January Jems starting radiotherapy in NY

[Beatrice13]

After RADS session cancelled by hospital on Friday because of broken machine, they phoned this morning to say cancelled again and I've just had a further call to say don't come until Wednesday. Really disappointed because it just pushes forward the attendance days into another full week. Wonder how detrimental it is too? They couldn't answer that one 

Still must be even more frustrating for the staff having to re-arrange everyone!!

[Beatrice13]

Hi everyone

Jacqui I think you may have been asking about this link which I posted earlier in the thread?

http://www.cancercounselling.org.uk/northsouth/extra4.nsf/WebResClient/1761049276601BD68025735B00604...

Hope it helps.

Hollykins - really interesting what you said about E45. Can't believe the differences across regions can be so different. I really get encouraged to use it all the time. Although at the moment luckily I haven't serious problems and I have 9 treatments to go.

Mands I truly hope you feel loads better soon.

Take care everyone and have a good week with treatments.

Beatrice x

[Nally]

Oh Mands, you're properly going through the mill aren't you? I think you're right about 'the time of year'. Weather round here has been vile all day. Very very dark, needed lamps on and horribly wet. Certainly doesn't help when you're feeling a bit down does it?

I'm sorry your skin is struggling a bit 😔. I also think it's important to have more nice things to look forward to. I haven't planned much, just in case I felt too rubbish to do it, rather than having to cancel and explain to people?

I've been watching re-runs of favourite series on DVD and I've found it helpful. I think sometimes we expect too much of ourselves and are always trying to hold it together for our family, when we should just let go and do whatever it is we need to do to get through it?

I'm waffling now. Take care of yourself as best you can. x x x x xx

[Mand]

Hi ladies,

I haven't posted for a while as I have been suffering quite a bit. I had a total meltdown on Wednesday at the clinic and couldn't stop myself from crying. I had just about had enough of it all. The skin under my busy has got a lot worse and the skin is so thin it looks like it is going to split as the BC nurse said it would. It's agony now even with a couple of days rest. Also, spots on breast have got a lot worse and spreading further down the breast. It is like prickly heat. I must get some Piriton as I remember magical moon saying she used that.

Nally - how are you doing today. It is awful when it suddenly just comes at you like that with no warning. I hope you managed to pick up and had a brighter day today. Lots of love to you sweetie.

I am day 13 tomorrow with then ten more to go. I am having the normal 15 sessions and then 8 further booster sessions so looks like I'll be finishing after most of you. I just hope my skin holds out. Anyone else having the 23 sessions?

I hope you all had lovely weekend. It was my eldest son's 24th birthday today so we went out to celebrate. I think it's the first time out this year lol. I really must plan a few more things to look forward to, especially to celebrate the end or treatment.

Love to all of you . Mands xxx

[ashbymeadow]

Hi Lizzy

Glad treatment going well.Mine going ok too.Day 9 tomorrow so more than half way point.

Hope you have a good week

Interested to know which part of the country you are as our area are planning to start a treatment bus too..very early stages yet

Jacqui

[lizzy22]

Hi everybody  hope you are all doing well in your treatment. I am on day 6 tommorrow . Found that the last week went very quick. So after tommorrow another 9. So far have been okay as the hospital gave me diprobase to put on. But was very tired yesterday. I am lucky though that I dont have to make my own way to the hospital about a 40 mile round trip.

 We have a cancer support vehicle so takes all the stress away.

love and best wishes to everybody xxx

[ashbymeadow]

Hi can you please tell me the link re when treatment is complete?

Thanks Jacqui

[Guest user]

Thanks for posting this link about dealing with life when treatment comes to an end. I found it excellent and very helpful. Would recommend to others. Xo

[Nally]

Fourteen done, one to go, on Monday. Rather pink and rather warm, but other than that, I've felt remarkably well. Went shopping today with 17 year old daughter and had a good time. New shoes, new shirt etc. she's at work just now.

Why then, have it just gone upstairs for a wee, sat down and found myself in tears? What's all that about? Sodding stupid disease .....

