Starting Rads in July 2012

[pelma]

had my first rads today it was ok and quick but now my boob is so red if its like this after just one day then i dread to think what it will be like at the end of my last one

[Lilac51]

I had my first treatmnt yesterday and everything was fine. I met up with a lady who finished chemo at the same time as me and we compared notes. I've got more hair on my head than she has but she's got eyebrows so I was a bit jealous. It's maybe because we had different chemo regimes. Like me, she's been told to keep well hydrated but is finding it a bit of a struggle getting enough fluids down as drinks of tea and even water still taste wrong. The rads only took a few minutes. I had a talk with a nurse to start with who explained exactly what would happen. She said the only cream they recommended was aqueous cream (I've got oodles of it as my husband bought me some from Superdrug and then I found they had it for £1 at Savers) which I can have on my skin while they are doing the rads. I was glad she told me as this had been puzzling me - I thought I'd need to wash it off beforehand. She also said, because of high demand for the machine, I might be asked not to come in for a couple of days and my treatment would have to be carried forward into another week, so I'll just have to wait and see. I'm to have a gel pad over my left breast area for the first 5 sessions which she says will act as a sort of booster. It kept falling off even though I was lying very still.
My daughter came with me as it was my first time but I'll go by myself from now on and it will probably be easier for me to go by bus rather than bother about parking as there's a bus which goes from near my house. It was strange: my daugter was really upbeat and supportive while I was having chemo but she found yesterday a bit depressing. I think the chairs were too comfy for her in the waiting room and she went very sleepy. She's been working 6 days a week and then doing volunteer work so I think it all caught up with her. I was worried she'd collapse on me before I got her home so it's a good job I was feeling lively yesterday.

[TotallyConfuse]

You should ask for it on prescription, as prescriptions for us are free for 5 years!

[supertrouper]

Hi Ladies, hope you don't mind me butting in. I finished Rads at the end of February I have a full head of hair, and I can walk upstairs without puffing like an old lady. I am back to about 70% of how I used to be, although I have bad days that spring out of no where when I can be lacking in energy.
Keep going girls...This Too Will Pass

[Guest user]

Congratulations! Yes I get those sort of comments too about it soon being over. Currently I can't imagine having a full head of hair & being able to walk upstairs without puffing like an old lady! I know they mean well but I wish they'd acknowledge we need time to let our poor bodies ( and minds) recover!
Got my Mum staying now so hopefully will eat properly even if I'm too tired to do the cooking myself!

Twinky x

[Guest user]

Hi Twinky
My Rads are finished!! What to do now with my afternoons?
Lots of comments like 'i bet you're glad its all over'
My mums one was ' well after wednesday you'll be back to normal' I thought thursday id wake up with a full head of hair and a stone and a half weight loss! lol
rib pain is now intermitant and is quite common with Rads.
telly tubby land sounds lovely. My unit was underground too, perhaps your hubby was right !!!
Gill x

[Guest user]

Had 5/15 so far. Not noticed a difference in skin/energy other than being tired after driving a 100 mile round trip on a daily basis! How is everyone else?

Twinky x

[Guest user]

Hi Ann welcome to the site. You are just ahead of me as I have no.3 today. That was a nice idea buying you an aloe Vera plant. Where do you get them from if that's not a silly question!

Twinky x

[JCJ]

Fran, I have large boobs - 44E - and was told that larger ladies suffer more from skin problems during rads - more surface area I suppose? I found the soreness was aleviated by leaving my bra off and only wearing loose cotton t-shirts. I found it really uncomfortable at first, but I got used to it quite quickly - such that I couldn't wait to get the bra off when i got home! When I went out I wore my normal, cotton bra with an extender, so it wasn't too tight over the affected side. Lying topless - so the air can get at the underneath - helps too (but OH needs to be warned that it's not, necessarily, an invitation!! )

I knew I was getting over the SEs when I found I'd worn my bra all day without even thinking about removing it!!

