Hi @circleoflife wishing you all the best for your radiotherapy treatment. I am nearly 8 weeks post radiotherapy (3 weeks/15 sessions post mastectomy/reconstruction for high grade DCIS).
Our hospital provided Flamigel and i used it 3x per day. I decanted some into a little pot and took this into the changing room with me so could apply it before getting dressed again.
Skin got very red and itchy and letting the air at it worked well. I took my bra off in the evening and slept without any top on and noticed it calmer in the morning. 2 weeks post treatment went back to normal moisturiser to keep skin supple and gradually the redness faded.
I have been hit hard by the fatigue. I felt I kept hearing about ladies saying they didnāt have much and continued to work during treatment though that has not been my experience. 6 weeks post mastectomy/reconstruction I was back on my bike (keen road cyclist) and continued cycling until middle of week 2 of radiotherapy but then the fatigue kicked in. Not back on my bike yet but back at gym for some lighter sessions, followed by a napš„±. Slowly slowly building up again and know it is a temporary thing.
Fatigue seems a very individual thing and just wanted to share a different perspective.
Our radiotherapy team did a group education session on radiotherapy a couple of weeks before starting and that was helpful to get more information about what would happen on a daily basis and see pictures of the machine. Not sure if that is available to you.
I did find some days quite emotional as when you are on the table and alone in the room it makes it all very real again. The days they played music definitely helped distract the mind.
I hope it all goes well for you and whatever side effects come youāll be able to manage them x
