hi guys thought i would update you on rads had 4 so far, feel quite tired but this is bearable and boob seems ok just counting down until its over i do get some anoying niggle pains but nothing i cant cope with not sure if tiredness is from rads or hour journey of hospital, good luck everyone who is having rads just see it as countdown to cancer free life, my only worries is whether cancer will come back but life is for liviing and this has been one hell of a journey and a real eye opener for how life can change so suddenly, stay in touch ladies x x x
Hello I have had my first rad session today, so 1 down and 16 to go. I started Arimidex just over two weeks ago and so far so good. No side effects. I did start taking calcium supplments, Glucosamine and Chondroitin two weeks before starting them when I read up on the possible side effects! I also take cod liver oil capsules so may be rattling soon. I shall o battle with my GP if they try to put me on the generic form because although the chemical formulae is the same it is the “fillers” used by different manufacturers which can cause additional or different side effects
Hedonist: It’s funny you should mention swimming! I used to love it but got out of the habit in the past year or so. OH is recovering from broken leg and suggested we go swimming tomorrow.I immediately said “no” - even though I only had ‘small’ (relative to boob size anyway!)WLE, I still feel very vulnerable about the thought of being in public in a state of semi-undress. (I’ve never been that comfortable about it anyway!) I know I should just do it and I’ll feel better for it, but this BC thing has played havoc with my self confidence!
Hi all, Thanks Teresa for the welcome! I hope your first rad went well, my app was also on time, tomorrow will probably be different lol. My first rad went well,nothing to report really. I asked radiographer if underam is going to be zapped as well, it is so i’m likely to have soreness where wound took ages to heal.
Weme & Libby I’ve been advised to use aqueous cream 2/3 times a day. I’m still going to use Aloe Vera gel as well although the unit don’t encourage its use. I’ve read articles that really support the healing benefit of it, its supposed to really cool down sore skin as the weeks go by during rads.
Saskia, the numb/weak leg sounds worrying. I’ve been on Tamoxifen since Dec and seem to be having a few side effects, stiff ankles mainly, along with the hot flushes and night sweats!
Gail, I’ve been advised by radiographer to keep up the exercises to prevent stiffness in shoulder/arm. Waiting for rads to start after the planning app is frustrating, I had to wait about a fortnight after my planning app due to Ester hols, Bank holiday etc.
Keep posting
Jo
I will be going down to H&B for aloe vera today, I may try and buy shares in the company, I seem to be in there such a lot now! Someone asked about when to take Arimidex. I take mine at night with a light meal and if I am getting any side effects then I seem to be sleeping through them so far. I think it is the smallest tablet I have ever taken and psychologically the most dificult to swallow. I felt as if I was about to take poison. Good luck to all of you going through your treatments, I know it will help me knowing their are others with whom I can seek advice and share experiences and if I can help anyone else then that would be lovely.
I was a little anxious about the swimming changing room but it was ok. If anyone noticed they were very discrete and didnt comment. I went very early post surgery as soon as my wound was healed enough and it was still. Dry obvious and of course still blue! I took a deep breath and decided if anyone looked I would head them off and be open about my BC. Mine was picked up in routine screening on 23 December and with so much Xmas prep to do I almost didn’t go. I feel blessed because I had no symptoms and if I can encourage other women to be more breast aware then I will be happy. My first swim was wonderful - just the feeling of weightlessness and being able to really stretch was so good. When I went into the shower the hot water had a strange effect after the swim and I completely fell apart in the shower and cried for about 10 mins! I felt really relaxed for the first time. Have a good day all - I’m off for a swim. Marian xx
I spoke too soon yesterday re. rads appointments. I had a call from the radiographer this morning, the L A machine I’m on today is causing problems so my rads app is for 5pm instead of 3pm.
Lemondrop, I might be joining you on Arimadex in the not too distance future, I’m on tamoxifen but Onc has taken blood test to see if I’m post menapausal I’m 51, so I might be changing hormone therapy, I’ve heard it can be taxing.
I hope everyone has a good day, I’ll be late back from hospital today, sometime after 7 pm the way things are going.
Jo x
How frustrating Jo! I started on Arimidex a week ago and so far so good. I have been expecting joint pain but haven’t noticed anything yet so just keeping everything crossed. I take mine at bed time and this seems to work well . I make sure that I have something small to eat with it which seems to work fine. I was also worried about weight gain well actually paranoid might be a better description. I spent last year losing weight and getting fit and was thrilled with my success - and then breast cancer. Anyway I will be watching my weight carefully and trying to continue with exercise through rads. Marian
Jube hope all goes well if you have to change meds I am 62, 63 next week so I am well passed the menopause but in any case had an ovarian tumour[luckily not cancerous] just over 5 years ago so have had ovaries etc removed. My second rads today went smoothly so only 15 to go now!
Hi Marion, thanks for Arimadex update, I’ve just got back from hospital for rads! So many people waiting when I got there, a back log because the L A machine was causing problems. I can understand how you were overcome with emotion, I had a cry this morning, tommorow is the 1st anniverssary of my diagnosis and watching the Horizon programme last night really brought it home. I’m still on Tamoxifen and having some ankle pains, I think its conected but not absolutely sure. I began to lose weight before I was diagnosed, not intentionally because I was about right for my height and during chemo my weight went down further dexpite steroids! so I’m trying to gain a bit now. Maybe gaining weight on Tamoxifen for me wont be such a bad thing! lol I exercise everyday to keep fatigue from rads at bay.
