June 2017 radiotherapy

[ladybowler]

Mari

oooh we will be ringing those bells for you on Tuesday 🙂 :).

[Gran60]

Meri hope all goes well with your treatment.
That's me just completed 13 of 15 only 2 left
So far not to many issues although I've found this week bit of a drag. Met with specialist nurse who reminded of all potential side effects in weeks following treatment finishing. Again its just wait and see kind of feeling that I've not had it to bad so far so things are bound to catch up with me.
Hope all you other ladies are coping and looking forward to your weekend. Roll on Tuesday 😊
Mari

[Meri]

Yes 15 sessions thankfully at brand new cancer unit not too far from me.

only issue is infection has left pinkness on skin of breast , fluid removal has left surgery area very sore so dreading all this being agravated.

But its two months since surgery so do want to get radiotherapy done 🙂

[ladybowler]

Meri

Oh that is good news, are you having 15 sessions?

Helena xxx

[Meri]

Have all clear from surgeon to start radson Monday 12th June.

Infection settled, had loadsfluid removed which has also helped.

On tamoxifen five weeks, feel yukky but some side effects settling. LadycarePlus magnet helping with hot flushes and anxiety feelings.

So onwards to this next step 🙂 Just hooe measurements still the same 🙂

[ladybowler]

Lynda1955 and Sean07

I have rung the bells for you on the May radiotherapy thread for finishing your rads today, congratulations to both of you for the end of active treatment.

Helena xxx

[Tigony]

Thanks Lin. I try not to but feeling shaky and exhausted doesn't help.

[LinRowan]

Tigony, it sounds like your ex is being several of those words that get blanked out if we use them here! Don't let the illegitimato te carborundum, if you know what I mean...

All the best

Lin

[welshlady66]

Sorry to hear you have pre cancerous cells, I had a smear just as I found out I had breast cancer I have to go back and have another as it was inconclusive so hoping there is nothing wrong there, due to go this week but not been too good with taking the tamoxifen 

[ladybowler]

TIgony

yay, finally and what a relief to have the dates at least you can plan now.  Sorry to hear about your on-going problems with the ex, he really wants to get a life, keep strong and you will out with it. 

Sending you a hug and i have made a note so that we can ring the bells on here when you finish

Helena xxx

[Tigony]

I hope so too, Lin. The whole thing for me is a little tricky as I am also going through a rather unpleasant divorce process. Ex doing everything he can not to behave well. So I am feeling a bit meh. This forum does help!

[LinRowan]

Tigony, would you believe I'm actually envious because you have your dates to begin your radiotherapy! I still have nothing and being in limbo is making me ratty. Like you I'm self-employed and  I haven't booked any sessions with my groups for the last month because I wanted to allow for hospital visits and the dreaded tiredness that everyone keeps telling me about - I could have been seeing people and earning money!

Anyway, I hope it goes well for you, and trust that soon I'll join you for real on this thread!

Lin

[Tigony]

Hello everyone, I am finally booked in for 15 sessions of radiotherapy starting 14 June. I will be combining this with a new work contract, luckily part time, but am hoping that my normal levels of energy will keep me going throughout. Being freelance this has been financially hairy! Glad to be getting on with things though, and will be coming here to get tips on creams etc. Thanks as ever for being here.

[SooBee]

Thanks Helena. Hug gratefully received. Xx

Sue

[Meri]

Lotions

My doccters doing radiotherapy say research has shown its fine to use normal lotions that you would use.

Personally due to skin sensativity I use creams that paraben free, no colours or scents.

The DrOrganic range is good does nice aloe vera lotion as well as gel. I put gel on after lotion as aloe vera gel often has drying affect.

I also use Liz Earle body cream as so moisturising.

Been told use normal deoderant as research shown makes no difference to rads.

I think I may have to have re measuring assessions been delayed due to infection, have loads swelling too.

My skin still pink from infection, keep hoping it will settle as think will be too sensative for rads.

