January 2018 Radiotherapy

[ladybowler]

Alibobs

Another tick in the box towards completion of active treatment.  I will start a Feb thread towards the end of this month.  So glad the snow was not a problem today xxx

[Nuthatch]

Thank you all so, so much for your good wishes. It means a lot to go through this with people who understand what it's like. And thank you, Helena, for the bells!

Positive vibes to those having treatment, or with treatment yet to come. And huge thanks to those who are out the other end but stay around to reassure those who follow. You're all brilliant! xx

[Alibobs]

Planning appointment done!! Got there ok as snow had all but melted!! Felt weird going into the unknown but the staff were lovely. Ct scan and 3 little dots. No bother!! That's it now until 8th February so may see you on the other thread!! If not wish each and every one of you best of luck and all good things 😘😘😘😘

[ladybowler]

Crocrazy

I was the same as Charys, hot feeling inside but not on teh outside.

Wont be long before we are ringing the bells for you, I really must get a new set 🙂 :0

Helena xxx

[ladybowler]

Nuthatch

Woo hoo, that is fabulous and they are so right, that is exactly what my Onc said to me at my review.

Lovely way to celebrate enjoy.

I did not find the two weeks after mine to be too bad, more fatigue than anything but generally that was because I did not drink enough during the day and once I had topped up it went.

Ringing the bells for you

Helena xxx

[Ruth.J]

Congratulations Nuthatch just look after yourself I have found it tougher since rads have finished exhaustion wise. I think while we go through it we know we have and then when it’s finished my body just felt ok you have had enough just sit down xxx

[Fiona2901]

That's fantastic Nuthatch!!!!!!!!

x Fiona

[Charys]

Great news nuthatch! Congratulations on 'getting there'. Millionaire's shortbread is THE BEST, especially from JL, I entirely approve.

[Nuthatch]

Am finished, yippee! Parting advice from radiographers was to go out and enjoy life. So I am celebrating with millionaire’s shortbread in John Lewis. Skin seems ok - no breaks or blisters, just pinkness. Two weeks more of creams and water and then returning to a (new) normal. Feeling good so far. Hugs to all and thanks for all your support. xx

[Charys]

Hey Crocrazy...

Yes it makes perfect sense that it feels hot inside. People think this is like sunburn (although your skin reacts as if sunburn), but it isn't as sunburn is sunshine from the outside of the skin inwards to the thickness of the skin.Although the rt is coming from externally it is penetrating to the depth of the whole breat tissue and affecting the cells right through the inside.I hesitate to use the word 'cooking' because of course it isn't, but you know what I mean, its kind of like having internal sunburn.I found that a damp flannel laid across the breast for as long as I could in the evening helpd a bit with this heated feeling.

x

[Crocrazy]

Afternoon Charys,

Number 8 for me today.  So once today is done I will have less to go than I have had done, over that halfway hump.  Hurrah!  Skin is red and blotchy and sort of hot feeling inside (but not on the outside it that makes sense).  Slapping on the aloe vera and keeping up the fluids.  Feeling a bit weary but that might just be the January blues!  Never mind, on the way to the finish line now. 

Hope everyone else is doing well too.  X

[Charys]

Afternoon RT ladies....hows yer all doing today?

Fiona you are in work at 7.52?! Forget rt, I'd be yawning each and everyday anyway!

[Fiona2901]

Thanks Helena - feel a bit better today and haven't yawned at work yet lol!!!!!

x Fiona

[Alibobs]

Thank you Helena and Charys. You are so good reassuring us all. 😗😗.I hope we will be ok driving as hubby has 4 x 4 so fingers crossed!! My actual sessions don't start until 8th February so I guess I will move over to the thread for February's rads. Thank you again.x

[Nuthatch]

Hi again Charys (just been offline having my tea!)
Enlargening sounds like exactly what I’ve got. Other side has only got tomorrow to catch up! 😀 But maybe changes keep happening in the days after rt stops. Anyway, take care and thank you for your reassurance. X

[ladybowler]

Alibobs

I would allow an hour.  If it was anything like mine, I was seen by the rads nurse who gave me leaflets and talked thing through with me asked if I had any questions.  I then went into the room where they did the measurements, tattoes and had the ct scan, that is nothing to worry about, it just moves over the top of you taking pictures.  Before they did that I had a thin wire tapped around my breast but that was removed once this was finished.  After that there was a quick tour around the rads dept and then I was on my way.

