December 2017 Radiotherapy

[moomoo123]

Thanks for advice on holidays....nearly convinced husband x

[twistie123]

I wonder why the radiologist was horrified. I saw my consultant/surgeon the same day as my last radiotherapy session and he was quite certain that it was ok to fly abroad, in fact he thought it was a good idea to enjoy a lovely holiday in the sunshine. You just have to remember to use factor 50 and maybe cover up where the rads have zapped as much as possible in the hottest part of the day.

Kaz xx

[Jobey68]

Mentally it is just what you need, For the first time since diagnosis I was actually able to relax and throughly enjoyed myself! We are big foreign holiday lovers anyway and it was natural for us to go as soon as I was able too, the radiologist I saw was horrifed we were planning on going so soon and said she wouldn't recommend it but I took no notice and went prepared to cover up if nessecary but it wasn't and we had a ball! Xx 

[moomoo123]

Hi Kaz that's great news keep holidaying.....more evidence to take the risk thanks x

[twistie123]

Hi Moomoo,

Just to reassure you I have just come home from a lovely holiday to Lanzarote and had only finished my radiotherapy two and a half weeks before. I had a problem with my skin breaking down but I was given some special dressings to use which worked a treat. I had no problem with the sun I just used factor 50 on the treated area. I am sure you will be fine, it was just what the doctor ordered for me and I am already looking at holidays for June. 

Take care.

Kaz xx

[moomoo123]

Oh wow that was good thanks jobey. Sounds like you did really well especially working as well! I think chemo knocks my confidence and seems everyone else is more nervous than me and convincing me not to go abroad so soon but all i want to do is get a holiday booked!..... thanks for advice will use it to try and away husband x

[Jobey68]

Hi Moomoo, I went abroad 3 weeks after my Radiotherapy finished in 2015 and basked in the sunshine without any issues, I was overly protective of my radiated side and lathered on 50 factor several times a day but it was all fine! 

Radiotherapy often just causes a warm sun tinged type effect which is what I experienced although some do get skin break down it's not common so don't overly worry about having a major reaction as the majority of us don't . I was tired but worked every day and other than a pink warm boob had no problems with it.

Book that holiday and get packing!! 😎☀️👙

[moomoo123]

Hello ladies I'm from the January chemo thread as currently on chemo but looking ahead to my radiotherapy treatment in June as I'd like to book a holiday abroad asap after this. However i wondered how long to leave it ? Any advise ? I'd like to go within a couple of weeks of finishing radiotherapy before school holidays start but wondered how long after the radiotherapy you have had problems that could impact on the holiday. Obviously I'm expecting fatigue but have you had many skin issues.? Or swelling pain or a reasons not to go abroad.sorry the thread seems too long to route through .im convincing myself I'll be fine but am I blocking out reality of potential problems if I go within 2 weeks was thinking of Italy and may just be too hot. Desperate to get something booked but should I leave it longer? Any advise or experience post radiotherapy please let me know x thanks

[Jay68]

Hi Angela - I recently had a consultation with my breast surgeon (6 month post surgery) and he confirmed the pains in ribs and under arms will be due to rads.

I'm not on tamoxifen - I'm on herceptin injections - 4 more to go!

Jay x

[Justme41]

Hi Cathy and Jay,

I’ve had my oncologist check up (3 months) and ended up back a couple of weeks with another scare but all good. At my check up I mentioned pain at side of breast and under arm and ribs but was told it was normal as I’m back doing weights?! It’s really tight when I lift my arm, though I didn’t have any nodes touched.
Was nearly ready to go back to work and they’ve decided I’m high risk and have offered tamoxifen. Are you two both on it?

Angela xx

[pecan]

YES!

Dammit.

