January 2018 Radiotherapy

[Nuthatch]

Hi Crocrazy

How did you get on with finding the complementary therapies? What sort of booking system do they use where you are? Am on the list for something in my area and just wait for a phone call when a space is free. They do sound lovely, so fingers crossed something turns up soon!
X

[Crocrazy]

Hi Ruth,

Thank you, I hadn't thought about it that way but you are absolutely right.  I was duff today, couldn't manage more than 25 seconds each time, but that's another one done, and I will have another go tomorrow.  Hope you are feeling a bit better today x 

[Ruth.J]

Hi Crocrazy

One of the radio therapist said to me using the breathing app is the most unnatural thing you can do and I never even thought about it but she was right- the first thing you normally do when you hold your breath is close your mouth. While doing this obviously ours is forced open I found it helped biting on the mouth piece it does get easier. Good luck
Ruth x

[Crocrazy]

Hi Nuthatch,

Glad to hear you are doing so well.  Your appointment today was 1.00 so hopefully by now that's another one out of the way.  Crossing them off one by one!  Yes I have gone for afternoon appointments as I am trying to work in the mornings.  They changed my schedule a bit yesterday (I was doing 4.00 or 4.15 each day) and some of them are a bit earlier now.  I have an assessment at 3.00 today and being zapped at 3.45.  It looks like where I am going they offer some sessions of reflexology and acupuncture and I think that's what the 3.00 appointment is, we shall see!

I am hoping the breathing thing does get easier the more you do it.  It's weird, you know you can hold your breath when using your phone to time it, but there doing it is a bit different.  I m praying I don't get a cold or bunged up nose, that would be another challenge.  

I will have a look at the udderley cream, sounds like its nice.  

Hope you got on ok today.  Ladybowler will be ringing that bell for you (and me) very soon.  Keep in touch x 

[Ruth.J]

Hi Mishy sorry to hear but no mine is the base of the nipple the skin has broken completely and pus coming out. But where my lump was is hard but they checked mine and said it was scar tissue. Try not to worry xx

[Nuthatch]

Hi Crocrazy

I didn’t realise you were doing the breathing thing too. Two x 30, and 1 x 22 sounds very impressive for your first go! And I expect it does get easier as you get more used to it. I had the leaflet about breath holding, and practised it in readiness. But then the radiographers said I couldn’t use it because I’m having both sides zapped and it wouldn’t be possible to do exactly the same chest expansions on both sides and that that would lead to either an overlap in the middle, or a gap. I don’t know if different hospitals have different policies. But I’m very impressed by people who can do it and cope with thickly throats and snuffly noses at the same time. Well done you!

I’ve been using E45 three times a day to moisturise, and have the aloe Vera here for when I need to soothe burns. Haven’t used it so far and it’s day 9 today. So it could well be imminent. I’ve got a tub of Udderly Smooth cream that I use for overnight because it’s much thicker than E45 so I reckon it sinks in for longer. When I have the 8am appointments, and can’t put on any creams before I go unless I get up at 6am, I reckon the Udderly lasts longer somehow. Skin is holding up fine so far, just a bit pinker.

The machine itself is fine, I agree!

Are all your appointments late afternoon? I’m going at 1pm today.

Lovely to hear from you. X

[Mai7]

Mishy, I think it's quite common to get redness, ask the May chemo ladies about that.  I haven't been red or sore just felt like my clothes were a bit itchy and prickly on Friday but that went off over the weekend.  After today's zapping I'm feeling quite bruised and find it painful getting out of bed or off the sofa if I tense my chest muscles.  Tbh, I'm just grateful I don't have a cold any more as that was really dragging me down on top of rads.  Best wishes for tomorrow and congratulations for completing the triathlon. Xx

[Crocrazy]

Hi Nuthatch,

Yes it was ok thanks, but I am glad it is done and out of the way.  I am not keen on the breathing thing, the minute they put the snorkel thing in my mouth my mouth goes dry and I want to swallow all the time!  But I managed three lots of 30 second holds and the one where I could only do 22 seconds the machine stopped and I did another 10 second hold. They said it would get easier the more I do it.  The actual treatment didn't hurt a bit and the machine wasn't loud or scary at all.  I think the thought of it is worse than the actual doing it.

I have slathered on the aloe vera tonight.  I wa really impressed with the natural deodorant from H & B too, it worked! 

Hope you are getting on ok, is your skin holding up ok? X 

[Nuthatch]

How was your first session, Crocrazy? Hope it went smoothly. X

[Crocrazy]

Hi Ruth, sorry to hear you have had to have a further trip. Fingers crossed the antibiotics and dressings will do the trick x

[Crocrazy]

Thanks Ladybowler. 14 to go! X

[Mishy18]

Oh to add to the lump thing my boob is also hot is thst normal?? Mai im really red are you? Under my armpit is the worst!!! I have a little itching and that isn't bothering me x

[Mishy18]

Thanks Mai im finished tomorrow too my triathlon of treatments officially at an end 😉

[Mai7]

Just done session 12/15 today, 3 left and that's me done for the treatment plan triathlon.  Today was easier as my cold is clearing up and I'm coughing much less.  

