July 2018 Radiotherapy

[Gill3105]

Hi lilac moon. Same here on the 3 week post rad. All the treatment is now well and truely in our system and like you my se,s have peaked. Slight breakdown of skin under boobs but all healed now. Boob just looks like I haven’t showered but skin slowly coming off with new skin underneath. I am letting all this come off natural but the urge to peel off is very tempting but not done so far as new skin underneath is pretty raw but not sore at all. I hit a tired peak at 14:00 and husttake a quick walk and it goes and still drinking gallons. Skin is looking great as wasn’t a drinker prior rads now feels strange if I do t drink my 2.5 litre a day. Boobs looking good. One looks 21 lol the other 63 but not having anything done as it’s not really noticeable. Have a great day and continue to recover well.

[Lilacmoon14]

Hi everyone x
Well its now 3 weeks since rads finished and the worst of the physical side effects have gone.
My nipple was right at the bottom edge of my booster area and took the full brunt of it.
I'll never forget my dear boyfriends face when I showed him the state of it!! Pure horror 🤣🤣🤣 BUT if any of you find that you get a really sore nip (mine was very red and swollen and literally blistered 😲😝) once you've finished actual treatment, then I found Lansinoh cream worked wonders. Available in the maternity section in Boots.
All that remains now is the slightly pink tan lines of the main treatment and the 3 boosters.
Im still drinking heaps of water as still getting tired mid afternoon.
Take care of yourselves xxxxx

[LottyT]

Hi I've been having a bit of shoulder blade ache on opposite side to treatment. Guessing it's from not being as relaxed on the bed as I should be. I always seem to get an itchy nose or eye when I'm having to stay still! I've nearly finished my treatments now as have just 3 left out of 20. It's surprisingly gone quite quick and won't eat into the summer hols too much. My boob is going a strange pink now and the nipple is a bit sore since tape was put on it to measure me for the first set of boosters. The lady just ripped it off which has made a red patch. I've been told that I can wait until after my holiday to start tamoxifen which is in a couple of weeks so will be nice to recover before next mission. Hope everyone's doing ok. X

[Willow4]

Thank you for your reply Jencat, it certainly is difficult to 'relax into the bed'. Hopefully the paracetamol and shoulder excercises will now help!  Here's to the last 4!  x

[Jencat]

Morning Willow, sorry you're having problems with your treatment. I finished radiotherapy in June and like you, had to do the breath holding. I used to find my sessions could take as long as 50 minutes sometimes with the positioning and the radiologists checking my breath holding before they started the radiotherapy. I found my shoulders got very painful with holding them in the same position for so long and it was difficult to 'relax into the bed' as they would always say! I was recommended to take paracetamol about 30mins beforehand, which did help. I also found my throat got very dry. Apparently the room is air conditioned and I think the breath holding made me feel thirsty too. I made sure I drank quite a bit of water before and afterwards and throughout the day.

Hope the rest of your treatments go well x

[Willow4]

Currently having radiotherapy on left side and breath holding, this last week has been quite a challenge! Twice they were not happy with my position, after being re-positioned 3 or 4 times, so treatment was eventually cancelled for those days. They advised me to take paracetamol, to help my aching shoulders, which could be part of the problem.

I have become slightly breathless, had my review with the radiographer on Friday, who said, radiotherapy would not cause this!?

Currently had 11 treatments out of 15. 

Tiredness and a 60 mile round trip each day doesnt help! 

Glad it is the weekend

[Chrissy68]

Hi camilla

i totally get what you are saying. I too had a cruise booked for 29th July and had to cancel and lost my deposit money . I too asked if could start radio few days later so could do little 3 day break as we haven’t been anywhere since July 17 but told I couldn’t . 

Never mind we’ll do something special next year ! Hope you get your break soon x

[LottyT]

Camilla what rotten luck you've had! Hope you manage to get that well deserved holiday soon! Xx

[Camilla9]

I had 3 radiotherapy treatments and when I went for the 4th they wldnt do it. Apparently my breast had changed in size and I was told I had to go back to planning and start all over again.
I've had the new planning and am now waiting to hear when it all starts again.
After my lumpectomy I had a seroma which was drained 3 times and my breast was also hot, hard and swollen. I asked if lymph fluid cld have found its way there and was told it cld have. This has now dispersed, hence breast size changed.
I will have to have a whole new set of dates and times, having arranged my entire life around the old dates.
I have felt ruled by the hosp since the start of this cancer journey last Nov and nothing has changed. If friends try to make future plans with me I always have to say that it's fine, unless the hosp needs me - they look perplexed.
One tries to explain about scans, echocardiogram, blood tests, Onc appts etc etc. No-one realises what's involved in this process. Nor did I before I started!
Bottom line is that, of course, I comply with everything required as it's all for my benefit and I'm very grateful.
I had a holiday booked for last May, which I booked before diagnosis. Needless to say my lumpectomy was scheduled for that very week, so I gave the holiday to my daughter. Friends kindly invited me to join them in Spain in Oct and now my 3-weekly herceptin inj falls in the middle of that week.
To explain to staff that I need the inj moved due to a holiday - eyebrows raised ' a holiday!!?' Me - dreadful guilt...
Thank goodness for lovely weather! A positive!