Your first rads session will take a little longer than the rest of them as the rads team need to set eveything up and go over the measurements again, that is about 25 minutes as you meet with one of the rads team and they go through what will happen at the rads sessions.  After that they take about 10/15 minutes from undressing to dressing again.

Fingers crossed everything will be ok, but it might be worth ringing them before you set off tomorrow

Sending you hugs

Helena xxx

[Charys]

 I do need to apologise, as I was blathering on about my boob on the other side and making comparisons from my situation to yours which weren't quite there. Anyway, in essence I guess the same does apply....rt causes 'enlargening' in some people. Why on one side.....well.....as you say.....its nothing to be concerned about anyway so go with the flow maybe the other side will follow very soon

[Nuthatch]

No need to apologise Charys! The human body is an odd but wonderful thing, yes. I’m sure there are lots of other parts that aren’t symmmetrical! Seems odd that both sides have the same treatment but react differently, but hospital don’t seem concerned so I’ll put it down as a foible. Xx

[Charys]

Hiyer Alibob,

Sure hope the weather allows you to get there....I don't know where you are but up North I know they are having some significant snow right now. My planning appointment booking was for 45 minutes, if I recall correctly. Don't know if others had a different experience? I think it depends on if they also do booster planning at the same sitting ...or leave that till later (if you are having boosters)

[Charys]

I do apologise Nuthatch.....Youve had a double mastectomy? So are having rt on both sides? I'm sorry, I thought youd just had lumpectomy on one side, totally forgot your diagnosis. Apologies. Yes, that is strange....but then the human body is a strange thing. lol

[Alibobs]

Hi all I have been reading your posts with interest. I have my planning appointment tomorrow. Getting quit nervous about it and worried about the weather today ad it's snowing heavily!! We have an hours journey each way to the hospital. Can you tell me roughly how long the planning appointment lasts?

[Nuthatch]

Thanks, Charys. I’m not sure why one side is behaving differently to the other though. Double mx so I thought I’d be more or less symmetrical. They said it might be to do with earlier seromas, just after surgery, but I had those on both sides too. Puzzling, but not troubling! X

[Charys]

Same as me nuthatch......AND.....I only wish the other side was as firm as the rt side lol (although the reason for it getting to the point is awful of course) I started with a large dent where the lumpectomy took place, it was very obvious as high on my chest.... over the course of the rt, the 'dent' disappeared totally as everything became 'larger'. Over the next few months, like me, when you are doing your breast checks...you will feel how different internally that side is to the other.

[Nuthatch]

Thank you Charys, for reassuring me about my change of shape! I’m firmer, harder and bigger on one side now, but within their tolerances it seems. Nearly done now, yippee. X

[ladybowler]

Crocrazy

Yay it will go fast now xxx

[ladybowler]

Caro

Make sure you moisturise the area at least twice a day, I used to take mine with me and apply it immediately after each session.  Drink plenty of fluids a good 2 litres a day it helps with the dehydration effects of the rads and also the potential fatigue you could get.  Just listen to your body it will tell you when you need to rest.  If you are at all concerned about anything, always mention it to your team they will reassure you.

When do you start yours?

Helena xx

[ladybowler]

Fiona

I remember goning to one of mine, I was in a bad mood on the journey to it, the little nurse asked me how I was, I immediately burst into tears saying I didnt want to do it any more and I was fed up of this one appointment controlling my whole life, got it all out of my system and then carried on.

I worked through my rads but only 4 hours a day on 3 days a week, planned apts after that so I could go straight from work and have the evening to relax.  I did find when I got to day 12/14 that I was starting to get tired but it is bound to with all the travelling to and fro.  I would come home and just have a quick nap for 10 mins or so and then would be fine again.

