Just started radiotherapy

Public Archive
1

I have just started Radiotherapy last Wednesday and have noticed that I have a large red circle appeared on my bottom which is not sore. Could this be from the radiotherapy? Also can you get a cough when you start radiotherapy?
Margaret

2

Hi Finleysnana

While you are waiting for replies to your questions, I have put for you below the link to BCC’s publication regarding radiotherapy which you might find helpful. Also our helpline team are just a free phone call away if you would like to give them a call, they’re here to support you throught this. Lines open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-2

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/radiotherapy-primary-early-breast-cancer-bcc26

Take care,

Jo, Facilitator

3

Thank you.

Margaret

4

Don’t have any answers but would advise you talk to the radiographers at your next treatment or ask to see the nurse at the centre where you are receiving your treatment.

5

Hi not sure about the red circle and I cant say that it is totally related to the radiotherapy but I have had a cough since about the second session and I am having problems with my voice and taste. I just put it down to me being me. I have now had 7 sessions out of 15. I am not sure if this will help but sometimes it is just good to know someone else is there. XX

6

Thank you it is good to know there are people to help. It has also knocked me off my food no taste whatsoever. Will see the Doctor or Nurse tomorrow for my review. xx

7

Hi just wondered how you got on with your review? I hope you are feeling OK?

8

Saw the oncologist yesterday and she was very helpful. The cough is all associated with a stinking cold I have developed. The red circle is a reaction and has come out as an exit point. She had a student with her and was really pleased to be able to show him as you do not see it very often. My husband thought it was that after looking on the NHS website. Just given hydrocortisone cream to put on.

margaret

9

Thats good, always makes you feel better when they confirm you are not a fruit loop lol. How many sessions of radiotherapy do you have? Take care

10

I have to have 15 . Had 5 so 10 more to go.
Margaret

11

Good morning . I have finally reached over half way had my eighth one yesterday, with the servicing the machines and machines breaking down it seems to have taken forever (this is the third week) but the end is in sight. on a crash run now only have sunday off. I see the oncologist tomorrow but i think everything is ok and then I am looking forward to being me again. My youngest daughter is of to Mexico so I am going to Southampton at the beginning of March to look after my yougest granddaughter, so that should be loads of fun. Have a good day
Deb

12

Finleysnana you are ahead of me - I started rads on February 18 - have had 5 so far (15 to go) and am really achey especially in my joints and my hands. My sense of of taste has also been affected - have you found that?

13

Last one tomorrow. My appetite went but now it has come back. I have had no real side effects only slight redness and I am using baby soap when having a shower and e45 cream. I am now tnight when I get home from work. Work gave me last Friday off which helped. Saw the consultant Oncologist this morning and she was very pleased with me. Will see me again before I go on holiday in the middle of April. She said the redness could get worse before it gets better. Finleys nana

14

Hi I have finished treatment now, but when I saw the oncologist she said the side effects would peak about 2 weeks after finishing treatment and my skin broke down over the weekend. How silly!! Anyway will pop to the GP and get some cream. I hope you are all OK and that you all have bright lights at the end of your tunnels XX

15

Hi ladies
Have been reading this post with interest as I am due to start rads at Southampton on 11 March.
Debs2307 - just wondered whether you should be ringing onc centre re cream advice rather than GP? Unless of course you’ve already been told what to ask your GP for should your skin break down.
I haven’t started Tamoxifen yet - was originally told I’d start with radiotherapy but I forgot to mention at rads planning day! Is anyone else the same?
Hugs to you all
Lozza xx

16

Hi Lozza, I was given prescription for Tamoxifen before i had my last chemo and started 3wks afterwards , a week or so before radiotherapy x

17

I was also told to start taking Tamoxifen 3-4 weeks after chemo, again just before I started rads.

18

Hi Lozza

I would contact your Onc Centre as every centre is different. I was told to use E45 cream before I started radiotherapy and use this throughout the treatment and afterwards The staff and your Consultant will keep an eye on your skin and they will prescribe hydrocortizone cream if you need it. You must not use anything that they dont advise. I was told to wash the area with Johnsons baby soap with either my hands or a soft sponge. Johnsons have stopped making just ordinary baby soap it is now with honey which you must not use. I got some Boots baby soap which my daughter had to send me from Saffron Walden as Blackburn Boots did not stock it.

Just finished my radiotherapy this morning now to arrange my holiday insurance for April when we go to Florida.
Finley’s Nana

19

Finley’s Nana - I would be interested in how you get on with the insurance as we are going to Florida in May and I will need to sort some out too.

Thanks
Jayne

20

I rang a couple of companies and was told to wait until my radiotherapy had finished as I would only be on one treatment - hormone and calcium tablets and it would be cheaper. I am going to try and get a yearly policy as we hope to go again to the USA in October also. Will let you know how I get on. Finley’s nana