Grace, they say not to use hair removal creams because they make your skin more sensitive and so you may get more rads damage. So the electric razor route probably safer bet next time.

[Guest user]

JCJ – thank you for your advice re underarm hair. In fact, at the weekend I did succumb and used some hair removal cream as I thought this might be the most gentle and long lasting. But I’ve a feeling I’ll need to deal with it again before my rads start, so will probably try the electric shaver, (a bit less faffing about than cream!).
I guess for most ladies who have surgery before chemo it’s not such an issue as the hair probably hasn’t come through much yet; but being neo-adjuvent, it was definitely becoming an issue for me! If only the hair on my head was growing so quickly

All the best to everyone else who is undergoing rads or due to start. I for one am glad it’s the last part of active treatment!
Fran, I understand that it can be a bit more sore for those with larger boobs – hope your rads people are able to give you some helpful advice. Grace x

[Guest user]

I am a newbie to the site and so far have had 5 sessions of radiotherapy. 5 down 10 to go. A friend who also had breast cancer last year bought me an aloe vera plan and told me to to use the liquid inside the leaves. It is certainly very cooling and seems to be helping. I am also using the aqueous cream. Good luck to everyone hopefully it will soon be over.

[Guest user]

Hello Ladies,
I've had 12 rads so far and i have been putting aquesous cream on about 3 times a day but today its really sore underneath my breast. They have looked at it but dont know if i should buy some aloe vera gel. I've taken my bra off today as its uncomfortable. I have quite large b's so that doesnt help.
Any advice would be good but If not I'll ask the rads peeps tom.
Thanks fran
xx

[JCJ]

Just popped in here to see if I could help anyone! I finished rads in May.

As to underarm hair: I was advised (in a printed leaflet from the hospital) to use an elecric shaver to avoid the risk of cutting myself. BUT I wasn't having rads to arm pit, only breast. If you ARE having rads to arm pit, apparently it will, temporarily, make you lose the underarm hair anyway! It would be an idea to shave before rads and then leave well alone, as you don't want to be aggravating sensitive skin. (It's a bit like sunburn.) Because my armpit was numb after SNB, I used a mirror to check I wasn't doing any damage when shaving.

The tiredness does indeed get worse AFTER rads finish. As advised, my fatigue peaked just before the 2 weeks after, as did the redness to my skin. I was lucky in that my skin stayed intact - or it could have been due to slapping on the aqueous cream at regular intervals and going braless under a loose cotton t-shirt whenever I was in the house - ie most of the time! When going out, I used those elastic bra extenders (under £2 for pack of 4 assorted colours, from Ebay - other sources are available) to make my normal bra a bit looser, and that worked fine.

Good luck to all you ladies going through it now. It'll soon be a thing of the past! I'm back at work, on a phased return and most days, for most of the time, I don't even think about BC any more.

You'll get there too! 🙂

[Guest user]

Hi Gill
Hope you're ok. Did you get to ask anyone about your rib pain?

I've had my first one today. It all went fine. Been told to keep well hydrated (6-8 glassed of water a day) & put aqueous cream on twice a day initially. Has to laugh. Approached the radiotherapy unit from the front this time & discovered it is hidden under a grassy mound. Looks like I'm being treated in Telly Tubby land....appatently the neighbouring houses objected to another building in their view so they hid it ( a much nicer explanation than hubby's suggestion that it's so dangerous they had to bury it in a bunker...if I still had eyebrows one would have been raised when I glared at him after that comment).

