What’s on the Horizon

What to Expect in My Final 8 Days of Radiation

I’m officially down to my last stretch of radiation treatments. Monday will be day 26, and from there I only have 8 sessions left: 3 regular treatments, then 5 boost treatments. Here’s what the timeline looks like and what I’ve been told (and already started to feel) I can expect.

Days 26–28 (Mon–Wed, Aug 25–27)

These are my final 3 whole-breast treatments at 180 cGy.

• Skin reactions usually peak at this point - redness, peeling, darkening, and soreness may all intensify.
• Fatigue also tends to be the worst near the end of full-breast radiation. I may feel like my energy is scooped out, and naps might become non-negotiable.
• This is the stage where consistent skin care matters the most: saline soaks, ointments, creams, and gauze padding to protect the skin.

Day 29 (Thu, Aug 28)

The start of the boost phase.

• Boosts are different because they target just the tumor site instead of the whole breast.
• Treatments are quicker, but the irritation will be concentrated in that one smaller area.

Day 30 (Fri, Aug 29)

The second boost treatment.

• By the end of this day, I’ll have completed all 28 regular sessions plus 2 boosts.
• The boost zone may start feeling more tender or stinging, since it’s a smaller and more focused beam.

3-Day Weekend (Sat–Mon, Aug 30–Sept 1)

No treatments, but still part of the process.

• Radiation effects continue to build even when treatments pause, so skin reactions may actually feel worse before they get better.
• The break will give me a little time to rest, stay hydrated, and keep up with my skin care.

Days 31–33 (Tue–Thu, Sept 2–4)

The final 3 boost treatments at 200 cGy.

• By this point, irritation will likely be at its peak in the boost zone.
• Fatigue may linger, but it usually doesn’t get much worse during boosts.
• Reaching the finish line often brings mixed emotions: relief, pride, exhaustion, and sometimes a strange “what now?” feeling.

After It’s All Done

• Skin: Reactions typically peak about one week after the last treatment (around Sept 11) and then slowly start to heal. It can take 2–4 weeks for the skin to settle down, though some color changes may last longer.
• Energy: Fatigue fades gradually. Some people bounce back quickly, while for others it takes a couple of months.
• Next steps: My doctor will keep monitoring healing and help guide me into the next phase of recovery.

My Survival Reminders

• Keep up with skin care daily - especially over weekends.
• Wear soft, loose fabrics to reduce irritation.
• Rest when my body tells me to; healing is work.
• Drink water and eat small, nourishing meals to support recovery.