[Guest user]

Hi Beatrice, we're not allowed to use E45 whilst receiving treatment as there can be little bits of metal in it which could make your skin reaction worse. They give us tubes of Diprobase cream instead which is safe to use. Xo

[Guest user]

Thank you Dana1, my nausea has continued but I have learned by trial and error to eat something plain immediately after treatment, e.g. a banana or a wee plain cracker or something like that. Xo

[Britbox]

Finished day 13 today, and the burning and itching has set in..Had my review and the onc said I'd kept them all entertained, and laughed through the lot of it..He asked how I was really feeling, did I feel sick? I told him only when I looked in the mirror and saw a Hiroshima victim looking back! LOL..did I feel fatigued and how was I managing my burns? OK, I'm managing, laughing and grateful to be nearly through all this..I told him I'll cope and I'm fine till I get on the hormone therapy that they tell me the side effects can make me fat, with thining hair, a deep voice, and the need to shave my moustache every day..At that point, I may wave the white flag, say goodbye to my sense of humour and allow myself a bloody good cry!

[ashbymeadow]

how are you mand?Hope the soreness is under control?me day 8 today.so half wayxxJacqui

[ashbymeadow]

I am day 8 today so still quite upbeat really.Have been warned the mood swings can now kick in...knowing thats normal should reassure us all just another blip .Good luck to all on this journey.xJacqui

[Gussie_WW]

Beatrice, I also struggled on the day the machine broke. I think we are so close to the end of "active" treatment (and I had plans for the night of the last session) that any set back just seems so much worse. Plus we are at the end of our tethers, of course. Yes, I know intellectually I'm not in control but I hate it when things go wrong, they remind me of how powerless I am.

I also think there's a lot of pressure on us to present a brave, upbeat "battling" face to the world, so when we just can't we feel we've let others and ourselves down. I also mostly feel very grateful and even fortunate (that makes people look surprised) but not all the time, no way.

Gus x

[Beatrice13]

Gus

I can relate to the body and soul being worn out after a long time receiving treatment and I'm not unique but psychologically it is very very lowering. They have cancelled my treatment again today as the machine has broken - not their fault I know but realistically I would have had my 13th today and now I have to go in on a Saturday instead 

We will look back on this life saving exercise and count our blessings I am sure - I've counted mine loads since they said they could help me but sometimes ... it does get to me. Feeling low - but ashamed at feeling that way. What's that all about?

Beatrice x

[Gussie_WW]

Hi everyone. I've finished my 15 main blasts and have 2/4 boost doses today. The main side effect for me has been absolute exhaustion, but I think my body/soul is worn out after 10 months on the treatment treadmill. Reassuring to read here that others have had issues with taste after rads because I definitely get that - some very strange tastes in my throat sometimes. Felt very upset & wobbly last night after looking at the square and X drawn on me yesterday for the duration of the boosts. Better today though. At the time I had terrible giggles...

Gus

[Kipper107]

Very sore and stiff today but only one more big session then 8 of the boost and I am done. Feeling pretty tired too and in bed by 9 every night. Sadly still not really sleeping though. Focus is currently on seeing the wonderful mr p next week and booking a date for my surgery.

[dancingpip]

The cabbage leaf worked for me. Take the centre rib out because that's the bit that tends to smell as it cooks. All the best dancingpip

[Nally]

Just a quick update.  13 down, 2 to go.  Rather itchy, but on and off.  Usually itchy whilst at work when I have to be careful about having a scratch.  The girls can cope, they just sort of say 'oh, she's off again lol', but I try and keep from doing it when boys are about

Am now itching and typing.  Another multi tasking skill?  

Hope the rest of you are getting through your treatments in whatever way you can. 

Big hugs

[Mand]

Well done oaktreesea - I'm day 10 today and I have to say last night I couldn't sleep. My boob felt like it was on fire. Like really bad sun burn and stinging like hell. I think I'm going to try the hankerchiefs in the fridge method and put one of them over me as soon as I get in this afternoon. I heard about it on another thread and think I will try it. I may even resort to the cabbage leaf if it gets too bad lol. Have a good day everyone. Mands xxx

[oaktreesea]

Hi, Thankyou for the welcome and advice.

I've had my first two now and am pleased to say the thought of it was worse than the reality. Was pleased to find that my hospital provide gowns with poppers to wear so I don't feel too exposed and the radiographer was able to pull gently on that to move me so I wasn't manhandled so to speak!. So far so good, I've been moisturising religiously and had no side effects other than being a bit tearfull after the first one. On reflection that's probably because I'd been so aprehensive. I am feeling stronger again now. Bring on the remaining sessions and then getting back to the (new and different) normal.