I had my followup appointment with the oncologist and complained about the pain and aches, and she said it's normal and prescribed me some Amitriptilene (sp?).  It helps me sleep but doesn't really take the pain away.  (It does seem to take the night sweats away, I must add.) I am large breasted and have to "arrange" myself in bed.  I was having a lot of shooting pains, but they have mostly stopped.  (Now that I think about it) 

Cathy

[Jay68]

Ladies who had their rads and finished them in December - are any of you suffering from internal aches and discomfort now we're almost 3 months post treatment?

I get occasional rib pain (especially at night after laying for some time on the side affected) and the areas where I had surgery have all tightened up.  I've got 6 month post-surgery follow up with consultant tomorrow and will be checking this out.

[Hufflepuff]

Thank you Helena and Angela. Hope you are both okay xx

[Justme41]

Hufflepuff,

glad you got sorted and that sounds more manageable to get back in. Have my follow up app through for beginning of Feb so think I’ll be happier after that

Angela xx

[ladybowler]

Hufflepuff

That sounds more doable, they are supposed to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to get back to work. Make sure you stick to it though xxx

[Hufflepuff]

Make sure you take it easy for the next couple of weeks then Angela. I spoke to my manager today and am going to do 4 hour shifts for the next couple of weeks, which is a relief. I felt super tired today so probably ready for bed soon! xx

[Justme41]

Hufflepuff,

Phased return is there to be tweaked if it’s not suitable, so try and reduce it they shouldn’t have a problem. It helps to work with nice people but I’m sure you’ll be tired today, hopefully have a break in between days?

Yeah and asked would I have 1 or 2 days off after my op. She’s gone the other way now and has been wanting to meet for coffee or lunch but I didn’t think was appropriate. Line is for another couple of weeks just xx

[Hufflepuff]

Hi Angela, how are you? Well I survived, largely because the ward was unusually quiet and I was working with lovely people! They hardly let me do anything and then sent me home early. Being the weekend, there were no managers around (apparently one of them is on a phased return, doing less than me!). Considering I didn't do much, I felt as tired as after a 12 hour shift and am in more pain than I had been. I might see if I can do 4 hours and build up. Do you know when you will return to work? I can't believe your manager said that, it's outrageous! Some people are unbelievable and talk rubbish, but how insensitive and stupid can you be? I bet you can't wait to see her again, not! Enjoy the rest of the weekend xx

[Justme41]

Hufflepuff,

I’m civil service and we either use leave or the rest of the time is still taken as sick. I’ll prob use leave when I go back so as not to add on anymore sick days. No they don’t understand at all, my boss tried to tell me I didn’t have cancer at all so I can’t wait to go back lol. How did today go? xx

[Hufflepuff]

Thank you Angela. I feel sick with nerves. I'm also worried that my phased return is not being managed in the best way either as I'm straight back into 6 hour shifts. I normally do 12.5 hours so the other half of the shift I have to use annual leave. It's policy at the NHS trust where I work. You'd think they'd be a bit more understanding! Hope you are feeling okay xx

[Justme41]

Hufflepuff,

Antibiotics seem to be kicking in. Good luck for tomorrow xx

[Hufflepuff]

Hi Angela,

Hope you are beginning to feel a bit better now.  That's right I am a nurse. Not particularly looking forward to going back to work as it is always so busy and stressful! It will be nice to see my colleagues though. Have a good weekend xx

[Justme41]

I’m not sure why half your message is at the bottom lol xx

[Justme41]

Hufflepuff,

Think I was just getting frustrated thinking I was find during radio why do I feel so bad after. But it’ll be grand. Mine went back today, at least it’s routine if anything. Think from memory you said you were a nurse? I could have got it totally wrong though lol. Hopefully the phased return will make it easier settle back in xx


- fully aware of what I'm letting myself into (!), but am on a phased return so will just hope for the best. Take care and keep resting xx

[Hufflepuff]

No wonder you were feeling rough with a sinus infection on top of everything else Angela. Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon and you'll feel a bit better! Kids back at school so will have to resume my ironing efforts! I'm going back to work on Saturday  - fully aware of what I'm letting myself into (!), but am on a phased return so will just hope for the best. Take care and keep resting xx

