January 2018 Radiotherapy

[Charys]

Yes, you must definitely mention this before they give you your next rt session. Is your throat sore? BY 'sawllowing difficulty' how would you describe it ? I seem to recall someone else sayihg they felt they had developed a sore throat during rt....but honestly can't recall who it was....I''ll do a search

[Brumann]

Hi Shefgirl

15 sessions for me. Headache finally gone but having trouble swallowing tonight. Not sure if it’s a bug or something to do with radiotherapy. Will mention before I have tomorrow’s blast. 

[Charys]

My favourite team was my two males radiographers.....not for any dodgy reasons I'd like to add.....

2 more to go....whoopeeeeee

[Crocrazy]

Hi Shefgirl, blimey parking problems on top of daily visits is not what you need. I am lucky as mine is a separate unit like Charys.  The staff are all lovely and friendly and i am even used to the male radiographer now (he couldn't be kinder and more professional if he tried).  I keep seeing the same people in the waiting room too and everyone is nattering and sharing stories which makes the waiting easier.  It's the at least two hour round trip which is the pain for me and that's assuming the A5 or motorway are behaving themselves.  Hope you are feeling ok, your weekend plans sound nice and just the right time for a pick me up.  Enjoy x 

Ha ha Charys, I am hoping it's a posh sausage, but have a feeling it is a traditional old fashioned banger (a bit like I feel at the moment!) x 

Hi Bruman, hope your headache has subsided and today went well x 

Oh and did I mention I only have two more to go??? !!! 

[Shefgirl]

Hi Bruman and welcome!  How many sessions will you need? Hope that your headace is gone?  Keep in touch x

[Shefgirl]

Thanks Charys - need to allow an extra 30 minutes each visit to get a parking spot!  A bit emotionally wobbly today - no 6 and feels like these appointments have taken over my life!!  (even more so than having surgery) Decided to plan some family time over the weekend so that I am not focusing on the treatment the whole time, Roll on Saturday x

[Charys]

Hiyer Brumann,

As you are late starting in the month, just letting you know that one Jan finishes a Feb thread has already been set up to offer peer support, and us CCs are popping in too.

Do you know Shefgirl that is really awful if your hospital is one to have a problem with parking. Where I am I was lucky there was a new purpose built rt unit, all on its own in the hospital grounds. Each day we simply drove to the barrier, told them we had rt and had immediate free parking, with the entrance right next door. If you had any other appointment in the hospital then you had to trawl around the main carpark depserately and walk for miles. I'm really sorry this is affecting you as I know how much time and stress it can add to an appointment every day.

BUT Crocrazy, ask them what type of sausage....a chipolata, a cocktail sausage, an expensive waitrose venison jobby? LOL

[Brumann]

Thank you for starting this thread. I’m on day 2 of radiotherapy so early days. Had the most awful headache all day but assume that’s down to not enough fluid 😞 will try harder tomorrow 😉

[Shefgirl]

Hi Crocrazy and thanks for asking after me.  No 5 today and all ok - finding the most stressful part is getting to the hospital and finding somewhere to park! The daily trips to the hospital are a bit of a pain but it will nearly be the weekend and a couple of days off!  It is helpiing to come home each day and put a large tick against my appointment schedule!  Had a couple of early nights as I can't stop yawning but the night sweats from the Tamoxifin invariably wake me up!  I have decided to take up the offer of a holistic massage to relieve some of the tension in my neck and shoulders - so something nice to look forward to. Hope everyone is doing ok xxx 

[Crocrazy]

Hi Nuthatch,  so far so good Keeping everything crossed!  I asked about it yesterday and she described it as about the size of a sausage, but they are happy it is still ok so are carrying on zapping.  Number 12 for me today.  Red hot now under my boob in the fold but skin has not broken down so keeping going x 

Well done on finishing Fiona, love your picture of ringing the bell.  No bell in my department, so I am banking on Ladybowlers on Monday evening x

Hi Shefgirl and Mrs Meow hope you are both ok x 

Hope everyone else is good too x 

[Nuthatch]

Hi Crocrazy
Was wondering how you were getting on, and if your shape change had settled down? Hope all’s well. Day 12? Not long to go now. X

[Fiona2901]

It does feel good Shefgirl, thank you Mishy and thank you Ladybowler for the bells.

x Fiona

[Shefgirl]

Congratulations Fiona!  Bet it feels so good to have finished x

[Mishy18]

Well done everyone fot finishing your rads 🔔🔔🔔

[Fiona2901]

Good Evening Ladies

All done and dusted - see photo below.