[LottyT]

Hi all. Some interesting reading with all your comments. E45 cream has always irritated my skin in the past. I've just reached my 10th session today and had my review with radiologist. I've not had any sore skin yet but expect it to happen towards the end and after treatment. I'm putting my homemade coconut and vitamin E oil on morning and night which always feels nice on the skin.
So far all my sessions have run smoothly and the school run and collecting hubby to have kids has gone ok when needed. It's a 12 mile trip to hospital for me which is nothing compared to Lilac Moons 70 mile trip! I wouldn't cope with that distance so hats off to you! Xx Hope everybody's week goes well. Xx

[Chrissy68]

Hi everyone 

thanks for your advise and comments . I’ve just got back tonight at 7 pm from my 3rd radio was a long day .im still tired but drinking loads but think could be chemo side effects still . I asked tonight if I could find out times for the week and luckily they did as I’m relying on different people giving me lifts . 

I just don’t know how some of you manage to work and go through this .can you not go sick but I suppose if self employed it’s hard .

12 to go now good luck everyone. I’m using zeroaqueous cream 3-4 times a day and right up to my neck . 

[Lilacmoon14]

Good luck Niknak xx
I had planned to carry on working F/T during my rads but in the end the emotion of everything got too much and I got signed off work.
It was a two hour/70 mile round trip to the hospital every day which was a bugger as the actual sessions only lasted 5 to 10 mins at the most!!!

[NikNak73]

I have my first rad session this afternoon - I have 4 weeks to ger through whilst working FT, feeling quite anxious at the mo... hoping to have time later to go back through this thread and pick up all the handy tips 🙂

[Gill3105]

Hi Jane Belinda. Check on e45 that you don’t react. Have seen and also been told some can react to this cream albeit others ha e been perfectly fine with it. My personal preference was aveeno cream as not to greasy and aloe on the sore bits if you get any of course both straight out of the fridge. Good luck with your rads and ringing that bell

[Lilacmoon14]

Good luck all, as we start a new week xx 

Yesterday I layed off any creams and potions and let my sore bit have some breathing space. It really helped and is a lot less sore today. I also slept with a cold wet face cloth over my boob and it was lovely!!!! 

Im drinking heaps and haven't felt too tired over the weekend. 

Lets see see what this week brings xxx

[Jencat]

Hi Chrissy, had my follow up appointment with the Radiologist Onc yesterday (I finished rads 4wks ago) and I mentioned that I get shooting pains occasionally. He said that it was normal, just the nerve endings sorting themselves out.

I'm TN as well-onc was quite reassuring about that too, said that although we're at higher risk for the first few years after that the risk goes down and is less likely to reappear years later x

[JaneBelinda]

Hi Camilla, I get my rads plan on Thursday but have been told already to start massaging the areas of surgery already from now. Twice daily with E45 cream. 

[Gill3105]

Hi Lila moon. Give your rads team a ring they will give you something. My skin breakdown is under my boob ok but itching like crazy. Keeping that area dry now with no cream as advised by rads team. I am 10 days post now and lot of changes so be prepared specially where the boosters were. Oh the joys hey.

[mcnulcc]

Lilacmoon.. Sorry you are suffering with se. Take it easy and be kind to yourself. I'm sure it's a temporary blip and you will soon be fighting fit. Plenty of fluid and plenty of rest. Chris x

[ladybowler]

Lilacmoon

My rads team gave me some polymem which I used to put between my nipple and bra, it really helped, so perhaps ask your team if they can give you some and then you can get your GP to prescribe some more for you.

Are you still taking in enough fluid every day as that will help with the tiredness?

Helena xxx

[ladybowler]

CHrissy68

Hello and welcome to the thread. 

I cant help with your question but hopefully someone will be along shortly who might be able to answer it.

With regard to the tiredness though are you taking in enough fluid every day as the effect of rads can make you dehydrated which cause cause fatigue. 

It might be worth mentioning what is happening to your rads team, they might be able to suggest something and reassure you that it is to be expected.

Helena xx

[Chrissy68]

Hi everyone 

just joining this forum.

Have had 2 rounds of radio applying aqueous cream-on 2-3 times a day but seems I need to do more .