[Justme41]

Hufflepuff,

Thank you, I know I’m a little weirdo with the ironing. My wle was on a Monday and I was ironing by Saturday but more to de stress.
Anti biotic for a sinus infection so hopefully it’ll kick in soon but will chill in the meantime. If ya were close I’d tell you to throw your ironing round lol

Angela xx

[Hufflepuff]

Angela,

Hope it goes ok with the Dr tomorrow. Ironing for an hour - I'm impressed! I've always ironed the bare minimum and since surgery when ironing was difficult, I iron even less! I like to think I can get away with this but perhaps we look made creased than I thought! Now put your feet up xx

[pecan]

Mishy, I was given a tube, which I started using, probably before it was really needed.  I was given a prescription to get another, which I was unable to fulfil because of all the bank holidays.  Thank you for reminding me.  It didn't help much before, but now it's worse, it might make a difference.

[Justme41]

Hi Hufflepuff,

Yeah I finished on 22nd Dec, I managed to get a cancellation app with doc tomorrow so hopefully find out then. I was fine the whole way through radio and to Christmas Day then it hit. I’ve just ironed for an hour but that’s my therapeutic thing so will be happy with that for now. Glad you’ve got a bit of your energy back. 😊

Angela xx

[Mishy18]

Cathy i have had 15 sessions today (start boosters tomorrow) but my underarm is extremely red dstk and sore at clinic feview i was given flamazine gel to use it can only be used after treatment as it has silver compound in it but supposed to be very good was also give dressings which can be wirn for 4 days to put under breast fold which is pre treated yku should ring radiotherapy unit tgey may want to look at your skin to see if tou need better creams etc x

[Hufflepuff]

Hi Angela,

Sorry to hear you are you feeling this way. I think you finished just after I did (13/12). It's only in the last couple of days that I've started to feel a little more energetic. I certainly felt extremely lazy last week and you do wonder when you will feel normal again. Definitely be kind to yourself, you've been through a lot and your body is recuperating.

Take care xx

[Justme41]

Cathy,

Have just saw your comment from earlier, that sounds really sore. Is there nothing at all they could give you?! The skin fell of my nipple last weekend but it’s been ok otherwise. Glad you’re back on your house again 😊 and you feel ok enough to do it. xx

I didn’t ring it either, just couldn’t. I’ve been doing bits just when I can. Just feel lazy

Angela xx

[pecan]

Angela, I didn't have serious fatigue, but I did have bouts of sudden exhaustion.  I finished on the 13th of Dec (without ringing the bell), and can say that I am finally feeling more like myself now.  Except for the aches and pains that i think the Letrozole is responsible for.  Hang in there, let yourself do nothing, life will feel more normal soon.

Cathy

[Justme41]

Happy 2018 everyone!

Anyone advise when the tiredness gets to the less tired stage. I’ve been wrecked from Boxing Day and if I do anything at all I’ve no energy. No matter how much water I drink my mouth is really dry. We all had a viral thing too in the house so guess I’m trying to work out if it’s still that or effects of radio but it’s drivig me crazy. I have never been less motivated but not in bad form, was looking forward to getting back to being me

Angela xx

[pecan]

Happy new year to everyone.  I hope it's better than the last one!

I am now 3 weeks post radiation, and my breast is at an all time low.  Not drooping, though it is, but skin breakdown.  Underneath the breast is purple and painful, and I have a couple of bright red spots elsewhere.  There isn't much I can do as the various creams and lotions don't seem to make much difference.  I am going to just put up with it (fait accompli and all that) and wait for the turning point.

Otherwise, I am vastly relieved to have recovered my emotional equilibrium, and have been planning things for our house, which was completed (purchase) the day after I received my cancer diagnosis, and has been ignored since then.  I hope everyone has plans for the future.