Best wishes to the rest of you January Jems

Oaktreesea

[Beatrice13]

Meant to mention below that yesterday I was prescribed a waterproof barrier spray called Cavilon because my rads team believe I have a problem as my breast is quite pink although it has been pretty much since surgery. Doesn't feel painful or sore at the moment and the Cavilon seems highly complex as you have to spray accurately and allow to air dry and it is highly flammable! Has anyone else been prescribed this and how have you coped with it?

http://www.3mpromos.ca/NoStingBarrier/en/about-cavilon/howToUse.php

I haven't used it yet as the E45 lotion seems to be soothing enough and if you use Cavilon you can't use any kind of cream or lotion at all.

Beatrice x

[Beatrice13]

Hi Gilly

Nice to see your post from yesterday. When I posted about the nausea I'd had a bad couple of days but luckily it's not really bad. The rads team don't seem to think nausea is part of the equation although that isn't what the factsheet said that they handed me before I started! That definitely quoted nausea as a possibility. Don't they read what is dished out to patients?

My theory is that the chest is beginning to ache a little bit like a chest infection might make it feel tight and perhaps that is making me feel sick. Anyway all in all I'm doing ok and tomorrow is halfway mark for the rads.

Hope you are keeping well. Wasn't it this week you were phasing your return to work? Hope it's going well for you although must feel strange.

Look after yourself

Beatrice x

[fimbo123]

Thanks Mand xxx

[Mand]

Thanks Kipper, I would be interested to know.

Hey Fimbo - I cried today too! I have no idea why. It just came over me from nowhere. I was on the machine and I had these tears falling down the side of my face welling up in my ears! I thought - I've got to stop this otherwise I'm going to be deaf by time I get up from the treatment. I managed to hide it well from the radiographers as I didn't want them asking me what was wrong. I wouldn't have been able to tell them what was wrong and I would have only cried more - what am I like hey?!

The thing is that I hadn't shed a tear since I had a bit of a downer over NY. I just became overwhelmed with it all for some reason. I think we're allowed to do this some times so I just wanted to share with you that you weren't alone today sweetie xxx

[Kipper107]

I have made an appointment to see my surgeon next Tuesday so will report back on the tamoxifen thing. My surgeon is ultra cautious so it maybe something he is fussy about. I have stopped my tamoxifen now, have been taking it for 6 weeks or so with no major side effects.

Will let you know what he says!

[fimbo123]

14 done, 11 to go. Skin on the chest wall is holding up well but the neck area (I'm having rads to the axilla, so neck and collarbone are zapped) is a little bit red. The radiographers and oncologist said it's because the neck moves so much more than the chest so the skin gets stretched and dry. But it's very manageable so far. I'm continuing with the genie bras but with a muslin cloth under the band - seems to help.
Today was the first day I got stressed out by the treatment - long story involving going for a fasting blood test (for another issue) and long delays. I used to get really stressed and upset when chemo ran late but thought I had got more accepting, so I was a bit thrown that I felt upset. Maybe it's this cumulative tiredness - I'm starting to feel it a bit. I'm lucky the hospital is only a 30 minute drive away.
I hadn't heard that about Tamoxifen and surgery - is it because of the risk of clots? I wanted reconstruction sometime in the future (not mentally or physically ready yet) but stopping Tam for 6 weeks would put me off.
Hope those with sore skin are finding ways to stay comfortable xx

[Mand]

Hi Jacqui - I got it wrong! I am day 9 today! Wishful thinking lol. I even was thinking that I only had one more day after next full week and I've got that wrong too. I really must start using my brain more lol. I've got another 14 days to do yet. I am already getting fed up with going up to London each day and a 3 mile round walk. Although, I know, I shouldn't complain as other people have horrendous journeys each day. The soreness started last week under my breast. It is just really red and raw. The BC nurse said it will get worse but it's holding out at the moment - just very uncomfortable.

Kipper - I am interested in what you say re the surgery. I too need to have further surgery after radiotherapy. I was a 36D before all this started. Unfortunately, the breast that I had cancer was the smallest of the breasts which has left me lopsided too and I hate it! The surgeon took 5cms during lumpectomy and at the same time did a bit of reconstructive surgery by pushing the breast tissue up. This has left me with one nipple looking up to the sky and the other one near enough down by my ankles lol.

My surgeon said that after radiotherapy I would have the surgery straight away. He said nothing about 6 weeks of stopping the tamoxifen. I wouldn't have started taking it if I had known this and perhaps delayed it. My surgery will be a lift from the base of my good breast and then move the nipple etc further up the breast.

I'm like you are feeling - I want to get over radiotherapy, have the further surgery and then get on wih getting back to as normal as can be. I don't have my appointment with the surgeon until the end of May. I may ask for an earlier appointment as we agreed this date when he said that I needed both chemo and radiotherapy. I am also private healthcare.

