December 2017 Radiotherapy

[Jay68]

Helena It really is amazing - I wouldn't have a clue about it until faced with it and I find it totally mind blowing! Trying to describe it to my hubby and family is a tricky one!

[SueZzzzz]

I’m hearing on another group that some places get you in on Saturday to get round the problem .... Saturday appointments just never entered my head!

[ladybowler]

SueZzzzzz

I started mine on 20 Dec last year and finished on Jan 19 this year.  I did not have rads on Xmas, Boxing and new years day but they said it was not a problem and for me not to worry about it.xx

[ladybowler]

Justme

M&S do a lovely soft cotton bra vest which my friend got me when I was having rads, ideal for this time of the year when it is cold as well xx

[ladybowler]

Angela

My rads team advised me the same to try and not wear one as much as possible and also to wear a non wired bra when I did.  I got a couple from M&S and they were so comfortable.

Helena  xxx

[ladybowler]

Jay

It is amazing isnt it xx

[SueZzzzz]

Evening ladies ... my first post !

Had my CT scan and three tattoos for the radiotherapy planning today (not that they are really like tattoos) .... oncologist said the other night that they might not start treatment (20 sessions) now as it would mean a gap in sessions over the Xmas bank holidays so it would probably start in January but I’ve been given a Dec 11 start date .... so what happens Dec 25 & 26? I see some ladies have had treatment on Boxing Day but where I’m based is closed.

I did ask at the appointment today but they didn’t seem to know so I guess I’ll find out on Dec 11th.

[Jay68]

Angela - no you're not a weirdo! each to their own - it's just that I'm the opposite - can never wait to get the damn thing off! Having had an mx, I find it even more annoying to wear one!!

[Justme41]

Jay,

Thanks, I’m gonna sound like a real weirdo. I hate having mine off at all, I even sleep with a bra on lol. Maybe invest in a bralet or something for Home then

Angela xx

[Jay68]

Angela - The radiotherapist said today that you can wear your bra as normal - but they do recommend going without one at home and letting the air get to your skin.

I have to say I didn't bother putting mine back on today after treatment!

[Justme41]

It helps to read how everyone is getting on and tips. Are you able to wear your normal bra, I assumed it would be ok for a while.

Pecan - you ok?

Angela xx

[Claire2017]

That's good to hear Jay. From the little bit that I've read about the treatment, that's kind of how I was hoping it would be but wasn't entirely sure. 

[Jay68]

So I've had the first rads today - 1 down 14 to go....

Can honestly say so far so good - didn't realise it had been done until they came back in the room and said that's it you can go! 

Amazing equipment - couldn't help but lay there feeling impressed by the technology of it all!

[Claire2017]

Thank you for the advice Helena. I'll see how I get on with it, and as you say I'll need to ask for help if needs be x

[ladybowler]

Claire

You should be ok to drive after your rads sessions.  I would take your cream with you each time so that you can apply it when you are getting dressed again as it will probably help cool the area down.

I drove every day but it was only a 10/12 mile round trip which is very different, but even that tired me especially if it was in the rush hour as it would take longer to get home, I think you just need to be aware of how you are feeling and ask for help as you need it, your familly and friends will only be too glad to do something to help you I am sure.

Helena xx

[Claire2017]

Hi Hufflepuff,

Thank you for your quick reply. Glad to hear that it seems less taxing on your system than the chemo. I will have a 34mile round trip so hoping to manage it myself. I do have support from family and friends but hate the thought of putting them out. No start date as yet, hoping to hear something very soon. Sooner it's started the sooner it will finish 🙂 

[Hufflepuff]

Hi Claire,

I've just had my sixth rads session and apart from a bit of a prickly sensation, feel completely fine in myself.

My BCN advised me that it was okay to drive myself to appointments,  but not to do it every day. I have a 70 mile round trip, how far do you have to travel?

I'm sure that if you follow the advice here, drink plenty of fluids and moisturise regularly, you'll be fine during treatment. Just remember to take it easy as you have already been through a lot and radiotherapy can cause fatigue.

Do you have a start date?  I finish 12th Dec.

Best wishes xxx

[Claire2017]

Hi all, 

I had my last round of chemo last week so currently waiting on my radiotherapy appointments coming through, which I envisage will run throughout most of December. Not sure what to expect but hoping the side effects won't be as bad as those from the chemo! I'm also hoping I'll be well enough to get myself too and from the hospital without having to rely on family everyday for 4 weeks. Can anyone advise me on how you feel immediately after radiotherapy and whether you feel fit to drive?

