Hi all! This is my first post so please forgive me if this has been done before! I had my 5th chemo on NYE, and the last one will be 22/1, then will be moving on to radiotherapy I guess sometime in Feb 2015. I have largely ignored looking at the radiotherapy, and have concentrated on getting through the chemo, I can’t actually believe I’m getting there at last, but I wondered what any of the lovely ladies who are already in the radio treatment would recommend as top tips for getting through it? Xx
Hello Sky46
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Best wishes
June, moderator
I would say drink plenty of water, tons and tons. The radiotherapy can create toxins in your system that can cause tiredness and need flushing out.
Also, use a moisturiser daily (they will suggest one) and if they suggest a soap, use it properly over the area. Get some 99.99 % aloe vera gel if you pink up, and keep it in the fridge to soothe your skin.
Find out exactly which area is being treated for your moisturiser. That’s it I think!
Oh, and comfy soft cotton bra with no under wire and wear cotton clothes next to your skin!
A layer of 100% cotton tshirt material between your skin and the bra to reduce friction, particularly near the band.
Bravado bra has a v wide soft band which I found good - while I did burn near boost area I didn’t have problems with skin under the breast like some people experience and think the combo of bra and fabric really helped.
Hope it goes as smoothly as it can for you
Seabreeze
Hi SKY46
I didn’t need chemo but I have done the radiotherapy. I was ‘looking forward’ to having a few minutes every day where I could shut my eyes and relax. Well you can forget that! Each session actually took 36 seconds. Yes seconds. It was a walk in the park, honestly. I was given Aquamax before the sessions started and I started using it every day for a couple of weeks before treatment started. I then used it twice a day during treatment, and then (like the other lady) bought pure Aloe Gel and kept it in the fridge for when you start to itch. And you probably will. You may pink up a little but it stops about 10 days after treatment stops.
Oh and take a tissue in case you start to dribble in the waiting room! Occasionally the appointments ran a bit late and I had a bit of a wait. Well, I used to fall asleep at the drop of a hat - they called me Snoozy!
Best of luck. This last bit is not even a hurdle!
Gill
I had radiotherapy last September- 3 weeks every day! I was really worried about tiredness and fatigue, I had just gone back to work part time, ( I had 3 months off after surgery) Compared with chemo it was a walk in the park! I never got any tiredness I kept waiting for it to kick in but it never did.
The only thing I had which I think everybody gets was a burn on my boob - E45 was really good for that and it went after a few weeks, also radiotherapy is great for drying up scars mine have faded really well.
Good luck and best wishes Emma.
I am likely to start radio in Feb 2017. A friend has passed on the following tip - quite serious, honestly. Keep a Savoy cabbage in the fridge. When your breast is hot just remove one leaf and apply it! Perfect rounded shape after all …
no personal experience but I think I’ll be willing to give it a go!
Hi,
Just been reading with interest the top tips for radiotherapy.
After a lumpectomy and SNB just before Christmas I’m going for my radiotherapy planning appointment this afternoon. Feeling very lucky that chemo wasn’t needed for me. I’ll be asking lots of questions this afternoon (I like information!), and will stock up on the recommended freezer items.
I’ll be having treatment on my birthday, thinking of attaching balloons for that session!
Good luck with your treatment ladies.xx