Cathy

[Jay68]

and the same to you Hufflepuff and all the ladies on here - Happy and Healthy 2018 x

[ladybowler]

Hufflepuff

And to you all the very best for 2018 xxx

[Hufflepuff]

Happy New Year everyone! Xxx

[Mishy18]

Mai i know what you mean about worrying about mets im bloody obsessed about them neef to get this treatment over get out if groundhog day and get on with my life!!!

[Mai7]

Thanks Helena, you are always a great support on here on many threads.  Glad to here you are doing well. 

Mishy, there is a particularly nasty cold going around which I seem to have, involving a persistent cough so try not to panic that you have lung mets when you start hacking and coughing. We all understand that anxiety!

[Mishy18]

Yeah im having 5 boosters Helena, I had 5 nodes removed not full axillary clearance hence the axilla rads my armpit its the worse effected area so im pleased Im only having one more to the full breast and armpit x

[ladybowler]

Mishy

I didnt realise you were having boosters, how many are you having?  The boosters are focused completely on the tumour site itself and not the whole breast so it is a smaller area and is a lot quicker than the regular rads.

Mine was like that because they just caught the edge of my armpit by my breast but it settled down quickly..  Strangely with the boosters mine liked like an "iron" burn it was rectangular in shape and it was that area only that went redder and the rest of the breast had started to settle down, it was really weird having this darker shape, like you know when you have a cut out in a top and that is the bit that gets sunburnt.

xxx

[Mishy18]

Helena thanks for tbat see you all over there after tomorrow!!! Nice quiet one for me!!!
Im hoping my skin holds out for boosters got no 15 Tuesday and my armpit is really red and dark quite sore too i don't think they blast axilla on boosters but have clinic review Tuesday so should find out

[Mishy18]

Looks like ive got a cold too had a headache last night and woke up with a sore throat this morning 😝 been using the boots first defence but its obviously not helped! I think its the hospital where ive caught it its really surprising how many people don't cover their faces when they cough and sneeze! I just hope my immune system has recovered enough to cope with it! Last chemo was 1st Nov so i should be ok!

[Nuthatch]

Hello Mai7

There seem to be a lot of colds around with us December folks. It can't be easy doing your breath holds while snuffly! Hope you can rest over this three day break. See you on the January thread! X

[ladybowler]

Mai

I have started a January one as well for those continuing in that month and for the new ladies who will be starting theirs.

I really hope your cold is on the way out, it doesnt help when you are having to contend with hospital appointments as wel

Helena xxxx

[Mai7]

Hi Ladies, just realised there is a thread for December rads! I did rads no.7 yesterday and will be having 15 in total up to 11th Jan.  Although the rads is easy, I'm finding its affecting my mood a bit but that may be because I've also had a cold over Christmas. The breath hold has certainly been a bit of a challenge!

[SharonB]

Yes, Day 3 done too.  After 2 days with over hour delay, today was straight in on time.  Unfortunately, I’ve picked up a stinky head cold (prob from 9 yr old) so bit shivery / achy tonight.  Just about to go up to bed early! Good job there are 3 days until my next one on Tuesday.  

Best wishes

Sharon

[I dont believe it.]

Hi it was day number three for me as well and all going to plan so very happy indeed. I have four days off and not back until Wednesday and then it will be three sessions that week. Five the following week and then four in the last week. Today was so fast I was actually back out before my husband had got his carry out coffee to take back to the car to wait on me!

I am planning to try and forget over the weekend and New year as I don't want the families 'Holidays' off work spoiled. 

Glad all has gone well for you too.

[Nuthatch]

Hi Sharon and I Don’t Believe It

First week done? Do you have a three day weekend? Just had number 3. The planned review didn’t happen because someone was off sick and they didn’t think there’d be much to review after three days anyway, and I’m to contact them if I have any concerns. I don’t though! All fine so far. Hope you two are both doing ok? X