first. I’m going with the second plan. I just want to feel good again. I can’t imagine that a couple of weeks delay will matter for recurrence.
I hope you’re all doing well with this step.0 -
Day 14 of 20 today and managing well. Skin is starting to show signs of irritation, but not too bad. Still waiting for the crash they say is coming. RO says perhaps in the two weeks after treatment stops.
Anyone else get a sore/raw sensation in the throat from radiation treatments? It usually goes away by the end of the day. Just wondering.
Cosun10: I agree with your decision to wait till you're healed to start tamoxifen. Taking charge of the parts of your journey you can control must feel empowering. You go girl!
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yes, I also get a weird sore throat kind of thing, it’s lower than a normal sore throat if that makes sense. It’s been part of my wondering if I’m getting sick or not. I haven’t been sick so I think it’s from the radiation.
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today was my last day of radiation! 🎉 I rested all day so I would have the energy to go out to dinner to celebrate. They also gave me some aquaphor mixed with lidocaine. What a difference that makes.
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@cosun10, last day of radiation! 🎉 We're so happy for you, and glad the lidocaine mix is giving you some relief. Enjoy celebrating. You’ve earned it!
To everyone else still going, you’re doing great. One day at a time. We’re here with you.
The Mods
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I had my 5 days of radiation last week. All done. No issues really, some breast pain the night after the first treatment but not enough to warrant a tylenol.
The MO "recommended" that I do the 5 years of Tamoxifen although he said it was optional for me (given age and type of cancer..). He made it sound like it was the best thing since sliced bread - lowers cholesterol, strengthens bones etc etc. Minimized side effects. I'm going to go ahead with it, but with his approval will only start in May when I return from my visit with my daughters and their families in New Zealand. Like Cosun10, I am thinking/hoping that a delay in starting will not impact chances of recurrence.1 -
@ibolya, congratulations on completing your radiation therapy!! It's wonderful and encouraging to hear that your treatment went so well, with minimal discomfort!
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