Sending you hugs ladies and thinking of you as we go through this part of the journey together.

Mands xxx

[Kipper107]

Day 12 for me today and so far not too bad, just a few red spots.  I had a mammoplasty that included a lift so my boob is extremely perky so not sure if that is helping not get too sore underneath.  I am wearing some soft bras from Rigby and Peller (soooo expensive but the only thing I could get in my size!) they appear to be giving me the support i need without rubbing so I will have had my moneys worth by the time this is done.  I am using E45 lotion at the moment and slap it on 3 or 4 times a day. Where possible I am going bra free and working from home (not sure my office could deal with the whole no bra thing!!)

I had an email chat with my surgeon yesterday about my reduction op - I am a G on the left and a D on the right so very lop sided. I don;t have a prosthetic has have never been offered one (one of the joys of private health care is lack of consistent BCN) and I just want this operation done so I can move on

He casually mentioned i needed to be off Tamoxfen for 6 weeks before surgery, its so frustrating that they appear to expect you to ask the right questions!!!  

I am tired but still not sleeping well at all despite doing a daily 3 mile walk on the treadmill:( 

At least when I get done today I am more than half way through!!

[ashbymeadow]

Hi Mand

Wow day 11..not much longer.

I am day5 today and thick fog to battle with.Over 70 miles return trip by car...hubby drives but not easy route.

Lots of strange feelings boob wise.Stabbing,hot,uncomfortable but all doable

Sorry about your sore.what /when did that start,is it since radiotherapy?

I am using aqueus cream to moisturise.

Must say sleep improving .Thats a relief.

Jacqui

[Mand]

Hi ladies,

I hope you're all doing well. Day 11 for me today. The BC nurse saw me yesterday and she has given me some dressings to put under my breast where it is getting very sore. She said it is likely to get worse. It is an area where big busted women suffer! Also, she gave me some Aloe Vera gel which is very soothing to use after treatment as it does cool the hot breast.

Does anyone else feel, apart from the swelling, that their breast is getting hard? I was told this may happen. Apart from that it is all doable. The nausea is still there which is weird because I'm not actually sick but feel I want to be!

Looking forward to the weekend again. I think you really need the two days grace from it all. I feel like I'm wishing my days away to get to the end of treatment lol.

Off to get zapped. Have a good day everyone.

Love Mand xxx

[Butterfly318]

Evening Beatrice

Sorry to hear you are nauseous with the Rads.  Hope that you are taking it easy this evening and manage to get there tomorrow..

Do you have a check with rads staff / Clinical Nurse Specialist part way through rads or is there anybody you can speak to there.

Take Care  Gilly x    

[Beatrice13]

Hi Mands

I too have felt nauseous these last couple of days. After my 8th blast today I had to trek across the hospital to the pharmacy and felt quite unsteady, dizzy and weak. Has anyone else experienced a heavy ache in the chest?

Beatrice x

[Mand]

Hi to the new Jems. I haven't felt too good since my 7th zap. Had a nausea feeling all weekend. Should be ok tomorrow as I have chilled all weekend. I can't wait for take next couple of weeks to go quickly! Mands xxx

[venice25]

hi

i also had a funny taste similar to chemo on my 10th rads now and the taste is now subsiding Gill x

[Britbox]

Hello Oaktreesa and max,

Good luck with starting your rads. Like everyone else, I just want to reiterate, that the thought of going through all these sessions is so much worse than actually doing it! I think after all we've been through we are all allowed to have a bit of a wobble, and it's only natural to fear the unknown.

I'm having radiotherapy to my left side, but haven't been asked to hold my breath either. I suppose each hospital has their own way of doing things, but at the Oncology centre I attend, they are quite happy to let me breath normally, thank God..I'm not much good at holding my breath at the best of times! 🙂
Once you are up on the table and positioned correctly, it's all over so quickly, it really does take more time to line you up into position than to be treated. As a bonus, we have a TV above the bed, and music to take your mind off things....I always complain about the music..It's dire! It's a bit of a running joke now, but the staff are lovely and will let you take in your own CD's to listen to. I've not bothered because the session is over so quickly, it's hardly worth it..You wouldn't even get halfway through your favourite song, and there is always the danger that I'd start singing, or jiggling about. You have to keep very stil, so there's a danger I'd end up getting my eyeballs of face nuked listening to my favourites and trying to cut some shapes! LOL