I feel shattered due to infection so dreading this stage of treatment. 😞

[lynda1955]

Hello all I have 4 more sessions next week and then all over. Things are going well so far. I worked up till last Tuesday morning but found it a struggle being on my feet for 4 hours with just a15 min break. I have found my asthma is playing up more, as for creams I have been putting on a body lotion my daughter bought me plus putting a small layer on just after treatment. Hope you all have a good weekend xx

[ladybowler]

SooBee

Oh that is just so frustrating.  I think you are right concentrate on the rads first.

I think if it was me, I would contact them in a couple of months and just ask for them to be checked out again, how on earth are you supposed to know if they have got worse, did they tell you what to looks out for?

Anyway my dear sending you a squidgy hug

Helena xxx

[SooBee]

Well that was a laugh - not! Turns out I have precancerous cells 'downstairs'. It's not urgent. I've been told that if I think it's worse by September to ring the hospital for an appointment! How am I meant to know that??? Anyway, I start radiotherapy on Monday so I'm trying not to worry too much but I do feel low.

[welshlady66]

Hi will be starting my radiotherapy sometime in june, have seen oncologist and been given tamoxifen have been having bad joint pain and since taking pain in my breast has got worse, have had the mapping scan and had to go through having a shell made as I am big chested that was fun laying there haveing a mold made out of plaster of paris had to go back then to have it fitted and alterations,found when having the scan that its very restrictive and can only shallow breath dont know if anyone has had this done, waiting on a phone call now they said four to five weeks before I start havent had the tattos yet not sure when they will be done I have IDC grade 2 had lumpectomy in march and sentinal lymph nodes taken two of the lymph nodes were infected so had clearance stage 3 thats my story so far .

[Gran60]

Hi Mini Mad
I am using creams that radiologist gave me called Zerobase emollient use twice a day and a steroid cream Betnovate to be put on before bed.
Did read some where to stay away from aloe Vera during rads. Hope you find something that works for you.
Enjoy your weekend

[ladybowler]

Misha

Would not be surprised if it is a combination of all of those factors plus you are getting used to this stage of your treatment, it wont be long and then you will have finished active treatment.  I remember one day walking into my session and the rads nurse asked how I was, I promptly burst into tears, they were so lovely got me tissues gave me loads of hugs, and then we got on with the apt.

Give yourself a bit of "you" time if you can just so that you can get a bit of rest

Sending you a hug

Helena xxx

[Misha11]

Had my 3rd session today. Felt v tired and weepy this evening. But don't know whether thats because of weeks being upbeat for family, I have suddenly accepted what is going on. Or because I have spent the day being taxi driver for children on half term. Also boob red and slightly sore. Really looking forward to the weekend off. Have a good weekend everyone xx

[mini mad]

Hi Gran60'

Well first session felt quite xhausting.  Lots of buzzes, clicking and wobblyvibrating table !!

didnt know that 2 xrays would be done prior to " setting up " but treatment itself was prob a couple of minutes on 2 areas.   Can you tell me what moisturiser you use pls ! 

Tried E45 but had allergic reaction so a no go.   Looked at aquaeous creme but it contained SLS which we are supposed to avoid.  Ended up getting Aveeno body lotion so gonna give this a try.

Update :  had my 3rd session this afternoon.  Have had some twingy pains - maybe from the awkward position or perhaps the treatment.  How about you ?   Looking forward to the weekend and no hospital trip.  Takes about an hour each way.

[Gran60]

That's number 8 over. Moisturising 3 times a day had skin check and at present breast looking okay. Noticed scars have changed colour but told this is normal. Have had some stabbing pains of and on since day 5 again been told normal. Looking forward to couple of days of.

[Meri]

Its reassuring hearing others experiences.

I too got aloe vera gel and also aloe vera lotion as gel soothing but can also be drying.

Today saw surgeon, had loads fluid removed from breast and arm, heres hoping this will ease discomfort.

Looks like rads maybe delayed again though, but I hope not.

I am worried about long delay, wonder if it increases risk of the odd cancer cell wandering around???

