Hello lovely people!
Congrats on your last radiotherapy @idcand49 !! Happy for you! Just make sure if youre feeling low, you reach out to someone. We understand how you feel when leaving a stage behind so be kind to yourself
@debi1 well done on the amazin amount raised!! Youre a star!!
@booklover1 you’ll get through the EC and it’ll be a blip on the radar before you know it! Make sure you remember to take the anti sickness and dont try to be a hero like i did the first round!! I tried to avoid taking too many tablets and by the end i was popping those anti sickness like smarties
I had my first radiotherapy session yesterday. Im not gonna lie it was daunting. The treatment itself was quick but i felt like a lump of meat on a conveyor belt… it was like “zap zap… off you go… NEXT!!” Lol. Had a good cry afterwards but onwards and upwards. I know what to expect today so that’s good!! Xxxx
I had my front zip up bra for after and very comfy pj’s & my robe to go home in
I didn’t fancy trying to change out of day clothes into nightwear when I got home
I was v sore and my advice is you’re feeling a bit of pain after surgery have them top up the strong painkillers before taking the cannulae out
After that you’re giving Co codemol for home (save that to take before doing the arm exercises)
Had large body wiped to keep upper body clean & my daughter washed my hair with my head over the bathtub
V glamorous haha
I think it took me a couple of weeks to drive but I worked really hard on the post surgery exercises (through gritted teeth) doing them 2-3 times a days through the pain barrier did me well in the end
Lots of pillows needed too for sleep
And button up tops (pulling things over your head is almost impossible to start with)
Thanks @zaran for the encouragement I am defintely not being heroic and am rattling with all the pills they can give me. My haemoglobin levels are still lowish despite the blood transfusion. Just hoping to make it to the end without another one.
Thats interesting about how fast moving the radiotherapy is! Its good to get through that first one. Hope you are feeling ok now xx
Thanks for the information about lumpectomy recovery @idcand49. I hadn’t really been given much thought to it and need to plan a bit. I have to go to a different hospital the day before for some radioactive and dye injections (think that’s for the nodes).
For operation day (I had mastectomy but they kept me in overnight because drain volume huge) as big pyjamas as you can manage with button up top - loose pj bottoms easier for going to loo etc with drain bag in tow, and top for staff taking your vitals every 2 minutes and getting on and off. Lightweight dressing gown as wards boiling!
Dry shampoo (if you still have hair) was a godsend and I agree with adult full body wipes (Amazon) for first few days or so to keep you fresh without having a shower (until you’re told you can). Spray deodorant rather than roll on is much easier.
I didn’t use my front fastening bra to come home, but did later as pressure was good pain relief help. Cushion for between you and car seat belt if you’re coming home by car.
I’ve an automatic car and was driving in about 3 weeks- you’ll just know when you feel confident and capable of turning the steering wheel without problem.
My feeling was to be sensible, but not an invalid.
Thanks @pipspops thats really helpful to know for pjs and front fastening bras. I might get myself my bag sorted on one of my good weeks so I’m not stressing over Christmas. I take my youngest to college so will have to sort her out some lifts.
I can feel a list coming on for you!!! Preparation definitely helps, and I like a tick off list
I’ve just referred myself for the Bupa/Macmillan thing - they are calling me back this afternoon, I’ll report on what is said etc
**UPDATE Amazing phone call with a wonderful lady and I already feel so much better for her listening to me - on the phone for almost an hour. She is referring me for the 4 weekly sessions, which will take me to the end of my treatment too. Especially as I will be in forced menopause with medication early next year (chemo couldn’t kill it off), she said getting my head a little straighter was a very good move before joys of menopause kick in.
For anyone looking to speak with Macmillan, know that you will get a very empathetic and understanding ear - cannot recommend highly enough, even if you don’t need the further counselling, just the one phone call may make a world of difference to you. Someone not connected to you that you can be 100% honest with may be a helping hand (or ear!) to help move onwards and, frankly, keep you sane during this shitty year.
@booklover1 l think i was driving a couple of weeks after. It will depend on your own recovery. You will know your own body. Follow your exercises as much as you can it will make all the difference. Good luck.
Ive been meaning to ask a question ladies. Has anyone had problems with their nails. Mine started to feel tender maybe a couple of months ago. They do look like they will come off at some point. My feet are a more sensitive than my hands a couple are a bit bruised looking and bother me most in bed when sheets are touching them. I know if they fall off ive got to keep an eye open for infections. Just wondered if anyone has any advice? Tia. Xxxx
Thanks @deb1 will take on your advicexx One of the BCNs also recommended polybalm. Its pretty expensive so I wasn’t sure whether to get it but I did as not spending much money on other things. Nails have been ok so far…
@debi1 Idid the Look good feel better nail course, it was online. It’s a bit of a pampering session which was nice but they also give advice on nail care as nail issues can be quite common with chemo. They also give you the opportunity to ask questions about any concerns. You also get a nice gift in the post after the course!
@booklover1 I had a lumpectomy and full node clearance so stayed in overnight. As people have mentioned a front fastening bra is good - I got mine from M&S, I also purchased some soft post surgery bras for the recovery period which I found way more comfy than my usual bras. I went for a post surgery bra fitting at M&S before the op and found that really helpful (you a select post surgery when you book). I purchased some button up Pjs and tops and glad I did as there was no way I could lift my arm to put usual tops over my head, especially with the drain x
@ldm@booklover1 thank you ill get some. Hope i haven’t left it too late. I did the look good feel better course. Went into town was brilliant. Mainly all about skin and make up. Was lovely chatting to other ladies too. Xx
I can confirm the Vicks Vapour Rub is great for red sore nails. The LGFB course that I attended online for nails recommended it and said it was especially good if your nails fell off. It helps to prevent infections, it has camphor in which is good antibacterial and antifungal.
Thank you. I will take a look, have a Sainsburys not too far awayx