Radiation has effected my finger & thumb on my right hand will this get better ?

Question

Breast Cancer. Radiation under the right arm & I found the use of my finger & thumb on that hand was impared. Very annoying. Has anyone else experienced this.

Answer 1

Breast cancer is a cancer of breast tissue. Worldwide, it is the most common form of cancer in females, affecting approximately one out of twelve to thirteen women who reach age ninety at some stage of their life in the Western world. It is (after lung cancer) the second most fatal cancer in women.

To combat this all treatment including Ratiation theraphy has to be given. Radiation therapy consists of the use of high powered X-rays or gamma rays(XRT) that precisely target the area that is being treated. These X-rays or gamma rays are very effective in destroying the cancer cells that might recur where the tumor was removed. These X-rays are delivered by a machine called a linear Accelerator or LINAC. Alternatively, the use of implanted radioactive catheters (brachitherapy), similar to those used in prostate cancer treatment, is being evaluated. The use of radiation therapy for breast cancer is usually given after surgery has been performed and is an essential component of breast conserving therapy. The purpose of radiation is to reduce the chance that the cancer will recur.

Side effects of radiation therapy
The side effects of radiation have improved considerably over the past decades. Aside from general fatigue caused by the healthy tissue repairing itself there will probably be no side effects at all. Some patients do develop a suntan like change in skin color in the exact area being treated. Like with a suntan this darkening of the skin will fade with time. Other side effects that have been experienced with radiation are:

reddening of the skin
muscle stiffness
mild swelling
tenderness in the area
long term shrinking of the irradiated breast
Along with improved cosmetic outcome of treatment with radiation there are also other techniques for delivering radiation to the breast. One such new technology is using IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) which the radiation oncologist can change the shape and intensity of the radiation beam at different points across and inside the breast. This allows for an even more focused beam of radiation directed at the tumor cells and leaving most of the healthy tissue unaffected by the radiation

These side effects and the side effect mentioned by you are common and it will go in due course of time and nothing to worry about it. Only thing you have to ensure is to have checkups by Oncologist periodically and ensure there is no recurrance of the disease. I have to tell this as I am not aware of the stage, grade and sevearity of the diseaseyour friend has.

Anyway Best of luck for speedy and permenent recovery.

Answer 2

i havent, no, but i have a friend who has... it is because of the nerves in those fingers. i think they may get better after the radiation is over. if not , go to a nerve dr. and see if they can help.