Twinky x

[Guest user]

Hi
Im nearing the end of my RADS ,3 more to go. I noticed the other day that hair had sprouted under my right arm pit so shaved it off. As of yet nothing on the left side where Rads is taking place.
Im amazed how quickly time has flown, Im not too tired and have driven myself most days. Ive been told tiredness may hit 2 weeks after you finish. so we'll wait and see. My boob is a bit pink and warm ,but ive been applying the aqueous cream, which seems to be doing the trick.
Today I seem to have a lot of pain in my left rib, Im assuming that its RAD related, but typical its at the weekend when i dont have to go and cant ask anyone.
Gill x

[Guest user]

I am in the same predicament, chemo finished April, op in may, and now a fair few under arm hairs!!!!
Do we shave/wax or don't we. Rads starting on 25th July!
The things tha we ladies have to think about. Lol
Anne

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies,
Just wanted to ask a quick question – I’ll also be starting rads in July, though not until the 26^th. I know we’re told not to shave, but have any of you been told whether this is just during rads or beforehand too?
I finished chemo in April, had surgery in May and now my armpits are starting to ‘sprout’ again, I’m wondering whether I can last for the next 3 weeks without doing anything about it! Plus the indignity of lying with arms above my head knowing that I could do with dealing with the hair! I know, I should be used to indignities by now!
Grace x

[Guest user]

I know what you mean about laying there with arms above head - takes a bit of getting used to. Ive had my second session today and had the same people doing it as the day before. They covered up my remaining boob with the gown both times which sort of helped - still feel slightly like a piece of meat on a slab though which im sure after a few more sessions this feeling will go. We are entitled to moan considering what we have been through. Good luck xx
Jayne

[Lilac51]

Wish I'd thought to ask my GP for a prescription for cream when I saw him last week. Like other ladies I'm a little nervous about starting rads even though I'm sure it will be a lot easier with chemo. I think it's because, although the six months of chemo were pretty grim, I was in a routine of seeing the same nurses every three weeks, feeling looked after and socializing with the other ladies having treatment. I'm ashamed to say I even felt a bit smug having "Chemo patient - urgent" on my card and going to the front of the queue when I had my blood tests. I didn't even mind my husband not being with me and everyone else having someone with them. Now I feel cut adrift - got lost twice when I went to the other hospital for my consultant appointment - and I'll be alone again for treatment as my husband needs to be around to collect my son from school. I also felt I'd lost every shred of dignity when I was lying half naked in a big open room with my arms above my head, with one person marking me up and another putting wet cotton buds up my nose etc for the MRSA test. I'm sorry, sound like a moaning minny but I don't mean it to sound that way.
Pauline x

[Guest user]

Hi Ladies
Am also starting rads in July, mine start on 25th for 15 sessions. Has chemo Jan/April,mastectomy and recon in May, will be so happy 14th august when hopefully all treatment will be over.
Twonky, my treatment is also private as hubby has BUPA through work.
Good luck to all, hope is goes easier than chemo.
Also, talk to your GP about creams, they prescribe big tubs and because you have "cancer" they are free!!
Big hugs
Anne

[Guest user]

I know im the same as you, mastectomy and chemo - you'd think we would be used to it by now. I went on my own as well. Hubby means well but gets very impatient if they run late. My sister came with me for chemo so thought i would be brave and go on my own. Im sure you will be fine after your 1st one.

Janelle (Jayne)

[Guest user]

Well done Janelle on your first one today. I too am getting a little nervous. Don't know why as I have already faced an MX & chemo....don't know why I'm feeling like a big baby now! Fear of the unknown as you said! At the moment I'm doing my first week on my own. I'll be ok after the first one (I hope...)

Twinky x

[Guest user]

Had first session today. Feel ok now as fear of the unknown made me really nervous today. Will say though felt like a piece of meat on a slab during the lining up process. It also kind of reminded me about the Golden Shot - those of you old enough to remember it lol. Left a bit right a bit !!!! Seriously though once they had taken the necessary x rays to make sure they would be hitting the right spot, it was over in minutes.