Mishy, hope you get on alright at the clinic tomorrow. Xx

[Mishy18]

Ruth its my last one tomorrow i have developed a lump in the area where tumor and my scar from surgery was its also where im aso having boosters
Im having it checked at clinic review im wondering if its something similar to you?

[ladybowler]

Crocrazy

Today is the longest apt, they will go much quicker from tomorrow xxx

[Ruth.J]

Hope everyone’s treatment is going well. Having thought my last trip for radio was 3rd Jan had to go back today. I developed an infection in my nipple on Friday gp put me on antibiotics but they wanted to check me just encase. Been given those pink poly dressings so hopefully those and the antibiotics will clear it all up. My boosters where directly into my nipple so guessing that’s why. Fingers crossed this is it. X

[Crocrazy]

Hi Fiona, Nuthatch and Charys,

Thank you very much for your good wishes.  I am leaving work at about 2.30 to give myself plenty of time to get there.  I will let you know how I get on.  I am reassured to know 5 and 8 sessions in you are both ok Fiona and Nuthatch. Thanks for your experience too Charys, very reassuring to know I am not the only one who is apprehensive about it. 

Hi Shefgirl, I am going for session no 1 today, so will know a bit more later on today.  I hope you get your dates soon X

[Shefgirl]

Morning Crocrazy, wondered how you were getting on with the treatment?  I think I too may be starting my radiotherapy in Jan for 15 sessions but won't know until later this week.  Feeling a little apprehensive so wondered how you have found it so far? Many thanks. 

[Charys]

Hey Crococrazy and other ladies further along,

The first day or two are odd, then you get used to the noises, routine and process. After day 3 I bet you are well into the pattern, and they should get quicker at getting you in and out. I actually 'enjoyed' rt, not the rt bit or the effects of it and stripping off - but having a chat with other people there, patients and staff. It felt very positive, that action was being taken to sort things out.

[Nuthatch]

Morning Crocrazy

Sending good vibes for your number one. Have just had my number 8 and all is well. Hoping yours goes smoothly.

X

[Mishy18]

No 19 today for me ladies for anyone just about to start it gied over surprisingly quick and also doable especially compared to chemo just remember to moisturise and keep hydrated x

[Fiona2901]

Morning Crocrazy

Hope all goes well - I have number 5 today.

x Fiona

[Crocrazy]

Morning,

It's day one of my 15 sessions of rads today.  I am due at 4.15.  I feel a bit odd today, want to get going so I can get it over with but also not looking forward to it starting.  Roll on 26th January! X

[Alibobs]

Thank you jo!! Hopefully if I slather in the sun cream I that fortnight before my skin might hold up well during rads 🤞!

[Jobey68]

Ali I didn't do any pre moisturising but used aqueous cream and pure aloe Vera twice a day during rads , the Aloe Vera was lovely towards the end when it was getting rather pink!

We went abroad 3 weeks after much to the horror of the radiologist who though it was far too soon so I went expecting my boob to shrivel up and melt off from what she had told me!  Lathered on factor 50 several times a day and was absolutely fine! Xx Jo 

[Alibobs]

Sorry that should say charys!! And everyone else who responded!! Silly phone!!!!!

[Alibobs]

Thank you Charts! You have settled my nerves a little. I do hope everyone is ok and getting through without too many side effects! Would you say it helps to prepare the area for a few weeks before with intense moisturizing? I will be abroad 2 weeks before so will be lashing on Sun creams anyway and will prob have a bit of a tan beforehand although wouldn't dream of exposing my horrible scar area to the sun!!!!! I have factor 50 for that side of my boobs!!!

[Nuthatch]

I Don’t Believe It

Glad yours is going smoothly. Sounds pretty much the same as mine. I can see the shape of the treatment as a pale pink area around my chest, but it’s not sore. Staff are lovely. Hospital is close by. Sister came with me last week for company and then a nice lunch. Lots to be thankful for. Your Monday plan sounds brill. Not looking forward to my infusion, mainly because it warns of flu-like symptoms and shivering, so am hoping I can keep still during the rads!
Hope you’re enjoying a sunny weekend. Am just off round the park. Xx

[I dont believe it.]

Hi Alibobs.  I was apprehensive too about the ct scan. No need to at all. The operator told me when it starts up it sounds like a jet engine so I should just try and pretend I was on a plane going on holiday. It's a big white donut that you can look at as they slide you through and back. It does not feel enclosed at all. The staff will be wonderful and will put you at ease. Ask them what will happen so you will know. Good luck

[Jobey68]

Ali I didn't have any titanium markers put in, I had whole boob radiation for 15 sessions , the area they blasted became very apparent after a week or so as it was very tanned and it was definitely my entire boob! 

I didn't have any boosters so maybe that's something they do if you need them so they hit the exact tumour spot Xx Jo 

[I dont believe it.]

Hi Nuthatch. Number 6 today and all is well. Slightest hint of a nipple change but the girls say all is normal. Not sore or anything just a bit pink . Have to increase cream to three times a day on it.

