I’m a 37 mum of a one year old little girl and was diagnosed in Feb of this year. Had a masectomy and have just finished 7 sessions of chemo and luckily didn’t suffer too much with them apart from hair loss. Am just about to start Radiation Therapy and am feeling low as I’d thought the chemo was all I was having. Am a brit living abroad and feel a bit isolated at times. Can anyone tell me what to expect - will be having 29 days of treatment.
hiya…im about to start rads…ive got 5 weeks of being zapped to look forward to. From what I was told, on my rads planning was to take care of my skin, stay out of the sun…cover up as much as possible and take it from there.
Ive had the initial planning done…had the tattoos done, funky little spots, been measured by a giant doughnut machine…and got to oggle a seriously gawgess radiographer. Apparently ill get tireder as the rads go on…but hey after chemo…when arent you tired lol. However, it has been nice having a few normal weeks before the next stage all starts up again.
Dear Janne
Welcome to the forums where I am sure you will continue to receive valuable support and information from your fellow users.
Breast Cancer Care have published a factsheet about radiotherapy which you may find helpful to read, just click on the following link to access this online:
breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/radiotherapy_mar_06_0.pdf
Best wishes
Sam
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
Hello Janne
I finished radiotherapy in June and really I have to say it wasn’t bad at all except that I got rather tired and sore. The staff were all extremely efficient and very nice, I really enjoyed meeting other patients every day and the treatment itself is nothing to worry about. After the planning session (mine took only about 20 minutes) I was in and out very quickly every day - usually within half an hour and the actual ‘zapping’ by the machine took only 2 minutes.
I did exactly what I was told in terms of skin care and was given aqueous cream to use which I put on 3 or 4 times a day. I did get sore and had a nasty attack of prickly heat but it got better after I finished. I found that cotton crop tops were more comfortable than bras and for the second half when I was starting to get sore, I found it more comfortable to wear just a cotton vest or tee shirt.
Take care and let us know how you get on. Where abroad are you?
Buttons I had a seriously gorgeous radiographer as well - he was nice too and always seemed pleased to answer my questions about the treatment.
take care
Love Anthi
Thanks ladies, I seem to be getting myself in a state about it for some reason, like you say can’t be worse than chemo. I’ve read all the bumpf but wanted to know how other’s got on.
I’m in Germany, the health care has been brill and really quick but I feel isolated because of the language. Will let you know how I get on.
J