Hope it heals a little more in the next 2 weeks , otherwise I will contact one of nurses as you suggest . Going to be starting letrozole too . Many thanks x
Hi @horseloverbefore you start rads you will have to have a planning session where they take a torso CT scan in the position you will be when you have the treatment and it is from this scan that the team carefully plot the entry and exit points of the beam in order to make sure they get any stray cells lurking. Obviously it is individual to each women. This is done by the radiographers who won’t be qualified to offer an opinion on the clinical state of your breast. So if you have any concerns at all could you see a nurse practitioner at your local surgery beforehand. That’s what I did.
Thank you for your replies ladies . I had a telephone call from the oncologist last night . I can have radiotherapy in 2 weeks privately (I have health insurance) but will have to travel , this will be nearly 6 weeks post op . The alternative is wait for nhs which will be local but probably about another 5 weeks ? , although this could change . I have opted for private as it is covered by insurance and will free a space for someone on the nhs as he said there was a bit of a backlog. My only concern being that my breast might not be ready . It is still quite sore and has an area that still appears to be healing . Don’t know if this is normal at 3 weeks ? Will they tell me a radiotherapy if it is too soon for treatment
he told me to use a aveeno cream too , but hasn’t actually seen it ? love and best wishes x
Hi Horselover - Radiation was also 10 weeks after my 2nd Op. I am still putting on Aveno 2 times a day. Apart from slightly itchy skin on week 2 and 3 and sometimes slight ache in boob, it has been good. I have a post 5 week phone call this Thursday. Am assuming it is just to check how I am doing after radiation. Then nothing else booked, which feels so weird!! Xx
Hi @horselover I started rads 10 weeks (minus one day) after surgery. The worst bit was putting my right arm over my head as I have a bit of arthritis in it - and the waiting around at the hospital - but the radiographers were absolutely wonderful and very professional. I’m sure you’ll have an equally good experience. I am quite lucky in that I had no skin breakdown but I still moisturise twice every day. You do get a few aches in the boob but that is normal and can go on for quite a while hole after - nothing to worry about.
Hi @horselover I too had the 5 days in November. It wasn’t explicitly stated but suggested that for “straightforward “ cases, it is just as effective as the standard 15 days. Also you tend not to have the supplemental days of treatment on the chest wall with this which would back up the theory. So all good. If you’re still unsure, a quick chat with a BCN or one of the radiologists will put your mind at ease.
Hi there xx Yes many of us are given the 5 days of treatment now. It is so nice to get it done and out of the way in 1 week. Mine was done the week before xmas and all is going well xx
i have used aveeno daily moisturizing lotion x2 a day and aloe vera x1.It worked really well . I was told to start two weeks before my RT , it worked despite having x15 sessions.
I've been told that I will have to have RT after surgery and was just wondering what type of aveeno cream everyone has been using and is this the best cream to use?
Same as me.they said it was ok , and have even cancelled Monday .So I had Thursday-friday and now tues -wed-thurdsday .I am sure they know what thy are doing .trust them !
I too had been told 15 sessions over three weeks until it was changed at the last minute to hyper-fractionated. What a relief! I had my second session today and, due to the strength of the dose, I do feel a bit sore already BUT my shoulder joints have been knackered for years and there is absolutely no way I could face having my arms above my head like that fifteen times. I know that in 72 hours time it will be over. Maybe not the side effects but the process and that is such a relief. I also have the mid treatment review meeting after my third session tomorrow so I will just check that the reaction I’m getting is on the range of expectation.
It just shows how quickly things move forward. When I was diagnosed in July I was told 3 weeks+5days of Radiotherapy and it has now changed to 1 week of 5. I am delighted but just wish I could get a date soon!! Just want this over with now.
Ok thanks. I had clear lymphs so I assume that 5 days will become the norm now for Stae 1 clear margins and lymphs. Anyway, I’m glad to be getting it over with.
Hi Pebbles, thanks for this intel, I have my radiotherapy planning session on Tuesday for hyperfractionated rads with the 5 days starting on Monday 21st. I still have no idea why I’m getting the 5 day treatment as I’d been told throughout it would be 15 sessions but will be pleased to get it over with. Was it ever explained to you why you got the 5 days?
My oncologist recommended Aloe Vera so I’ve started using it and it’s really gorgeous so I’m happy so far. Lots of people mention Aveeno so I’ll have a look at that too.
sorry to hear about your fatigue which can be debilitating can’t it. I hope it goes soon.
For myself the side effects took a few weeks to take effect, initially my boob was a bit pink and warm but I’ve been moisturising with Aveeno since my surgery in June and I definitely think this helped as I’ve had no skin problems at all. I’m now finding I’m exhausted and lacking any energy, I also had a very sore throat and dry mouth, I’m also taking Letrozole so my side effects could be from my tablets too. My rib under my treated boob is quite tender but apart from that it’s not as bad as I thought. Be kind to yourself and take time to rest. Hope it goes ok for you x
Thanks everyone for the replies which are reassuring. Im a bit of a worrybug over these things. I feel we just have one chance at treatments so I want to get it right.
Hi there….I’ve never heard of anyone getting planned radiotherapy over the weekend…..if you start on a Tuesday…you finish on a Monday…..and so on….it’s very normal.
I did 3 weeks radiotherapy and that was Monday to Friday so missed each weekend during the 3 weeks and also one Bank Holiday Monday . I’m presuming it’s the amount of radiotherapy given within a certain time period but that a few days within that time period are not seen as significant ? You could ask about this in the Ask the Nurses section .
Mine is going to be the same, starting in a few weeks. Im think I read they might have to have a break if the machine is having some maintenance done there will be no treatment that day, but will still receive the same dose.
I assumed it would be Monday- Friday but I start on a Tuesday.
I’ve just been given a date to start radiotherapy which I’m pleased about as I’m not the best at waiting. It’s going to be 5 days starting on a Wednesday, with Saturday and Sunday off. I thought it had to be 5 consecutive days??
Will it be as effective?
Appreciate anyones thoughts on this and if anybody has had the same. Thanks xx