Thank you all so much for your support.

x Fiona

[Charys]

Congratulations Fiona! Its a long drag isn't it, but all done and dusted.

[ladybowler]

Fiona

Whey hey you have done it, active treatment now finished.

Enjoy the fizz and just think no more going to and fro the hospital. 

Ringing the bells loudly for you tonight.

Helena xxx

[Fiona2901]

Hi Nuthatch

Thanks for that and glad to hear you are doing OK.  My skin is bearing up much better than I thought it would considering the issues i've head getting to this point from my initial surgery.  I know my skin will get worse before it gets better but keep putting the Udderly Smooth cream on and it seems to be doing the trick.  We have a bottle of fizz in the fridge for later but think I will mainly be chilling out this afternoon as we had a very hectic weekend and I'm still feeling shattered after it.  Could really ahve done with not being at work today but financial needs must lol!!!!!

x Fiona

[Nuthatch]

Hi Fiona

Hope it goes well today. How's your skin bearing up? And are you doing something nice this afternoon?

if it helps to know, I'm now 6 days since the last treatment and redness is only very slightly darker so far.

You're nearly there! X

[Fiona2901]

Well, this is it Ladies - I've finally got here with my final treatment session (no 15) at lunchtime today!!!!!!!

Hope everyone is getting on OK.

x Fiona

[Nuthatch]

Hi Crocrazy

Yep, I had a shape change - but not due to a seroma. One side of my chest got harder and a bit swollen (no breast involved because I'd had a double mastectomy). They did X-rays, and got people from the medical physics department to check them. I was still within their tolerances, plus there were only three more zaps to do at that stage, so they carried on. Do you feel like you're a very different shape? With luck, you'll stay within their limits for the next five days! It's good to know they're being so thorough and checking precise measurements every single time, and have options for ways to deal with it if needed. Sounds like you are in good hands. Let me know what happens tomorrow. Would mega resting help to reduce seroma build up? Chin up! X

[Crocrazy]

Number 10 for me today.  On Friday they asked me whether I had noticed I had changed shape.  I didn't really take it in but having thought about it over the weekend I asked what they meant today and asked about the pain I am getting under my arm and in the scar site on my boob.  Apparently I have a seroma which they can see on the scan and which is changing shape.  I am still 'within range' apparently but they did say they were checking with the planning department to make sure they didn't need to change anything.  She then went on to say they have 'other options' if it moves out of range.  I think she said it was my boob profile which is changing.  I can't have any more stress, just need to get these last five done!  I seem to start each session with a scan and then the zaps come.  Is this what happens to everyone? 

Nuthatch, you had a change in shape if I remember correctly? I am quite glad they didn't tell me about the seroma causing issues until today, one less thing to worry about not knowing. X 

[ladybowler]

I dont believe it

Thank you xx

That is true but I do not think anyone can prepare you for that.  Physically we can be fine outwardly, but psychologically it can take time and there can be that feeling of loss of a "comfort blanket" in a way when active treatment finishes because we have only known treatment, but it does get easier.  I will not pretend that I have not had off days, but 95% of the time I have been ok.  Having this forum has been a godsend in so many ways.

The snow is starting to come down here in Birmingham but hopefully it will not lie because the ground is so wet from the rain we had earlier, fingers crossed anyway.

Have a lovely weekend xxx

[I dont believe it.]

Thank you all.

Lady bowler you have given such inspiration and to know you are a year down the line all better but with a new outlook hopefully sums up how I will feel too.

Relatively it's not been  too hard physicallly for me but I know a nightmare for others. Emotionally though certainly very difficult and they do not prepare you for that.

