April Showers - Radiotherapy

[Sunflower57]

Hi All I'm back from holiday & have started a new thread Sunshine After the Showers on the Recovering from treatment. I need to read through your posts to catch up on all the news. Hope to see you all on the other section xxx

[pandorra1]

Well versed Eileen, just so good that we can listen, advise, laugh, whatever, love to all xxxxxxxx

[eileen728]

Hawkeye and Nebs - Cheers. Happy Birthday AG. Nearly there Sue. And hope you are feeling better Pandorra.
What a lot we've all been through - won't miss my zapping sessions. Sunflower are you done too. Sorry if I've missed anyone - feels like I'm at an awards ceremony now. Guess I need to think about going back to work .Bit of a holiday first though. Well done and love to everyone. I'm sure we will all be there for each other through any wobbles ahead on the other bit of the site. Would prefer to forget all about it forever but there.... Love Eileen xxxxxx

[nebsminty]

Yeah! Can't believe it's all done. 20 visits to the hospital seem to have flown by.

Although we've just been out to the pub as a family for a 'celebratory' dinner I don't feel I can go too mad. I've still got 9 herceptin to go (next one this weds) in the chemo ward so can't quite escape the whole cancer scene just yet.

But I will raise a virtual glass to you lovely ladies to mark the end of this stage 🙂

How exciting to be going away for the weekend AG, hope you have a lovely time

Sue, hope you're burn is starting to heal now

Sunflower, my boosters were a slightly lower dose than the main ones in a band across where the tumour bed was. So my boob is now pink, slightly darker pink topped off with the remains of the blue dye from earlier in the year. Very fetching!

Will look out for you all on the other side

[AG65]

Well done ladies glad we have reached or are nearly at the finish line as far as rads are concerned. We can all look forward to a lovely summer.

Going away this weekend to celebrate my 50th birthday. Thought I would be sad saying goodbye to my 40's but with how the last few months have been I can't wait.

Best wishes to everyone. Looking forward to the next stage of the forum x

[Hawkeye]

Eileen and Nebs, I have my virttual strawberry daquiri in hand and I salute you cheers to all those who have gone before and all those to come. Well done girls and we have been........very well done xxxxxxxxx

[pandorra1]

Well done Eileen, just take it easy now. Lol xxxx

[eileen728]

Yippeee! I'm done. Virtual drinks on me and see you all in the new thread whenever and wherever that is! Do hope your burn now healing Sue xxx

[Hawkeye]

At first I read you had your own bum cream and wondered why Suebeehoney would need that on top of everything else.........yes I read it again and realised it said burn cream. Hope things get better for you soon keep taking the tablets and slapping on the cream. You're on the final countdown and at least you haven't got piles as I iinitially thought lol xxx

[eileen728]

Sunshine after the showers sounds good. Though cloudy here today which is a shame because I fancied a nice long walk in the spring sunshine! xx

[suebeehoney]

Hi Ladies,
I'm having to take Ibuprofen and now have my own burn cream prescription of Silvadene which helps. My back is still itchy and I have a red square patch the size of my hand that my honey is putting lotion on. I didn't remember them saying that I would have to care for my back. Hmmm wonder what radiation straight through the body does to us? My pain is under my arm and the skin is peeling which is so incredibly painful. I hate to think I have three more days Mon, Tues, Wed. The new skin under the arm really will be abused. I've completed 25/28. Isn't that enough???
I'm looking forward to the sunshine after the rain. We all deserve it!!!
Sue

[Nenya]

Ooh I like that, we are entering the sunshine after the rain now 🙂

[AG65]

Great idea. What about Sunshine after the Showers? Certainly feels like the sun has come out now treatment has finished.

[Nenya]

Yes I was wondering whether to shift sections, shame to break up our happy band. Dunno what name though 😕

[Sunflower57]

Hi Sue & Eileen I've had an itchy back too
Sue Hope your bruising disappears soon
Nebsminty Are the booster sessions the same as the ones you've had already?
Today was my last day at work until 19 May Yipee I've had an hour in the hot tub & am starting to feel relaxed
Will I miss the celebration drink? I'll raise a glass to us all on Monday evening
As we are all finished the RT now, do we need to move over to the Living & Beyond BC section? If yes, any suggestions for what we should call the thread? Xx

[AG65]

Hi everyone, hope all ok.