[pecan]

I had my fifth one today.  Joining the December thread.

I don't want bells until 3 weeks after rads, thanks.  I'm horribly depressed, but did manage to not cry today.

Cathy

[Justme41]

Ahhh mine is the right side and okey doke if they need to dot me again it’s fine they were no bother. My first one is at 8.30 in morning and hoping the rest are that time. I’m not too far away from mine

Angela xx

[ladybowler]

sister

that is what got me the travelling and being controlled by that one apt every day but soon over and it is now a distant memory xxx

[sister]

Hi

First one done today and all ok at the moment, mines on the right side but I do have to do the breath holding. The worst is the travelling back and to.

Hope all goes well for everyone xx

[Headandheart]

Hello

Two done, 13 to go. I will finish on 18th too.

I’m working through, having afternoon appointments. Exhausted already but I’m hoping it will get easier now I know the routine. I’m reluctant to stop work as that’s the fun bit! I could have dropped off to sleep during the treatment today as soon as I lay down, but had to stay awake to do the breath-holding!  Anyway, got out for a lovely evening walk and that cleared my head from the stress hormones so I’ll sleep well tonight. 

Good night!

[ladybowler]

Angela

As the other ladies have said dont worry about the tattoes they will find them.  I kept finding that no matter what I did the markings that they put on would rub off within hours of them doing it, I was so worried but they told me that it was not a problem and they just reapplied them the next time.

The breathing technique is if you are having rads on the left hand side

xxx

[Jay68]

Hi Ruth - I believe you only have to do the deep breath holds if you're having rads to the left - mine is on the right so no deep breath holds for me! 

Jay x

[Justme41]

Hi Ruth,

Thank you, just didn’t want anything to delay it, so that’s good to know.

I’ve read about that technique but it wasn’t discussed with me so assume not maybe because of asthma

Sister - hope you got on ok today

Angela xx

[Ruth.J]

Hi Angela
2 days before me snd so lucky to finish before Curistmas. You can’t really see my tattoos either as I have so many freckles and moles but they told me not to worry as they know where they are looking. Is anyone else doing the deep breath hold?

Ruth xx

[Justme41]

Hi all,

My 15 start on the 4th, finishing on the 22nd Dec. One of my tattoos seems to have disappeared but take it they can see them.

Angela xx

[Jay68]

Good afternoon all.  Sister - first one done hopefully - 14 to go!  Trust all went well today.

My slot is tomorrow at 1.22 - can't wait to get started now.  Finished work again today until the 20th!  

[Ruth.J]

Hi Jay and Sister and of course Helena keeping us on the right path.

I start on the 6th Dec 15 normal and 5 boosters due to finish in the 3rd Jan. First 7 days of tamoxifen done. It’s all just a countdown until we come out the other side. Good luck to everyone.
Ruth x

[ladybowler]

sister

It is fear of the unknown, as with every stage of our treatment.  The first session will probably be quite lengthy as they will need to check the measurements again and will be marking you up but after that they should be around 10/15 minutes including undressing and dressing again. 

It will soon be the 18th and we will be ringing the bells for you for finishing active treatment

Sending you hugs

Helena  xxx

[sister]

Hi Ladies

1st one of fifteen tomorrow, getting rather nervous, roll on 18th December.

[ladybowler]

Jay

Oh just in time all over before Christmas 🙂 I started mine on the 20th December so it was extended by 4 days because of the christmas bank holidays I had 20 sessions in total.

[Jay68]

Helena - I'm having 15 sessions in total. Last one should (fingers crossed) be 19th December. x

[ladybowler]

Jay

Hello and welcome to the thread I must admit I post on several threads hormone therapy, radiotherapy, and on the moving forward one, it is lovely the support you can get from all the ladies on them.

How many sessions are you having?

Helena xx

[Jay68]

Good evening - I'm from the May 2017 chemo forum and that's where I'm staying but I'm also going to join in on here as and when. I'm starting rads on Wednesday, being so close to the end of the month I consider I'm more December than November!

[ladybowler]

Ladies

Just starting the December thread for those of you who are continuing into December and for the ladies who will be starting in December.

Helena xx