I had my 8th treatment today, and have no side effects at all..I'm using Holland and Barratt Aloe Vera Gel, so is my friend. We are lucky enough to have had our appointments scheduled at the same time, and both swear by that Gel, no itchiness, redness, heat, swelling or any soreness. I use it 3 or 4 times a day, and am really generous with the amount I apply. I know that side effects can kick in any time during, or for some time after treatment, but so far *touch wood* we are both doing really well, and the radiographers are pleased with how our skin is holding up, and even the fatigue hasn't affected us at all yet either. I'm still wearing my normal bra's as I don't feel uncomfortable in them, but have got the soft type 'genie' type that I wore after my operation should I need it. I think it's all down to wearing what you feel comfy in.

Once You've had your first session, you'll soon get used to the routine and be surprised at how quickly the days pass. Each session is one step closer to the end, and another milestone in your recovery.

Thinking of you and sending lots of cyber hugs your way.

Maz xx

[Boxofrogs]

Welcome max. Never heard of breath holding? I'm having left side done and breathe normally. Rads is nothing to worry about. In fact anyone who worries too much will probably be rather underwhelmed by the process. I haven't noticed any taste changes btw.

[Beatrice13]

Just wondering if anyone has experienced a change of taste since they started rads?

I seem to be going back to the sour/bitter taste that I had during chemo?

[Beatrice13]

Hi Oaktreesea and Max38

Best of luck for Monday and 28th respectively. I've had 7 sessions and 13 to go and so far compared with Chemo it's a doddle. Nothing to worry about just keep caring for your skin, similar to if you've been sunbathing too much. Keep moisturising and wash/shower carefully. Apparently it only stays in your system for around 2-3 weeks after the last session. I have fair sized boobs but am tending to leave the bra at home, preferring a stretchy vest top under a loose jumper (good job it's Winter). I'm using a Simple all in one baby wash instead of the bar soap with no ill effects so far.

Please don't worry - the only down side is a lack of dignity when the rads team undo your gown and crack on very quickly. But they have tons of people to treat and I daresay when you've seen all the bare flesh that they get to see, both genders, you are pretty much unidentifiable as male or female!

Enjoy your weekend and try to take it in your stride once you start.

Beatrice x

[June_BCC]

Hello Max38

Welcome to the forums, you've come to the right place for support as the users of this site have a wealth of experience and knowledge between them.

If you would like to talk to someone in confidence you may like to phone our helpline  where you can talk to a member of staff. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.

I've also attached a link to our publication on Radiotherapy which you may find useful

http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/radiotherapy-primary-early-b...

Best wishes

June, moderator

[Kipper107]

woo hoo 10 down and only 13 left!  Good news is so far not too many side effects (hot and sore) bad news is apparently they don't kick in until after 10 sessions.  As so many others have said the main annoyance is having to go to the hospital daily but otherwise it has been pretty smooth.

My advice 10 sessions in is don't worry too much, it is easier than the other crap they put us thrrough.  Be prepared to feel a bit isolated when they leave you but its only for a couple of minutes.

Practical info - in my hospital you get undressed in the room with the machine, no gown but they give you a piece of paper (!) to put over you.  Most of the time I have had women but there has been one male radiographer. To be honest I am past caring who sees my boobs now 🙂

I accidently saw my oncologist today but apparently I will only need to see him once more before the end of the treatment. 

I was extremely worried about the radiotherapy but its been ok honest!

[max38]

Hi everyone, i start 23 sessions of radio on january 28th so any tips for preparing for it would be great.

I am having the breath holding radio as it is left breast. can anyone recommend the best soft bras to get and also which creams to use? also what can i expect when the sessions are finished? does it take a few weeks to get back to normal?

many thanks - this forum is so supportive to read

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi oaktreesea
Along with the support and shared experiences here you may find the following link to the BCC 'I'm having treatments' page helpful for further information and support ideas:

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/treatment?utm_source=Homepage&%3Butm_medium=help_you&%3Bu...

Take care
Lucy BCC

[oaktreesea]

Hi everyone, can I join all you fellow January Jems?.

I start my radiotherapy on Monday so thought i'd check the forum out to get a better idea of what goes on and try to pick up some tips to help me get through it. I had a WLE and SNB back in November and after getting the results of the op i've been trying to keep my mind off having the dreaded "C"  and this next stage in the treatment. I've been doing quite well, but am starting to wobble a bit now its so close and worried about possible side effects.

Thankyou for the tips i've found on this thread and good luck to all of you currently having rads and those like me about to start.