Jo
I made a few spelling errors on the last post, I hadn’t realised until I pressed submit!
hi there ladies. may i join you. got my first session of rads today and then for other 4 weeks - oh joy! at least i can see the light at the end of the tunnel hope all of you doing ok with your rads big hugs tazx
Welcome here too Taz - I had my second today, last one on 11th May! Are you having yours every day? I’ve got another tomorrow but only 2 next week.
Hope you’re feeling a bit more up-beat today, Jube. it gets to us all sometimes. Sending you hugs. The Horizon programme was excellent though, very interesting.
I have now got my Tamoxifen. I am waiting until I am completely over this bug I’ve had before I start, so I can keep track of whether I get any side effects from them.
MArian well done on you for swimming, I’m not a keen swimmer (unless it is outside and very hot!) so I won’t be joining you in the pool in the near future. Also I would need to get a swimming prosthesis I suppose. Sounds like you had a cathartic moment in the shower. It’s good to let it out isn’t it?!
I’ve been slathering on the Aloe Vera - so far so good. Today’s appointment was bang on time as well. Can’t be bad 
Bit weird one of the radiographers being a man, but hey ho! No privacy with breast cancer is there?!
Weme how’s your toe?
Teresa xx
Hi everyone, hope you have all had a good day. Had my 3rd rads this afternoon and next one tomorrow morning. Radiologist said not really to Aloe Vera but I shall use it on my two “days off” at weekends and use the E45 in the week. I am having 5 sessions each week. Each centre seems to have its own way of working. Quick appointment today and still feeling fine so so far so good! Wishing you all well, I do miss the occasional glass of wine but I figured that my body is coping with enough without adding that to the equation, how are other people approaching it? I bought the crystal spray deodorant from H&B today, as recommended by my radiologist and it seems great.
Thanks Marian for giving me the much needed encouragement. I just got back from swimming. Ladies night at local pool so less intimidating for first time back. I managed 20 lengths and am really tired now, but proud of myself - not the 50 I used to do before I stopped going months ago(too tired after work to make myself make the effort!). Not bad for 7 weeks post op though?
Rads planning appointment tomorrow. Will be glad to get dates and get the next stage under-way.
Hi
So reassuring to hear you are all doing so well with your rad sessions. I’m still yet to start!!!
I had the Planning Session last Thursday, 7 days ago, and am due to go back next Thursday. I thought it was for my first session but today have discovered it is for a Dummy Run! I hadn’t been told that, even though I asked what time would my appt be on Friday? So maybe someone forgot to tell me. I had a friend with me and she said nothing had been said either. Still, there you go.
So, actually starting Rads on Monday, April 23rd. Seems like I’ll be the last to start!!! I’ll be glad when it’s all over, of course.
Regarding the Spring Bank Holiday, I presume that’s an extra day on the weekend off, but added on to the end?
Take care, everyone
Morning all - just off for what might be my last swim before starting rads on Monday. JCJ well done for doing 20 lengths that’s amazing! I do a bit of a routine in the pool - running fast and then slow motion as well as swimming - I do get some smiles as I go but hanging around cold hospital spaces with my boobs on view has given me a defiant streak! I have been to H and B for the gel and just need to find a more comfy bra from somewhere - that’s my challenge for the weekend. Marian x
Hi All, just thought I’d put a quick post on here between hospital visits! Plastic surgery app to discuss recon should have been for 9.50 this morning, I went in at 11.15! I’ve just popped home for lunch and then I’m off to a different hospital 1hr and a half away for rads! lol Never a dull moment!! I hope to catch up again with you all later
Jo X
Planning session took 15 mins - but as we got there early we just missed free half hour parking by 2 mins and had to pay £2 
I could have got it free if I’d bothered to take the claim form, signed by the radiographer, and parking barrier ticket to security in main hospital - but I thought it was under 30 mins so no need. Discovered error only after ticket in pay machine so had to pay £2 to get it back. (I’m afraid I said something rude!) Only had £20 note so now have purse full of £1 and 20p coins!!
Now covered in red and black (hopefully washable) felt pen marks down left and right sides and 3 tiny black dot tattoos.
First zapping (I hope that it is the first and not a dummy run like ChocDrop!) Tues 24th April @2.40pm, so I WILL be staying on the April thread Already planning what to do on 27th before or after birthday zapping!
Marain, my info from hospital says it’s OK to swim during rads as long as your skin is not hot or red and you take care to thoroughly rinse of the chlorine straight after. As for bras - there’s a thread on here: share.breastcancercare.org.uk/forum/genie-bras%C7%83-t36079.html about ~Genie bras
or a friend recommended these: fiftyplus.co.uk/shop/1/_/N-1ytvkrb/Ntt-comfortisse/products/show.action
I had to search elsewhere because I need cotton ones, so I’ve ordered some on Amazon, that are coming from the USA. amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004CO11DU/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details.
Hope the links work and that’s of some help. Chris
Hi
Sorry to hear about the 2 mins/£2 parking. What a bummer! As if we need extra hassle, eh? Hope you are ok in the future. Maybe worth taking the ticket and claim form in with you anyway, and get it signed if there is any delay in future?
I’ve learnt today that the ‘Dummy run’ next week is because I’m on a trial that’s in progress. So, JCJ, I suspect you won’t be having a Dummy run - hope so!
So, my treatment is for 15 sessions, starting 23 April, and finishing Mon 14 May (a day into the next week because of Spring BH). I’m pleased I’m not in the category for 23 sessions!!!
I have tried the Genie bra but not too keen. I have a Sloggi bra which I find more comfortable, but very similar to the Genie although without the inserts. What I like about the Sloggi is that it’s cotton. The Genie, and others I’ve seen, aren’t cotton so I’m going to stay away from them.
Cheers