Been getting shooting pains in chest and tired but I’m only 5 weeks following chemo too. Been getting a bit sore at back of arm pit .

I had right  mastectomy and implant and sentinel node biopsy on dec 21st 17.

Unfortunately I  found out the cancer had spread to lymph nodes after the implant but they aren’t doing clearance just radio to chest axilla and neck 15 sessions in total .

I’m worried about the implant capsulating does anyone know much about this and what it means or feels like I’m also triple negative so can’t have any other treatment after radio .

hope everyone is coping ok 

[Lilacmoon14]

So just reporting in as its now a week since my last session.
15 normal rounds and 3 boosters done.
I smothered myself in moisturiser from the start and my skin has been fine. Slight pinkness in the treatment area but overall no major worries.
But my life my nipple is painful!!! Went to Boots today to buy pads and also a tube of lanolin cream to help soothe the area. If it doesn't improve by early next week I'll book a visit to my GP just so I can be sure that everything is as it should be.
Today I felt so tired but dragged mysrlf out to do some food shopping. Got home and then slept for 2 hours!! I think with me its just general tiredness and not fatigue.
I'll report back with any other s/e's that might appear just to help anyone who wonders what can happen as rad treatment progresses.

Have a lovely weekend all xx

[ladybowler]

mcnulcc

Yay great to hear that everything went well today. Onwards and upwards now to rads and very soon you will be ringing the bell for completing them xxxx

[Gill3105]

Well don mcn. The light at the end of the tunnel and end of active treatment. Advice cream cream and more cream 4 times a day from beginning and continue after as the 10 days after when all peaks it’s all worth it as from my experience it does peak. After 15 normal and 5 booster which have been a breeze. 10 days post treatment and lots of changes. How this works after treatment done is incredible but all very doable. I have a little skin breakdown but nothing to shout about but have to keep clean and dry but with big boobs and this heat isn’t easy. Boob looks almost black but all ok so be aware for the changes that may take place when treatment is complete. Just my experience and others have been absolutely fine but think good to inform of what may happen and a little prepared because you have read about it. Good luck and it is a breeze and the 15 or 20 sessions do go quickly. Just a pain towards the end going to the hospital every day but equally as strange when it all stops. Take care

[mcnulcc]

Planning meeting done and I am now all marked up and ready to start treatment on Monday 30th July so I guess I'll be joining the August thread and ladies. Have to say the staff today were brilliant and kept me informed though out the whole process. Managed to hold my breath and everything with no issues and the tattoo's are so small you have to look really hard to find them. Was so worried about today but I can honestly say it was a piece of cake let's hope the coming weeks are the same. Take care everyone and have a fab weekend x

[Appletree]

Dear Annieapple

Like just about everything we are going through, treatments affect individuals in different ways. I've been advised by the radiotherapists that soreness of the skin in the area treated is likely to kick in towards the end of the treatment, or even a couple of weeks after treatment has finished. Fatigue is partly a result of the body healing what has been damaged by the rads, but varies with different people. The effort of having to attend hospital every day is tiring, and rather obviously will vary depending on how far a patient has to travel, whether they are still working or whether they have other commitments they have to fit around. Some people are more susceptible to depression than others; this can depend a great deal on aspects of life beyond cancer, as well as the difficulties in accepting all the unknowns that go with the disease.

Do you have access to a Cancer Support Centre where you live? I am very fortunate in that one is attached to the cancer hospital I attend. They will give radiotherapy patients four complementary therapy sessions free of charge whilst undergoing treatment. I had my first (a back massage) last week, yesterday it was reflexology (wonderful!) timed for before my rads, and today I've chosen an Indian head massage, again as relaxation before rads. As the Centre allows carers to have four complementary sessions also, and as I don't have a carer and have been getting very depressed, the CSC manager has very kindly allowed me two extra sessions, so these will be after rads have finished.

For anyone finding it difficult to keep going on their own, I strongly advise making the most of whatever support is available, particularly treats such as complementary therapies, and opportunities to talk to skilled counsellors face to face. It is not suprising if agoraphobia sets in with people who are isolated and have no family available (or whose family just don't want to know), but being kind to yourself and putting your needs first is so important to recovery.