Nuthatch glad we are at the end of the journey too, Keeping happy and positive so we do not get depressed thinking about it all. I have read that not having the daily 'journey' with support can make you feel vulnerable so I am going to keep up with the Forum for a while.

No Snowplough in yet so perhaps a good thing as it means still plenty rest except for building some snowmen for a laugh⛄️☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃

Good luck everyone, you are all in my heart and thoughts. Xxxxx

[ladybowler]

Nuthatch

He he makes a change from bells 🙂 🙂

Yes I am enjoying bowls again, albeit at the moment watching on the TV as the outdoor season does not start until April again, actually in 13 weeks, not that I am counting!!! 

I do enjoy life with a very different perspective now, which I think we can all relate to.  I am glad that I have been able to help in some way xxx

[Nuthatch]

Ps 🎉🎉🎉🎉 🎉 (can’t find any bells!)

[Nuthatch]

Helena ... a year ago yesterday, wow! Hope you are enjoying life, and bowling, and thank you for keeping on supporting us new folks. X

[Shefgirl]

Thanks Crocrazy - congrats on getting well over half-way and enjoy the weekend break x

[ladybowler]

I dont believe it

Oh mate I am sorry I had you down as finishing today, so I am a day late ringing the bells for you, but congratulations and enjoy your bubbly and chocs all very well deserved.

It is actually 1 year today since I finished my rads, I can not believe how quickly that year has gone

Helena xxx

[Fiona2901]

Congrats I don't believe it and hope you rang the bell nice and loud if there was one and enjoy your bubbly and chocs......

Down in the London area for the weekend and catching up with two friends from school whom I haven't seen for ages so it will be nice - we've been friends for 36 years!!!!!!!!

Ladybowler - I will keep your comment in mind and the ladies in the kitchen with me have strict instructions from my Dad  that I shouldn't be lfiting anything too heavy.

Fizz in the fridge ready for Tuesday.  Had a rad review before session at lunchtime and all seems OK but if I have any issues with my skin after I've finished then I just have to ring the Radiotherapy coordinator and arrange to pop in and see her so all good.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

x Fiona

[Crocrazy]

Hi I Don't Believe It, well done, that's great.  Enjoy those chocolates.

Hi Mrs Meow and Shefgirl, great on getting two sessions done, on the countdown now.  

I had number 9 today, machine back and working.  Feel a bit better about the extra day on the end today, bring on 29th.  Thanks for your wise words Ladybowler.

Hope everyone else is doing well and has a nice weekend planned x 

[Shefgirl]

Congratulations on coming to the end of your radiotherapy treatment.  Enjoy the weekend and your treats! 

[Shefgirl]

Hi Mrs Meow

Sorry to read your post from yesterday but glad things were a little easier today.  You really do have a long round trip on top of the treatment - puts mine into perspective!  I am glad to get treatment 2 over and done with; ticking each one off on my calendar with a little victory dance aroung the sitting room!! Planning to go the cinema on Saturday as a bit of a treat. Hope you manage to rest up and that next week goes well.  All good wishes x

[MrsMeow]

How did you get on Shefgirl with number 2? I was a brave girl and wasn't as overwhelmed today - a 4 hour journey for 4 mins treatment - this is going to get tiring v quick!
Hope everyone enjoys their weekend 'off' - that used to mean something else didn't it?! X

[Nuthatch]

Hi I Don’t Believe It
Well done you! In adverse conditions too. It must be lovely to have it all behind you now, and be back at home. Onwards now, to enjoy life! And your bubbly and chocolates! Congratulations. Xx

[I dont believe it.]

Last session yesterday and al is well. A little pink in an exact square so makes it on ions it's not just warmth from all the fleeces on. Came home this morning after 5 days nearer the hospital. Greeted with at least a foot of sno and no plough or grittier in yet. Had to abandon car on main road and walk the last few hundred metres. That certainly cools you don

5 weeks now of Tamoxifen and no SEbut still early days. 

Good luck everyone. It feels great when the journey and control is back in your hands. Home with lots of instructions and a lovely bottle of bubbly and chocolates. ALL FOR ME!

