I've got one tattoo in the middle and one either side of ribs.
Was told to shower/bathe as normal, just pat skin dry rather than rubbing. Was given a tube of aqueous cream at the hospital (about a 15cm tube?) and told that would be sufficient for all the treatment and there was no point in slopping tons more on 🙂
Wasn't told anything about deodorants/shaving etc
Back to work lol. Anyone any good with declarations of trust/discretionary trusts/subsequent sale of a property and the restriction at the Land Registry? No? OK, I'll get on with it then.
Happy Tuesday
Hello Ladies, I have my rads planning meeting on 27th January and wont start rads until sometime in February so not really a January Jem 🙂 I had mx with ANC, followed by chemotherapy which I finish tomorrow. Notice Mand that you still have a seroma..me too! Were your RT team at all concerned about treating you with seroma still in situe? Whereabouts is your seroma in relation to your rads treatment zone? Hope you dont mind me asking..I'm worried that my tattoos will change position during treatment period because seroma keeps changing position as it gradually dissipates. Will obviously raise it at planning meeting but would be good to know what the protocol is elsewhere in advance, thanks! xx
I'm with Mands on the CT and planning. Mine was very similar when I had it on Christmas Eve.
Just back from the infirmary from first radiotherapy. Staff were all absolutely fantastic. Discussed skin care and diet etc then on to the table. They offered me the option of a gown, but it doesn't bother me, so I didn't use one. Less washing lol.
You lie down and then they start to position you. You have to lie absolutely still whilst they manhandle you (whilst apologising) and get you in position. They are then talking over you (again the apologised) whilst double checking absolutely every measurement. Got drawn on a bit more in marker pen, but getting used to being written on. When they were absolutely ready, they went out of the room and the machine did its stuff. Very quick, very little noise. Can't feel a thing.
Nice, helpful chatty staff who I had the utmost confidence in. Then I've had a little walk back to the office as I work in town. Sun was nearly out and it was really quite pleasant. I did pop into Fenwicks as I was walking past and spent £15 on a Radley purse in the sale, so all in all I feel like I've had quite a positive day so far. As long as I don't go in daily, I'll be fine.
I must admit I was a tad apprehensive this morning, but I really really shouldn't have been. It was all absolutely fine. Obviously no side effects just yet, but it really wasn't a nasty experience.
Kate x
First session tomorrow. Have been trying to get fit by going to the gym for an hour a day and no alcohol at all this month 😞
I am hoping the side effects don't kick in for a while!
Hi January gems,
I thought I would be joining you all however it looks like I will now be starting in Feb.. Due to infection around Snb wound, large dose of antibiotics seem to be doing the trick.
will still be watching posts throughout hoping for a few tips how to manage any side effects, (here's hoping there is not many) Thinking of you all
@Mand wrote:
Hi all you lovely ladies and welcome to boxofrogs, dancinpip and Britbox. It helps so much to know that we are not alone and that we all have to allow ourselves our wobbly days! I just couldn't stop crying through the whole of NYE. It isn't a particularly a great time for me normally so I felt an immense darkness the last couple of days. What has helped me is that you ladies are honest, can be honest here with the rest of us. The word "positive" - I am fed up of hearing lol. Of course, we are trying to remain positive but some times we JUST don't feel that positive. Our friends and family try to be there for us but we all know how WE feel and that they can't imagine really how we feel. I still don't know why I just wanted to cry and cry but it is probably as magical moon says - it was the sheer realisation of the next stage. Believe me when I say that I know the treatment will be okay and that I'll get through it. It is just my head and emotions. I know I'm not ever going to be the same person before all this. I just know the positive I can take from this journey is that our lives are precious. We are doing everything possible to rid our lives of this disease. It is not an easy journey. I do still count myself lucky. I know I am. This is a place where I can be down if I want to be. Tell you how I feel. It is too much to share with family and friends. I know I can help you ladies and I know you can help me. Lets just get through this together. Boxofrogs - you are our First Lady to start treatment so my thoughts are with you today. Dancinpip - I will be starting tamoxifen. I have GP appointment tomorrow. To everyone here - let's kick this together. Love to you all. Mands xxx
Sans
Have you started on tamoxifen or anastrozole, Mand? The reason I ask is that on day 14 of anastrozole I had a complete meltdown and was uncharacteristically weeping over everything and everyone. A woman at the local supermarket had a parking ticket and I was weeping in sympathy for her because life is so unfair ! Don't worry about the radio-therapy. I found that the simulator and the psychological build up was far more traumatic than the treatment. However I DO REALLY recommend that you take a cabbage leaf in a cool-bag wrapped around an ice pack and as soon as you put your clothes on then whack the cabbage leaf over your breast - it is really soothing. I did that everyday and it was great- I know it sounds stupid but it worked for me! Take the centre rib out iof the leaf because the heat from your body makes the leaf cook and the centre stem starts to smell like school dinners.
Aloe Vera was good too. And when my redness and spots appeared I used 1% hydrocortisone cream from the oncologist. keep positive. Thinking of you . Pip X
Hi Mands
Well just back from planning and scan.All went ok.was very stressed re the uknown expereince,But no problem.No dates yet for radiotherapy...about 2-3 weeks expected.Have now got my tattoos(markers) etc.
How did your appt go?
Jacqui
I am starting 25 sessions of radiotherapy on the 6rh January and have been taking tamoxifen for the last 3 weeks or so. Was diagnosed in March, had 4 EC and 4 TAC followed by a therapeutic mammoplasty in November. My surgeon has agreed to do the reduction on my good side as soon as I feel up to it so the end is in sight!
I have to see oncologist on the 8th January and I think I start my treatment the following week. I start taking Tamoxifon on the 8thJan.
Kath xx
Hi Mands I will be starting radiotherapy in January and will also be taking tamoxifin for 2 years and then Letrozole for 3 years. I have to have 15 sessions of radiotherapy. It will be good speaking to other ladies having radiotherapy at same time.
Hope everybody has a wonderful christmas
kath xxx
Hi mands
Well we both on the same track.I too have CT scan for 29Dec and radiotherapy to follow in January.Operation was 28th Nov.same as you.Yes we must all share our days in treatment.I have 3 weeks of days a week.
Jacqui
Hi Magical Moon
Over the Christmas period our moderation team will be 'dipping in and out' of the forums checking that everyone is okay, so if you need to have a chat feel free, there may be a time delay in you getting a reply but I am sure one of my colleagues will be only too happy to reply and chat to you, or anyone else that needs to.
Take care,
Jo, Moderator