I have finished!!!!!! Weird feeling. Lovely to know that I have finished, but strange that for a while no one will be keeping an eye on me for a few weeks. The team spoke to me whilst they were setting me up about my skin and what to do. Afterwards I had a Rad Review where I was given my Moving Forward pack and other bits of information-all useful. Will get an appointment in the post for Oncology Clinic for 6-8 weeks time. Just got to start the Tamoxafin now!

Sunflower hope you are enjoying your hot tub and enjoy your cruise. To all the ladies finishing Monday enjoy your virtual celebrations.

xx

[Hawkeye]

I was in and out before my appointment time today so that was great then the pianist in the foyer of the hospital played How great thou art as I left ( made me think of my mum she hated it so we played it at her funeral as a joke..she would have seen the funny side) I figured she was with me today. The sun is shining, people are smiling and we have 2 to go roll on the virtual drinks on Monday. Keep upbeat everyone there is light at the end of the tunnel xx

[eileen728]

Ah - wondered why my back was itchy so maybe that's why Sue. Hope your bruising going and you not in pain now.
.Hope your cruise good Sunflower - sounds lovely..
Our virtual celebratory drink getting nearer Nebsminty and Hawkeye. Perhaps we could do it via Skype in your pub? Weird to have the last session on a Monday. xxx

[suebeehoney]

LOL Peel not feel and thrilled...I need an edit button. Sorry!

[suebeehoney]

Hi Nebsminty,
Yesterday and today they dressed the burn with burn cream. The black and blue is under the arm. Not much explanation beyond the skin will feel there first. Today the machine was broken...I was the only one trilled to give my skin a break! Also, I have a red square on my back! The BCN said it is the exit from radiation! Oh what we learn and go through! Wishing Wellness to everyone,
Sue

[nebsminty]

Ouch Sue, that sounds nasty. What's causing the bruising, is it all around your scars? Sorry if I've missed anything that would explain what's going on. Hope you manage to speak to your BCN and get some reassurance

I had my first booster today. They had to recheck all my measurements and take X-ray pictures again just like they did first time so I was very glad to take my arms out the stirrups when it was all done!

The boosters are following a narrow strip over the tumour site but unfortunately they go right across my nipple too so the radiographer was quite keen to impress on me that if it got very sore they had nurses who I could see for help. Hopefully I won't need to but I have everything crossed just in case

Hope everyone else is getting back into routine after the long weekend

[suebeehoney]

Hi all!
Yes I'm nearing the end but I was in too much pain to go yesterday. Today I will talk to the BCN. Under my arm is black and blue and very painful. Obviously I have fear about it opening up which makes me want to stop so One Day At A Time. Feeling unsure of making all 28 sessions prescribed. If I do today it would be 23!
Sincerely wishing everyone well,
Sue

[Sunflower57]

Hurray The hot tub is working Had a relaxing hour with hubby in it earlier Remembered to slather aqueous cream on my very pink breast afterwards The sun is out here now, but I'm too tired to take a walk over to the beach Glad we haven't got a dog, otherwise I'd have to go 😃😃

[Hawkeye]

Hi Sunflower.....and breathe, I hope you have a wonderful cruise, I did the fiords and loved it so beautiful and the clean fresh air will do you the world of good. Nice to know there is freedom from treatment, bon voyage.

Eileen and Nebs, I finish on the 11th too we'll have to have a virtual celebratory drink. Not long now girls!! In the meantime have a great weekend off, I will be working (I have a pub) but at least off from hospital and nurse visits xx

[Sunflower57]

Hi Nebsminty I've typed your "name" so often, it now comes up in my iPad predicted text lol 😀
I've got a follow up appointment on 9 June Apart from the tiredness, I feel about the RT finishing, it will be strange to spend a full day at work next week, but as its only 3 days for me, I think I'll cope ok
I've got Friday off as leave We go on our Norwegian fiord cruise on Sat & we can't wait 🚢🗻🚢 I've just taken up 2 pairs of trousers, even used my sewing machine for the bias binding & hand stitched the hems. Feeling chuffed, but tired. xx

[eileen728]

Yes Nebsminty - I finish on the 11th too. I am having 15 but no boosters - seems we are all slightly different and I try to accept they know what they are doing! xx

[nebsminty]

Yeah! Sunflower. How do you feel (apart from tired obviously!!)? Does it feel very strange that it's all come to an end? Do you have a follow up appointment now? Sorry, it wasn't meant to be the Spanish Inquisition!