Oaktreesea

[Freda61]

HI Fimbo, I had a reduction when my lump was removed and have had soreness with bra band rubbing the scars at the bottom.  It eased off then got bad with rads and is now easing off again.  With the genie type bras I turned them inside out so the seams don't rub.  Not sure if your softie will work that way round though. I can't go without a bra as I get other pains, so at one point I was wearing a belvia with a sports bra over the top to give some cushioning.  Radiographer suggested a well washed cotton hanky (but I didn't have any).  Maybe a vest under your belvia?  Some where on here I saw a discussion about stick-on softies, but would probably irritate skin during rads.  Hope you find a solution soon.

[Boxofrogs]

Hi fimbo, I too wear the primark thingys. I find them tight, which I quite like, and noticed quite deep ridged lines on the mx side the other day when changing for rads. I thought the rads people might say something but they didn't. I'm not sore yet but am sure they will exacerbate things when the time comes. I do have quite nice ones from sainsburys which are softer but they don't have pockets. Not sure what your softie is like. I have one that's a bit like a bean bag. Anyhow I safety pin it in place.

[Mand]

Hi H, pleased to hear you are more up beat today. It always helps to have a get together with someone to try and take your mind off the cancer thoughts. Tamoxifen - try not to think too far ahead sweetie. My treatment plan changed so many times so try to deal with the now. Break it down in stages, it really does help. Your stage at the mo is recovery from surgery. Your next stage will be results and what happens next. I know it's hard but thinking too far ahead won't do you any good sweetheart. We can't always stop our minds thinking too far but I really think dealing with this journey in stages, breaking it down, really does help. It has me. Thinking of you sweetie. Love Mand xxx

[HFK1234]

Hi Mand

As always, thank you for your kind words.  

I feel better today.  I went for coffee with a friend and had a good natter about non-cancer related things!  I've realised that I have to get back to work or I will go batty.  Work keeps me sane really.  

I feel stronger physically too, which helps as I'm now not taking so many pain killers, just a couple before bed so I can sleep, that's when the wounds hurt the most really.  The pain killers were making me very drousy and foggy headed, making me feel slightly out of control.

Sounds like you are doing really well - good for you doing all that walking.  In between rain clouds, the sun has been really bright, so it must be a really lovely thing to do, albeit for a horrible reason.  Or on the flip side, a good reason as it's helping to combat this horrible thing.

I'm dreading the tamoxifen, if I have to take it (it's looking quite likely).  I've always battled with mood swings anyway, so it's going to be yuk - mainly for everyone around me!

I've got another appointment next Wednesday, but if the consultant gets the results in before then, he is going to call me.

Take care everyone!

H x

[Mand]

Hi H, how frustrating for you. All us ladies will agree that the waiting for results and knowing what the next stage in our journeys is the most worrying time. Try to focus on the now and concentrate on getting your strength back following the surgery. It definitely takes a good few weeks. Try to occupy your mind with other things - I know easier said than done but if you set yourself a small little target each day this will help. Even if it is a short walk up to the shops or writing that list of things to be done around the house when you a stronger ie cleaning out the cutlery draw - I still need to do mine lol.

As to whether you should keep posting here or somewhere else? You are part of us ladies now so please do carry on posting here if it helps you. I'm sure the ladies here are giving you some of the support you need in your journey. When is your next consultants appointment?

For me, day 6 today of treatment. I have continues to do the 3 mile walk each day and I am so chuffed with myself for that. Although yesterday, would you believe it, I fell over quite badly. Some tourists helped me up which was very kind of them but I wanted to scream at the man "hey, watch my bad tit"! Lol. It was a really bad fall and I was lucky I didn't break anything.

Before treatment started, they did confirm that the skin under my breast is becoming sore and damaged. I thought it was looking and feeling red and sore. I am quite big busted and I had heard that this is an area prone to damage. I'm continuing to slap on the cream. They did say to buy a piece of silk and lay over the breast as this can stop the friction of clothes rubbing. I have discarded the bra wearing for now as I have found them uncomfortable to wear since surgery. I will buy some silk at the weekend if I get the chance and see if it works.

Also, yesterday I started one of the SE from tamoxifen - hot flushes. I was dreading these as I did suffer terribly before taking HRT. I wish they would come up with something that stops the hot flushes as these are awful and often disturb sleep which is all I need with being an insomniac!!! Her endith my moan for today lol.

Have a lovely day everyone.

Love Mands xxx