[Guest user]

Hi Likeslilac. Good luck with your rads. I bought a big tub of aqueous cream today from Boots (£4.06) and a bar of Simple soap ( hospital recommended this. So I'm all ready for the 9th. I'm only two weeks from my last chemo so I sympathise with your tiredness. I find that when people hear you've finished a treatment they think you should just bounce back to 'normal' immediately when in reality we need some time to recover! Rads has just got to be easier than chemo though, with no nasty drugs. Fingers crossed!

Hugs to all

Twinky X

[Lilac51]

Hi
I'm starting rads on 16th July, having 15 sessions. I was scanned, marker penned, MRSA tested and tattooed last week. I finished chemo end of May and everyone has told me rads will be a lot easier than chemo. The only problem is I'm still tired after chemo and not looking forward to feeling more tired. It won't be at my local hospital so I'll need to travel quite a way each day. I bought some aloe vera but having bought any aqueous cream yet.

[Guest user]

morning ladies my picc line is starting to behave now yayyyy i still get odd pain but nothing half as bad xx

[Guest user]

Just realised it's a week today that I start rads.eeek! Got a funeral & a gig to play between now & then! Oooh sticky bras Foxy...lol...be careful! Glad you like the bunny picture bettie. Pebbles ( the one with the big ears) jumps up on the bed for some treats & petting bless her. Such nice company for me when hubby is working away during the week.

Wish the weather would improve. It is supposed to be summer!

Twinky x

[Bettie]

Twinkey68, just popping in from the March chemo thread(have 2 more chemos then rads Sept, 20 sessions). Just wanted to say the rabbits are absolutely gorgeous!!
Bettie xx

Good luck with the rads.

[foxyferret]

Hi, I am halfway through my rads and have been alternating aqueous cream and aloe vera gel. Just want to warn you that aloe vera makes your bra stick to your skin. This is useful if you don't want your bra to move and rub later on! Just be careful removing bra ( It's only lightly stuck ,Just peel, don't yank bra off).
I prefer the aloe vera as its less greasy.

I've had 9/15 and the tiredness is kicking in now.

Good luck ladies.

[Kellc]

Hi all
I finished my chemo about five weeks ago and started radiotherapy last Thursday.
When I went for my planning session at James Cook hospital they gave me a large tub of aqueous cream to use.
I have had two sessions and 13 more to go and they went ok all the staff were very nice.
The cream is very good I just smear it on and leave it to soak in.

Barbars

[pelma]

hi looby60 iv been reading on he a lot of people have been saying alo gel is good so i got some but when went for my ct i ask about use it and was told not to and to use E45 or aqueous i have not had to have chemo so im very lucky and i heard rads are a lot easyer then chemo so i feel for those that have had to have chemo and hope u ladies have an easy time pamxx

[Guest user]

Hi all starting Rads on Tuesday going every day for 3 weeks (high import trial) have bought some aloe gel 99% which someone recomended but really unsure about what to use. I have ben having a nightmare trying to find a comfi bra through chemo and I am told its really importent to have comfort through rads. I found a vest with hidden support at mataland has built in cups so gives you some shape it was £6 so far really comfi wish I had got more but as I have a draw full of mistakes thought i would try it first.
Well good luck everyone lets hope we all get on well and dont have any nasty side effects like we did on the Chemo. I might even have a little drink to-night as feeling so much better and have not had any since feb so this weekend is the best time before I start the rads, doing well with the smoking down to 6 a day from 25 so getting there but not finding it easy.
best wishes
Linda

[pelma]

thanks twinky68 i was told to use aqueous cream or E45 dont know which ones best but got a big pot of E45 from my daughter dont know weather to get me some aqueous aswell when are u supposed to put that on is it every day after ur rads pam x

[Guest user]

Looks like there are some bargains around if I look! Welcome to Pam x you're starting a week after me do I shall let you know how I get on.

Twinky x

[pelma]

hi istart my rads on the 17th july was dx end of april ER+HER- invasive ductal nodes clear had lumetomy on the 11 may
and will have 17 lots of rads pam x

[Guest user]

I got my cream from Tesco when i did my online shop - large tub which cost about £3.