Helena xxx

[Charys]

HI nuthatch,

I don't think anyone responded to your 'changing shape query'. I had a scan to check and had also become 'larger' (and remained so incidentally; scar tissue, more firm and hard all over and with increased fluid ) in that rt breast. Thats why they take the images during the series of sessions, as they can check if they need to adjust accordingly the depth and distribution of the rt. Nothing to worry about x

[Charys]

Hey Fiona,

Around number 12 was when I felt tired, really tired and had to drag myself out of of bed. To that point I was going on adrenaline I reckon, and it surprised me as I hadn't felt any tiredness at all until then. Its usual, and it is something that you will probably be asked about by the oncologist at review....'did you feel tired during rt'? Its an assault on the body and mind, and a daily one at that, so eventually that catches up with you. Everyone is slightly different and responds differently, some carry on working and feel like they aren't tired, others fall asleep in the afternoon. Its fine, you aren't going round the bend. Have an EVEN earlier night tonight

[Fiona2901]

Hello Ladies

Feeling fed up and flat this morning and can't stop yawning.  Slept OK last night and really can't be a***d to go to the hospital this afternoon for number 10.  Anyone else felt/feeling like this - just want to check to make sure I'm not going even more round the bend lol!!!

x Fiona

[Nuthatch]

Hi Shefgirl
In response to your query about planning treats during you radiotherapy ... the biggest treat for me at the weekends has been having free time! So I have deliberately kept them free of any timetable. Then I’ve been able to garden, or walk, or go out for lunch or coffee, or to the cinema - but the main point for me was being able to choose what to do depending on what I felt like - and not having the weekend days punctured by appointments like it is in the week! And I don’t think you can know how tired you’ll feel, so that was another reason for me not to book things up. Just maybe make a list of leisure things you like to do, and choose at the time? Hope this helps a bit. And hope it goes well on Thursday. X

[Shefgirl]

That is brilliant news!

[Shefgirl]

Like you I have avoided the internet up to now but agree that this forum is really useful. Good luck with your treatment - do you have a start date?

[Shefgirl]

Hello everyone - it is really good to read all your up-dates and hear how you are getting on. I start my 15 sessions on Thursday and want to get on with it now so that it is soon over and another bit of treatment crossed off the list.  I am trying to plan something nice to do on each weekend just so I have something to look forward to ......not easy when you are not sure how you are going to react to the radiotherapy.  Have any of you organised to do anything during your treatment as a bit of a treat?  Or other tips for keeping positive?  I'm taking Tamoxifin and felt quite down and weepy last week but picked up since,  Wishing you all well x

[Caro14]

Hi Ladies, thanks so much for the honest and open sharing of experiences on here, it's just so encouraging for newbies. I had my planning meeting today and am booked in for 15 sessions. So far on this rollercoaster of a journey I've avoided google and forums and other people's tales (if I can!) and just dealt with one thing at a time but now I feel like I need to know a bit more just so I can be prepared. So all the hints and tips are very much appreciated xx

[Crocrazy]

Hello,

Session 6 done for me today.  I feel weirdly elated I am down to single figures....9 to go! X 

[Nuthatch]

Hi folks
I had session 13 today and it was an odd one because apparently I have changed shape. So they had to do new X-rays/scans to see what I look like inside, and then call in people from medical physics department to have a look and decide what to do. As I only have two more treatments to go, they decided to stick to the existing dosage/distribution. Has anyone else had this? I can see that my external shape has changed - harder, more fibrous maybe? Certainly my non existent chest sticks out more than it did previously! X

[Fiona2901]

Hello Peanut57

I am on treatment session number 9 this afternoon and I am moisturising day and night and drinking about 2 litres of fluid and my skin seems to be holding up OK so far.  I too have purchased some Aloe Vera gel from H&B at the weekend and that is in the fridge if I need it.  I am lucky as my journey is only about a 20 minute drive in good traffic so I hope you get there OK today.

Let us know how it goes and will be thinking about you x 

[I dont believe it.]

Hello Peanut. My sentiments exactly. Bahamas indeed, especially with this weather forecast. So glad in one way for you that you can 'stay' but it's always nicer to be at home too. 

I was given cream on day one at the hospital. It's called Zerobase so they may give you something. It's very similar to E45 that everyone else is using. I would say definitely moisturise in some way and don't put anything on to your skin at least 2 Hours before treatment. 

Things get a little warm after a few treatments so that's when you may use Aloe Vera. I have not used it yet by day 11over. I have been exposing all for a few hours after treatment so has cooled things down very effectively. 

I too am heading nearer hospital for my last few treatments. Going to my daughters mind you so will have 3 year old grand daughter to distract me so that's a real bonus. Woo Hoo. Gran is coming for a sleepover so she is excited too. Daughters birthday on Wednesday so don't want to miss that either. 

