Preparing for Radiation

QUESTION: I was wondering if you could give me information on radiation after a mastectomy and chemo. My daughter is just finishing chemotherapy and is going to be starting radiation. She wants to know if there is anything she can do to prepare her skin and take care of herself nutrition-wise.

ANSWER: This past year must have been very rough for you, dealing with your daughter's diagnosis and treatment. I have three of my own children and I certainly have come to know: "You are only as happy as your least happy child." I'm sure that your being there for her has made an enormous difference.

After mastectomy, some women are candidates for radiation to the area where the breast used to be and sometimes to the lymph node-bearing areas right next door. Click here for further information regarding side effects of radiation treatment.

—Marisa Weiss, M.D.