[Patchit]

Hi Twinky
I would go to somewhere like Poundland or Home Bargains, you get a huge tub and its much cheaper then Boots.
Joan xxx

[Guest user]

Hi Rosie....yes those are the two scamps under my bed bless them!
Hi Janelle...firstly happy birthday for Monday & best of luck for Tuesday. Please come back & let us know how you are getting on.
Hi Giget....thanks for the tip. Not been out to buy any of the cream yet. I assume Boots stock it ( other retail outlets are available....lol)
Twinky x

[Guest user]

Hi Twinky,
Rads is really far far easy than chemo. The 15 or so minutes is not bad compared to 3-4 hrs of chemo treatment. I remember when I had mine for 28days , the everyday trip to the hospital had become a routine even for my children. I had rads during summer holidays and to ask someone everyday to look after the children is too much esp if you need to knock at 8:30Am on a friend/relative's house just to be in time for you 9Am appt. So I brought my 2 kids everyday. Yes, as in everyday. Fortunately, the hospital has game room and whilst I'm havinpt g treatment my kids are playing wii. I would really suggest that you use plenty of aqueous cream as it helps me a lot. I didn't have any problem at all with my skin. I have applied the cream about 4-5 times daily sometimes more. Be sure that you also apply immediately after bathing. Would lock myself in the bedroom so I can put a liberal amount on the area and let it dry for a good 15min before puting on my clothes. Though the treatment is really easy and short, physically I felt really tired which they say is pretty normal. Take as much rest as you can and hope everything goes well with you.
love,
Giget

[Guest user]

Thank you 🙂

[Guest user]

Janelle ...
Welcome to the July rads clubs

Happy birthday for Monday

Love Roise xx

[Guest user]

Starting Radiotherapy on Tuesday - 15 sessions. My local hospital do not do Radiotherapy so have to travel 12 miles to nearest Radiotherapy Unit. Nervous but also glad to be starting final stage of treatment. Had a meal out with work colleagues last night to celebrate my 50th, which is on Monday, so hoping once radiotherapy done can think about getting back to work

[Guest user]

Twinky ,
Love the pic of the rabbits , Are these the ones that live under the bed ??? you have not spoken about them recently .
Looks like we are the only two people having rads in July
At the hospital on Wednesday to sort out all the details. not looking forward to going to the hopsital every day for rads bad enough every three weeks for chemo.
Have a good evening
Love Rosie xx

[Guest user]

Hi
I've just been to the hospital today for a CT scan to plan my rads treatment. I shall be starting on 9th July & wondered if there are other ladies starting in July who would like to join me here & hold one another's hands in a virtual sense. Although this is a recurrence for me after 6 years I never had radiotherapy first time around so I'm a newbie where this is concerned.
Met the staff at the unit ( and I should clarify now that my treatment is private due to my employer's medical insurance so my experience may differ slightly to those treated on the NHS) & they all seemed very nice & friendly. I have opted to strip in the treatment room rather than change into a gown beforehand ( have become very blase about nudity now....lol). Had to lie on a weird contraption whilst they made various marks on me ( which will wash off eventually) & then had 3 small tattoo marks ( centre, left & right hand side) to line me up with the machine each visit. These are permanent but very small. I have to lie with my arms above my head but felt very comfortable. In fact I started to nod off whilst they did the scan...thank goodness not enough to start snoring though!

Been told aqueous cream in king & to wash with Simple soap. No under arm shaving ( removes layer of skin) & only use special deodorant on rads side with no metallic content. Drink lots & rest lots. Peak effect on body two weeks after treatment finishes ( I'm having 15).
Feeling a little more reassured now I've visited. Two weeks more to get over chemo as much as possible (final Tax was last Monday but currently still fighting an episode ofcellulitis in my lymphoedema arm.
Twinky x