Suebeehoney and Eileen, I think we might all be finishing at the same time-ish? I've had my 15 main treatments, just have 5 boosters to go. But of course with the bank holiday, they can only squeeze in 4 sessions next week, so will be in on the 11th for my last one. Whilst I'll be glad to see an end to the daily trips to hospital, I'm a little wobbly about coming to the end of active treatment.

Suebeehoney, how are you dealing with coming to the end? I can't believe you're having to have 28 sessions, that seems ages!

While I remember, I'm sure I saw someone on here mentioning a carol concert later this year? It sounds lovely but it's my birthday that day so I'm hoping I'll be out celebrating, particularly as last year I was mid chemo and not up to much!

Enjoy the long weekend everyone, hope the weather isn't too bad

[Sunflower57]

That is it RT 15 sessions done 😁😁 I gave the team a box of Celebrations chocolates & a card signed with my name & DOB So much for Review appointment While lying on the treatment bed I was asked what cream I was using & whether I had any questions! i was advised that my breast would be pink for a few weeks and I may experience stabbing pains. I Feel very tired & am now enjoying some chocolate covered Brazil nuts Yummy 🍫 Have a good Bank Holiday Weekend xxx

[eileen728]

10/15 done AND long weekend off .Woohoo! xx

[Nenya]

Yes the tiredness gets to you, I've had a headache for 3 days, I saved some strong codeine tablets from the op, but still not shifting it. Keep resting xxxxx

[Sunflower57]

Session 14 today Didn't have the review appointment, rearranged for tomorrow Very tired today 😴

[suebeehoney]

Thanks everyone! Welcome to the newbies! Today was 20 of 28. Getting seriously red.

[Sunflower57]

Yes Well done Nenya Hope the stabbing pains ease soon 😃

[AG65]

Well done Nenya x

Just shows how what we are all going through messes with us. Have told several friends today who have texted me and wrote earlier on this thread that this evenings session was number 9. It was actually number 10-bonus!!!!! Two thirds done and got in 20 mins earlier.

x

[Hawkeye]

Yay well done!!!!

[Nenya]

Omg that's the last one done. Has seemed a long slog and now.......... Been told I will keep cooking for a couple of weeks and the stabbing pains are from the op as the Rays will be upsetting the healing a bit. just got to rely on those tiny tablets now 😕 hope everyone doing ok xxxx

[Sunflower57]

Hi Nebsminty Yea Only 2 more sessions to go I was delayed by an hour today 😏 And the review appointment is tomorrow, I'm such a dope RT brain kicking in now. My nipple is a bit tender & yes my breast is pink Slavering on the aqueous cream, even put Aloe Vera on last night.
AG65 The electrician only turned up yesterday to start work on the electricity supply for the hot tub, so we haven't been in it yet Hopefully at the weekend. 😄
Franchise Glad to hear you are home You will enjoy sleeping in your own bed tonight Sorry to hear about your other problems, hope they are sorted soon xx
Best wishes to all xxx

[AG65]

Hi Hawkeye

Most of my appointments have been in the evening between 7 and 8. The swelling is at its worse a couple of hours afterwards. My quality of sleep is not good due to Fibromyalgia so I try to avoid sleeping in the daytime so I don't make it worse. The last few days though I have had to give in during the day. I hope your wound starts to heal very soon. I have been quite lucky as my scars are healing really well. I still cant sleep on my left side though as too tender

x

[Hawkeye]

Hi Y'all, half way today sore nipple and tired, still having my rupture wound packed daily too but ok so far. Just back and having a snack before I start work.
Francine so glad to hear you're home it will bve lovely to get into your own bed, I bet you sleep like a baby tonight.
AG65, you're a day ahead of me, my swelling seems to come on in the evening and then its a little better after a nights sleep. The tiredness is hard, do you try tto cat nap? I nod off in ther chair when I can and I'm out for the count. Best wishes everyone xx

[AG65]

Hi everyone

Francine so pleased to hear you are back home. Hope you feel better very soon.

Sunflower not long to go. Hope all ok with the BCN today. Hope you are enjoying your hot tub.

Suebee so sorry to hear about your cat. They leave such a gap. Its a year today since I lost Sid who was also 17. I also lost Charlie 15 and Ally 13 last year. Miss them all.