But also exhausted, wish I had detachable boob! it and I need a rest LOL 🙂

[Misha11]

SooBee, hope all goes well tomorrow xx

Meri, I have a problem raising one arm due to a problem not related to BC. My first session, yesterday, was not comfortable but todays session which was shorter was a lot easier. x

[SooBee]

Thank you so much for thinking of me. The wait is nearly over. Thank you for your support. Xx

[Evie-S]

Hi Everyone

I wanted to join this thread as I have my planning for rads on Monday. Hope those of you who have started are doing ok. Misha11 - thanks for the tip, I have just bought some Aloe Vera gel from Holland & Barrett.

SooBee - sending you hugs especially for your appointment tomorrow.

xx

[Meri]

Thanks Jacey, I have been here before as 61, so done menopause already using natural remedies.

I am trying out Ladycare magnet at the moment, must remember to take off for rads!!! LoL 🙂

Trouble with sage is it cannot be taken long term so ok for few weeks at a time then need break.

Anyway I see surgeon tomorrw re infection and decision is rads will go ahead this month or be delayed again, which I hope not.

I am also concerned about arm pain as even though doing loads stretching exerises it is painful when raised.

oh joys sue all will be better then think.

Good luck all 🙂

[Jacey]

Meri
I had monstrous hot flushes - and lots of them. I found it debilitating and generally horrible. I bought sage tablets from Healthspan (online) and my hot flushes have almost gone! It's worth a try.
Jacey

[WMJ]

SooBee, Best of luck for Friday, yes it is a lot to be putting up with. Keep us informed of how you are doing and get on. The waiting is alepways the worst thing as it is the fear of that he unknown and our minds play terrible tricks on us. Go everything crossed for you & s nding you a big hug....xx

[Misha11]

Hi, had my first rads today 1 of 15. Wasn't too bad at all. In fact most of the time was spent getting me in the right position. And I was more worried about sneezing when they had got me lined up (hayfever!!) than anything else. Was told not to wear a bra at home and moisturise at least twice a day. They recommended E45 but am also using Organic Aloe Vera gel from Holland and Barrett. And to get round the bra situation when out and about, will be wearing bra crop tops, no seams, no wires, cotton and M&S are doing a buy one, get one free at the moment. 

Wishing us all the best xx

[Meri]

Hi, I will be having 15 sessions over three weeks, if I can get rid of this infection.

Surgeon not sure if its cellulitus or infection in tumour cavity.

Fed up with antibiotics and Tamoxifen!

Trying out Ladycare magnet for flushes which are massive now.

But do feel I am havinf a little breather between all appointments.

Onwards!!! 🙂

[Nada007]

Hi all...mini mad, Karen and Helena. I had my first session yesterday and went better than expected. My 21yr old daughter came and it was lovely having her with me in the room while nurse was explaining what will the treatment involve. I forget sometimes how much it affects her and she needs to be reassured too that I am not in any pain.

I also will be having 15 sessions of the whole breast with extra 5 at the end that that my Oncologist calls a 'booster week' where they will concentrate the beams on the area of the breast where the lump was situated. Not sure if anyone else has this too?!

I started applying E45 immediately after, just in case 😉 and am having a bottle of water with me constantly. Thought I'd take Helena's advice and be ahead of things ;-). Thank you Helena xxx.

I received my schedule until 27/6 and as I said will be working in the mornings with treatments in the afternoon. If I don't feel up to it the next day then I'll just rest at home and go to treatment. Work can wait!

Dear mini mad, all
The best at your first session today. I will be thinking of you at my second 🙂

Dear Karen, I wish you a speedy recovery from your lumpectomy and hope all goes well. There is something I'd like to suggest and feel free to ask your nurse or surgeon. My surgeon recommended that I apply Bio Oil on my scar after lumpectomy as soon as all the strips are out. I think it's helping and my scar looks neat. Just massage your breast gently twice a day with oil...your scar area.

