[Catherine]

Hi Vicky,

My radiation was 4 years ago. I did not have a choice since I had some lymph involment. I think I had 33 or 36 rounds. They did burn my skin more than I expected. They did not use a jell and they did not warn me how "burned" my skin would be. I was exhausted by the time all the rads were over. Good news though, my skin did recover, it is fine now. I worked with a lymphadema specialist for about 8 or 10 visits. On my own, I worked with my massage therapist after that. My effected arm is fine, but even 4 years later, I can get some heaviness and a little swelling. I try to take very good care of my skin on my chest. And I try to stretch my arm and massage it. The lymph spec taught me how to help the lymph drain by massaging in the right direction. It will get better. In the meantime continue to gain all the information you can.

All the best, Catherine