[Shirley]

Hello,

I have not had problems with swallowing although I have had shortness of breath and a mild cough which started within a week of starting radiation (Oct 17). I spoke to the doc about it and he explained that it was because the radiation to my right breast is hitting an edge of a lung. They plan it so that the radiation covers the entire breast plus a margin, and reaches into the chest wall. I think he said something about need to adjust for breathing which is why it intersects with an edge of the lung. Maybe I should try to not breath during the actual radiation time!

Nobody ever mentioned that this could happen which is really kind of annoying. It's like all this treatment is just "ho hum, whatever.....yawn" to most of the various specialists I see. I've been feeling very grumbly about that recently. (Especially when I end up waiting an hour beyond my appt time for rads.)

I wonder if your radiation treatments are hitting part of your throat/esophagus? It seems like that could be a possibility, especially if your radiation plan includes both breasts. Your doc should be able to tell you right away, although the techs might not know (mine didn't).

I have finished 7 treatments so far; because of the shortness of breath I'm worried about going a full 6 weeks. I'm also feeling less energetic. Not that I had that much energy to begin with!

Using emu oil and Aquaphor on the radiated area and hoping it helps with any eventual irritation. A nearby farmers market sells the refined emu oil that is supposed to be good. We'll see.

Take care. I hope the swallowing issue improves!