Common side effects of radiation therapy such as breast soreness, swelling, reddening of the breast skin, a feeling of heaviness in the breast, fatigue, and loss of appetite usually go away within four to six weeks after radiation begins. Other less common side effects of radiation such as slight darkening of the breast skin, enlargement of the breast skin pores, increased or decreased sensitivity of the breast skin, a thickening of the breast skin or tissue, or a change in size of the breast tend to last several months. Chemotherapy may be used alone or in conjunction with lumpectomy or mastectomy to treat breast cancer patients. Its purpose is to interfere with the DNA synthesis of cancer cells. It is important to remember that side effects vary greatly from individual to individual.
Some patients experience few if any adverse effects from drug treatment.
Generally, most side effects go away after chemotherapy has ended. Normally, hair will begin growing after treatment has ended. Some physicians prescribe anti-nausea medications. Medication may be prescribed to increase blood cell count and protect against more serious conditions such as neutropenia . By blocking estrogen in the breast, tamoxifen helps slow the growth and reproduction of breast cancer cells.