After 26 Radiation Treatments 05/31/2008

These pictures were taken Saturday morning, after 26 radiation treatments. The whole breast field was done after 23 treatments, and I've had 3 treatments with the smaller field that focuses on the wound bed. Most facilities refer to these smaller fields as "boosts", but the dose of radiation is the same, 2 gray, for me. The smaller field is identified in a previous posting labeled Radiation Markings 05.22.2008

Unfortunately, though, my skin has finally started to break down.


This picture shows pretty good the top of the radiation field under my arm, above the axillary incision. The incision has turned a reddish purple, and the lymph fluid is collecting above the incision in the armpit, and in the shoulder and back under the shoulder blade. This picture looks like there is fluid around the back near the bottom of the ribs; and that may be, but some of it may be just plain fat. It's discolored around the areola, too, and the area of breakdown is under the breast.


This shows the discoloration under the arm, and how full the breast tissue is around both of the incisions. Ike, the lymph specialist, is able to massage these areas and move the fluid out so that the incisions lay nearly smooth.


Straight on, the redness under the breast. The areola and nipple are really full. The nipple itself is prickly, as is the areola directly below.


Almost able to see the entire square of the radiation field.


Under the breast, the area of breakdown. In the fold, the whole top layer of skin has come off. It is shiny/smooth/moist, and I keep it slathered with the aloe vera/elta cream mixture. It doesn't hurt too bad, only when the ointment is gone and/or when the tylenol/motrin wears off.