I have had a long journey too each way, lots of country driving and the last half hour city so glad that will be over but it has not been that bad. Have some good music  a drink and some  goodies made it easier.

Good luck with your treatment, drink loads, eat well and moisturise as much as you can and all will be well. We are nearly there! X

[Peanut57]

Well the day has arrived I start the first of my first Radiotherapy, the next step of this journey (Would rather be traveling to the Bahamas but hey ho cant have everything lol).

I bought Alovera gel from H&B Saturday do i put this on after the treatment?

I am going to be staying down there to have my treatment as it is forcasting heavy snow and no way I will get out of here if it snows lol, added to the fact we are at least 1.5hrs away from the hospital and thats on a good day, plus with all the road works going on would take me longer to get home as my appts are at 3.24pm each day so would be mayhem. Much easier for me to just stay down there and come home Friday evening (weather permiting)

Hope everyone doing ok xxx

[Nuthatch]

Hello I Don’t Believe It, and good to hear from you. Sounds like a good plan to move nearer the hospital for the next few days and hopefully you won’t get any days delayed. And it sounds as if your skin is bearing up really well. Day 13 for me today. I have clearly defined pink areas where my treatment is, but no soreness. Under my arms is a bit tender from friction of skin on skin, but I put a cotton hankie across there and that really helps to minimise the rubbing. Glad to have no nipples to worry about!
I’ve got a reflexology session booked for tomorrow morning which I’m really looking forward to. Have you got any complementaries on offer? Xx

[I dont believe it.]

Time passes quickly and I am getting number 12 of 15 tomorrow.  Feeling absolutely fine. No obvious signs on the skin Apart from a few spots from all the moisturising. The nipple is red but has not changed in the last week. Nothing sore though. I am now carrying around a little tub of my cream in my handbag and topping up around the nipple every few hours. I have now also swapped bra's to the cotton vest top ones from M and S that Helena mentioned before. Went for two sizes larger as I was able to try them on in the shop. I wanted to make sure there was no tight

ness around the under breast part of it as that is elastic. They are so comfortable, thank you Helena.

Nuthatch I think you are a day ahead of me so I hope these last few days go quickly too. You have certainly had a harder journey than me and I think all of the ladies in a similar situation have been so brave.

I am packing a bag and heading to my daughters tomorrow as the forecast for my area is very heavy snow for Tuesday/Wednesday so I want to make sure I am near the hospital so I don't miss any appointments.

They usually clear the main roads quite quickly but the road in to where my house is not a priority and usually takes a few days before ploughed and gritted. Hubby is bringing work home with him tomorrow night so he can work from home for a few days. The clearing of the driveway is not as easy now as it used to be when we first moved in to the house. Ha Ha I will say no more than that!!!

Good luck to all continuing and all the very best for those just starting.

[ladybowler]

xena75

Hi was just wondering how you have you been getting on with rads xx

[ladybowler]

Mishy

No problem always there for you

Let me know how you get on xx

[Mishy18]

Im drinking plenty but wonder if i may be a little anemic following chemo? Im going to see how i get on and mention it to my Gp as don't see onc for follow up till march x thanks for all your advice Helena x

[ladybowler]

Mishy

Just checking are you still taking in enough fluids as that may contribute to the fatigue if you are not.  I actually do not think that this time of the year helps either, I am sure if the sun was shining and it was warmer we would it a bit easier.

I would not be surprised if it is a culmunation of it all and now your body is in recover mode, thats a lot to have happen xxx

[Mishy18]

Yeah im finding the tiredness quite difficult but im not sure if its cumulative from chemo too ive never experienced anything like it im absolutely exhausted feeling like ive aged 20 yesrs 😝

[ladybowler]

Mishy

It does pay to at times, you never actually think about the shelf life on things, I remember doing that with eye drops and I nearly put them in but something stopped me and I checked the label!!

I am sure that you will get guidance tomorrow mate, you are only 5 days post rads so they should sort something for you, or suggest that you go to your GP

xxx

[Mishy18]

Thanks Helena x im pleased i read the box i. Just going to have to moisturise tonight till i can find out x

[ladybowler]

Mishy

I was told if I had any problems post my rads finishing during that two weeks to give them a call. 

The other thing you could do is make an appointment to see your GP/nurse as they will no doubt but able to prescribe it, take the container with you so that they can see what it is just in case, but I would ring your rads team first of all

Helena xxx