Like you Nebsminty you can see the outline of the treated area. I'm so sorry to hear your sad news.

9/15 this evening. I am still swollen but the swelling hasn't got any worse. The tiredness is the hardest part for me at the moment.

Take care xx

[nebsminty]

Gosh Francine, you are really are going through it all! Glad you are home now, let's hope once you're back in your own bed you'll recover a lot quicker

Sunflower, after today only 2 more to go! How does it feel? How is your skin bearing up? Mine is pink and you can definitely see the outline of what's being treated and it's a little more sensitive but otherwise it seems to be holding up ok.

I'm absolutely shattered though and today a little depressed with everything. It's not helped by one of our oldest friends being sent home from hospital last week with only a few weeks left to live all thanks to cancer. He's only just turned 50 and will leave behind a wife and 2 children.

But I've only got 7 rads left to go and then the bulk of my treatment will finally be over (still have 9 herceptin to go between now and November). It's been such a long slog to get here as it's just over 10 months since I found a lump. Some days it feels like forever

[Fuffs123]

Hooray, home at last!! Spent last night in the pre discharge ward, own room, like a hotel. Couldn't be more different from the last 10 days. Again med care superb, but nurses struggling to cope. Looks like I may have a peptic ulcer to add to my list and I'm now on statins. Got to have endoscopies top and bottom in 6 weeks (wonder if they meet in the middle!?). I have now learned that when someone says to you that 'this might be a bit uncomfortable' what they mean is it's going to b****** hurt. Told OH that instead of just booby brain days I will now have dodgy bowel brain days as well. Poor chap looked frankly petrified! Next hurdle, appt with BC surgeon on 14 May to get results of second WLE. love to all Francine xx

[Sunflower57]

Session 12 went ok yesterday The Waiting room was very busy at 3:45, I got called through at 4:15. First time I've been delayed. After my treatment session today I'll be seeing the BCN, not sure why? Will let you know later how I get on Have a good day everyone xx

[Sunflower57]

Session 11 done today As it was a 4:15 appointment I was in the office until 3pm Lots of filing done, in the hopes that I'll be able to find the paperwork when I need it again! I'll be working at home tomorrow, as my appointment is at 2pm Also the electrician is coming to wire up our new hot tub Feeling Excited awe treated ourselves when we got our PPI money Today I thought the technician who took me through said "Keep walking" I thought cheeky She had actually said "Good weekend?" Anyone losing their hearing??? 😂😀😂😀

[Fuffs123]

Sorry forgot to ask if anyone is interested in meeting up and going to the BCC Carol Concert on 30 Nov in Knightsbridge? I've heard it's lovely. Tickets won't be on sale until 18 Aug. We could all book in to a hotel and enjoy a bit of shopping!!! Francine. X

[Fuffs123]

Unfortunately, hopes of my release were somewhat premature!! Still in but am pleased to say that to ensure I don't miss my bone scan, previously booked for tomorrow, they are going to transport me to Leicester to have it. Whoopee day out! Perhaps I could escape en route and leg it back home. At least I won't be set behind again. However, having had a problem with the blood supply to my bowel, I'm not sure if they will want to reconsider the Anastrazole anyway. Sat in the Chapel here today for some quiet time and had a bit of a snivel but think that's probably allowed!! XxFrancine

[Sparkle-at-50]

Another week started. 5/20 now completed for me. Most of the girls who I see are lovely. One is a bit brisk. I want to tell them it's rude to whisper when they're discussing your treatment. I want to know exactly what is happening. Anyone else feel like this?

Hoping that everybody has a good week

Sparkle

xxx

[Wendyy]

Judi x yep I blubbed after my last rads. Hubby thought there was something wrong, it's nice to know I wasn't the only one. Onwards and upwards. Sending love and strength to all xx

[ollisj6]

Thanks Sharon glass or two of champagne might be in order having said that I haven't had a drink for months watch this space big hugs to you xx

[13gerbera]

Woohoo congratulations Judi. Radiotherapy is a bit of an emotional jolt isn't it, think most of us felt wobbly at the end of it but hey, you're done now and just the Herceptin to get through (that's a might big 'just' though!)

Hope you're going to reward yourself with some sort of treat to mark the end of this stage. New shoes perhaps?  There's no situation that can't be improved by the purchase of a new pair of shoes 😄  In the meantime, I'm handing you a slice of virtual cake, and it's your favourite.

xx

Sharon