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Radiation treatment to the chest may cause several changes. You will notice some of these changes yourself, and your treatment team will keep an eye on these and others. For example, you may find that it is hard to swallow or that swallowing hurts. You may develop a cough. Or you may develop a fever, notice a change in the color or amount of mucus when you cough or feel short of breath. It is important to let your treatment team know right away if you have any of these symptoms. Your doctor also may check your blood counts regularly, especially if the radiation treatment area on your body is large.
If you are receiving radiation therapy after a lumpectomy or mastectomy, it's a good idea to go without wearing a bra whenever possible. If this is not possible, wear a soft cotton bra without underwires. This will help reduce the irritation to your skin in the treatment area.
Women who have radiation therapy after a lumpectomy may notice other changes in the breast after therapy. These long-term side effects may continue for a year or longer after treatment. The redness of the skin will fade, and your skin may be slightly darker, just as when a sunburn fades to a sun tan. The pores may be enlarged and more noticeable. Some women report increased sensitivity of the skin on the breast; others have decreased feeling. The skin and the fatty tissue of the breast may feel thicker and firmer than it was before your radiation treatment. Sometimes the size of your breast changes, becoming larger because of fluid buildup or smaller because of the development of fibrous tissue.
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