My timings have all been at 3.10 and have been taken in on time. Next week mind you could be different as it is the start for a few 5 day weeks for some new ladies.

I don't know about you but the last two weeks almost seem so mutch in the past already. I have made some plans for next week to make sure the long

journey is not just about the treatment. Lunch before on Monday with an old friend. She knows nothing so all talk will be a lovely distraction. Usually when we meet up its tears of laughter at times so will make a change.

hope all is well with everyone in the process or just about to start. 

Love and big hugs. X

[Mai7]

Well done Mishy, we're nearly there, crawling to the finish line like a pair of sunburnt lobsters! 🦀

[Mishy18]

Woah Mai well done don't you seem to rattle through them fast had no 18 today last one for me is Tuesday then thats it! Mai im really red like a beacon!!! Itchy like yiy say but my underarm is sore but git to be done so hey ho!! The armpit was always going to be a bugger my zapping is full breast and up to the collar bone i can see where the zaps have just clipped side of throat area the underarm treatment i find is worse but i never got a full node clearance so it was in my treatment plan wishing surgeon had just removed the buggers as tge rads are effectively doing same job they will now be rendered useless!!!!

[Mai7]

Rads 11/15 done today.  Chest feeling slight itchy and prickly like an itchy jumper and skin tightening but no soreness so holding out quite well. I literally fell asleep in the machine today in between blasts! Just for a few seconds and momentarily I didn't know where I was! 😝😂

[Charys]

Hiyer Alibobs,

Its the MRI scanner that surrounds your whole body, thats the one that some people don't enjoy - the feeling of being 'enclosed'. The ct scanner is a round ring, that you get moved into\through via a moving bed. So, you can still have the wonderful view of the hospital ceiling

[Nuthatch]

Hi Sharon, hi I Don't Believe It

How are you getting on now we're approaching half way? I think it's going fine here. Just a little bit of pinkness. Appointment times are all over the place - 8am, 6pm and all sorts in between! Having the bisphosphonate infusion on Monday as well as the rads. I assume they must be compatible! Is anyone else out there having the two simultaneously?

Hope you two are doing ok and have restful weekends to look forward to. X

[Alibobs]

Can I ask about the ct scan you have at planning? I've never had a c.t scan before, can anyone tell me exactly what happens? I feel a little nervous about it? Is is claustrophobic?

[Fiona2901]

Thank you Ladybowler

[ladybowler]

Mishy

It doesnt help having a sinus thing, there seems to be a lot of it going around.  Yay very nearly there mate and you will be done.  I think the tiredness can be down to the travelling every day, it really takes it out of you but just think after Tuesday you get your life back

xxxx

[Mishy18]

No 18 dine feeling quite good skin is cooing well as it goes i know its a bit sore but nothing too hardcore!!! Just a case of riding it out more tired now but i also think i have a bit of a sinus thing really bunged up and headache

[ladybowler]

Fiona

You dont need to be doing any special exercises other than the ones that you were told to do after your op, they just help to keep your arm mobile to help with getting your arms above your head xxx

[Fiona2901]

Thanks Jay - my boob looked like a badly cleaned white board last night so made sure I gently got off what I could in the shower with my new soap.  

Am I supposed to be doing any special exercises as I forget to ask yesterday?  May ask this afternoon - going straight from work so it will be fun trying to find a car parking space at 1pm.

No worries Charys - keeping it between 2 and 3 litres so that I don't float away lol!!!!!

[Mishy18]

Yeah Jay thsts what they are like i probably not drinking enough too im nearly finished now 2nd booster today 3 more to go then thats it no hormone blockers or anything i feel relieved but also what now?! No scans or anything just the 5 year monitoring, after being in active treatment since May its been a long journey, i really don't know what im going to feel like when i have last treatment i hope i don't get too emotional at hospital it will be embarrassing 😨 did anyone else feel like that? My skin is really sore now under my armpit it is also painful under there too inside if that makes sense my boob is bright red although im still on boosters the team said the 2 weeks thing with skin has already started now so to keep on top of it

[Charys]

COngratulations Ruth !!!!! Its an odd feeling in the week after you finish this intensive treatment bit, you kind of wonder 'what now'?!

Fiona, ignore me, clearly they are the professionals and know that your requirements are higher than 2 litres...go with what the team suggested.

[Jay68]

Hi Ruth - I agree, drinking water really does help. I'm on Herceptin and one of the possible side effects is headaches too! x

[Ruth.J]

Hi Mishy thanks for the bells. Yes I have them to subside a little if you have some water. But don’t go completely. Tamoxifen can also give headaches if you are on that. Xx

[Jay68]

Hi Mishy - not so much headaches for me - just pressure head - similar to when you get a head cold and again mainly at night time - I'm still getting them too (although not so frequently) - 2 weeks after so the effects do drag on somewhat!

[Jay68]

Hi Fiona - yes they draw on you at each treatment and towards the end, I gave up trying to wash them all off before the next day - so I looked like a young child's piece of artwork!! x

[Mishy18]

Anyone else get headaches towards tge end of the rads i have had a headache like migraine type of oain mostly on a night time for a few days now and wondered if it could be due to rads im really tured too xx