[MrsMeow]

Day 1 of rads done - would like to say it was nothing as obvs it doesnt hurt etc but these machines are so not my thing I would rather have injections than do this - it is a particular fear but I managed and only 18 to go. I was embarrassed to be so fearful and the staff were all so lovely - at least I managed to stay still and didnt run off down the street even if there were tears running into my ears - silly me. Are everybody's treatment times different every day? Am sure to get one wrong at some point - and with a hundred mile round trip it isn't easy to time them. Hope everyone else has got on well today - I have put my aftersun type stuff on that they gave me today - back to the rubbish hospital sunbed tomorrow!! Night all x

[ladybowler]

Fiona

Blimey mate you have a busy weekend ahead. The fizz will be well and truly chilled ready for Tuesday night,  Have a good weekend but be careful you dont overdo it either xxxx

[ladybowler]

Crocrazy

You are allowed to be fed up but just think a week on Tuesday you will be waking up knowing that your active treatment is over and you can get your life back again 🙂

I know exactly what you mean, I remember being really fed up because I had hoped my rads would have been finished by the end of the year in 2016 and they did not finish until January last year, I just wanted it all over in that year, but you are so nearly there . 

xxx

[Shefgirl]

Hi MrsMeow, how did you get on with your first session today?  I was feeling apprehensive but the staff were lovely and it was over before I realised.  Back for 2nd session tomorrow and then glad it is the weekend.  Hope that all went well for you today too x 

[Crocrazy]

Hi Charys,

Yes I was there, with four other people who couldn't have their treatment either.  We did have a nice natter while they were trying to sort it out, so that was one plus side I suppose x 

[Charys]

Wow, busy busy Fiona, you just take it easy if you need to right !!!

[Charys]

Thats really annoying ! I think Helena had the machine break down a couple of times during hers, or was it someone else? Its extra annoying as you were obviously there and had made the trip already. I had two days were it was shut for routine maintenance, but no delayed schedule for a konked out rt machine.

[Crocrazy]

No treatment for me today as the machine broke down.  I felt really sorry for the poor lady who was on the table when it happened.  So my bell ringing will be delayed until at least 29th January.  I am hoping it will be fixed ready for tomorrow's session.  Don't know why but I feel fed up, think I was thinking next Friday I could escape and go into the weekend knowing it was all done.  Now I have got Saturday and Sunday knowing there is another session on Monday, boo.  Should stop moaning and get my positive head back on. X 

[Fiona2901]

Hope you get on OK MrsMeow.

Session 12 of 15 for me today and doing OK.  Skin under my breast is a bit warm and red but mosturising a couple of times a day and then letting it air whilst lying on the sofa watching TV in the evening.  No restful weekend for me as helping my parents to run a Burn's Night on Saturday so it's a trip down to the London area after treatment and meeting with nurse tomorrow.  Seeing my BCN after my session on Monday morning and then it will be back to work on Tuesday before my final session at lunchtime and ringing that bell.  We are going to put a nice bottle of fizz in the fridge tonight so it will be nicely chilled for Tuesday.

Hope everyone is getting on OK.

x Fiona

[MrsMeow]

Good luck to all those starting session #1 tomorrow - we have had to come up to a travelodge to avoid the weather warning and the big snow dump coming in the night - so sort of feels like a treat to go out to dinner and taking my mind off the treatment - all best to you who are feeling the same xx Mrs Meow x

[Shefgirl]

Congratulations Nuthatch! 

[Crocrazy]

Well done Nuthatch, brilliant news.  x

Thanks Ladybowler, I am waiting for those bells! x

Thanks Charys, that explains the internal heat but not hot thing exactly.  It's funny I have been saying I am going to be cooked!  I'll try the flannel trick. x

Well done Alibobs, another hurdle over with. x

Hope everyone else is doing well too.  x

[SharonB]

Hurray Nuthatch!

I’m on 15 tomorrow but then 8 boosters, so definitely on the slope to the end......

Need to have a celebration too, I’ll start dropping (not) subtle hints to my hubby!

Best wishes

[Charys]

Well done Alibobs, all ready and set for the off then.

Thanks Nuthatch for your kind words, you are more than welcome.