And lastly in case anyone is interested and would like to compare notes...I was diagnosed with:
Grade II, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with DCIS
Er+, Pr+, HER-2 negative
15mm (total with DCIS 24mm)
Lumpectomy 30/03 with negative lymph nodes
Re-excision 20/04
Radiotherapy start 30/5
Tamoxifen since 08/05/17 (can't think of any side effects yet)
I'm 46yrs old

Nada xxx

[Gran60]

Hi mini mad
Hope your not stressing to much I know that the thought of starting and how it will be is really scary. Don't know about you but I didn't really have a clue what was involved even after reading all the booklets and searching the web. Didn't sleep for couple of nights before. Its not as bad as you can imagine and now after 5 sessions it becoming almost normal. I find the most uncomfortable part is having your arms above your head. Treatment only takes minutes and you don't feel anything. I was diagnosed in March had lumpectomy and lympnodes removed in April now on tamoxifen. Having 15 sessions of radiotherapy also having genetic testing due to family history.
Let me know how it goes tomorrow

[mini mad]

Hi Gran60'

i start my radio tomorrow, the 1st of 15.

would like to stay in touch so i can compare ' notes! ' with someone who is at the same stage (or approx) as me.  Bit apprehensive but just want to get this last part over with.

i had triple negative bc. ☺️

[ladybowler]

Sooboo

Hello and welcome to this lovely thread, you will find lots of help and support on here so dont be afraid to ask any questions, if we cant answer I am sure the nurses will be able to.

Sorry to hear about your other worry but will have everything crossed that it turns out to be nothing but it is best to get it checked out.

Helena xx

[ladybowler]

Gran

Hello and welcome to the thread, you will get loads of support on here for the lovely ladies.  How many sessions are you having?

I am on tamoxifen and I know when I first started taking it I was rather eomotional and occasionally have days like that but on the whole I am doing ok on it.

Helena xxx

[SooBee]

Hi all! I'm starting my rads on Monday 5th June. Been taking Anastrozole for two weeks. Waiting for my baseline bone scan. I'm feeling very nervous because I've found a lump on my vulva which my GP can't identify and has referred me to a gynaecology oncologist this Friday!! So many things at once. Feeling a bit low.

[Gran60]

Hi this is the first time I've posted but have been dipping in and out of the forum since I was diagnosed. Just completed 4 session of rads so far not had any issues. Was very nervous about starting treatment so I found it reassuring hearing how others coped. I did have a wobble prior to starting and did think of not going ahead with it. I'm also on hormone treatment again not noticed any physical side effects but definitely a bit more emotional. It will be good to know how others are managing their treatment at the same time

[ladybowler]

louise

Hello and welcome to the forum.

It is great to know that your treatment in Israel has been pretty much the same as here.

You may well find that ladies from the May thread who are continuing/completing their treatment in June will be popping over shortly so there will be plenty of help and advise readily available.  Ask any questions that you want and I am sure we will be able to help.

Let us know when you are starting your rads and how many you are having, one reason is that when a lady completes rads we ring the bells on here to celebrate the end of active treatment.

I finished rads in January of this year and am on Tamoxifen which I have been taking since November with very little side effects and they are manageable, mostly hot flushes.

Helena xx

[louiseb]

Hi there everyone, first time posting here. I am an ex-pat living in Israel. My treatment has here has been exactly as in the UK, just maybe more waiting time between appointments. Op was in early Feb. Planning session was 2 weeks ago and I am just waiting for the phone call to let me know when I will have my first session of 15. So hopefully within a few days. Prescribed Letrozole for 5 years, been taking for a month with no side effects (so far). Nice to know that I can share my experiences here and maybe compare treatments between the two countries. Roll on end of June.......

[ladybowler]

Meri

Hi mate, well I will be thinking about you then as it is my birthday so wont forget your start date:)  How many sessions are you having?

Helena xxx

[Meri]

Hi I due to start rads 12th June, been delayed due to infection, op was 12th March.

Had planning session but then got infection so heres hoping June will see end of active treatments 🙂

[ladybowler]

Just thought I would start a new thread for those ladies who are starting or continuing/completing their rads in June.

Helena xx