[mcnulcc]

Have my planning meeting later today will be glad to get that over and done with and ticked off the list. Bone scan was on Monday so hopefully apart from the Rads sessions that should be the end of the hospital appointments for a while. I noticed that a number of threads mentioned feeling depressed. I have been getting more and more down this week and so am quite relieved that it's not just me. I am also getting a bit annoyed with the family as clearly they have been having conversations about me and how they perceive I am coping. Upshot of this is that husband and I had a blazing row in the car last night whilst waiting for the traffic lights to change. I was quite animated so heaven only knows what the people in the cars around us thought anyway think he got the point and I did feel a bit better for the rant. It does help me to be able to come on here and see other people are having similar experience. Sorry if this is all a bit disjointed but feel better for committing some of the feelings into words. Good luck to everyone having treatment today and enjoy the weekend. Chris

[ANNIEAPPLE]

Had planning appointment today- much better than I thought. Don't have to hold breath and marks were pain free. Onwards and upwards to 26th when I start my treatment. Will I be tired- all the time, some of the time? Any other side effects?
Now just need to work out the multi-storey car park
X

[Appletree]

Hello Norrie, so sorry to read of your dilemma.

Is there a close family member you could perhaps have a chat with about this? You could say you're feeling rather isolated and would like to talk about what is happening to you. It might be that people aren't sure what to say to you now, so are playing safe and saying nothing. If you introduce the subject yourself, it might be easier to determine which friends and relatives are happy to talk and which might be shying away from the subject of cancer altogether.

Also, I think some people underestimate what is involved in different adjuvant treatments. One friend of mine recently expressed great surprise when I described to her what radiotherapy sessions are like. She had just thought, 'radiotherapy, oh that's just straightforward,' without really thinking about what it would involve, and how distressing it can be. It hadn't occurred to her you have to lie stock still on a very uncomfortable couch in a very vulnerable position for a good ten minutes, in a room a little like a torture chamber, day after day. Neither had she realised there can be such side effects as sore skin and fatigue weeks after the radiotherapy is over. She was also taken aback when I described the precautions I will now always have to take in protecting my left arm and hand from damage, as a result of the axillary node clearance. Side effects from endocrine therapy also came as a shock. 

Another friend of mine said to me on a visit, 'Oh, cancer treatments are so much better nowadays,' without ever having had any herself. I explained it is the care of patients that has improved, in that there is a much more holistic approach to what is appropriate for each individual, and that surgical and laboratory techniques have improved, but the treatments themselves are very unpleasant, and some considerably more than others. I also suggested sweetly she might try them herself. She was quite taken aback.

It seems a lot of people just don't really want to think about what having cancer is like.

I do hope you can find a way of getting a more friendly, understanding response. Be brave and raise the subject yourself with those you think are most likely to be helpful. 

[Norrie]

Hello Pembertonrose,    I thought it was just me, but my family and friends don’t speak to me. I know my family speak about me behind my back which really annoys me. WHY DON’T THEY SPEAK TO ME. Infact my daughter-in-law visited at the weekend and didn’t mention once my cancer or my Radiotherapy treatment. I could have screamed at her ‘You do know that I’ve got cancer’. As far as my friends are concerned, I had plenty of text messages, flowers, cards and visits when I was diagnosed but now, when I need to have a chat, I don’t hear from any of them. I have had five out of 15 treatments so far.  Sorry Pembertonrose but I needed that rave. If anyone else is having this problem of non communication with family and friends and can understand why, please let me know.

[Appletree]

Yesterday I reached my 9th rads session, so 6 more to go. I was advised to start applying cream before rads started, and to keep massaging it in 3 times a day, every day, throughout the treatment period. I use Aveeno cream and massage it well into my left arm and arm pit as well, as I had axillary node clearance. I drink plenty of water and tea throughout the day, don't drink alcohol and don't smoke.

After yesterday's session, I had a review with a senior radiographer. So far I have not had any skin reactions, other than a slight reddening of the left breast, but I am feeling very tired and getting very depressed.

The SR advised that skin reactions were likely to start towards the end of the treatment period (next Wednesday) or even up to two weeks after treatment has stopped. It's a delayed reaction.

Apparently the tiredness is partly due to the body going through the healing process as healthy tissue is damaged by the rads. It is also down to the stress of having to attend the hospital every day and to work life around the appointments.

As for being depressed - we're all in a club we'd rather not have joined.

All the best Camilla - I hope your programme goes well. Each session is a little easier than the one before, even although the couch isn't exactly designed for an afternoon nap. (One of the radiographers told me that one patient had actually gone to sleep during a session!)

[Lilacmoon14]

Hi, finished on Friday and now enjoying some time away from it all in Cornwall.
Bit of a nightmare with the hot weather and keeping covered up but needs must! Im applying the factor 50 sun cream and making sure and have brought myself a fab wide brimmed sunhat. Keeps the sun off my feet!!!!!

I was told by the Rads team that the s/e's are can continue to develope after treatment stops and can settle after 2 weeks. Hence I continue to drink loads (and need to in this heat as well) and apply Aloe Vera cooling gel or moisturiser in the evening after washing off the suncream.
I haven't felt over tired or fatigued but then i haven't been working and my boyfriend did the hospital run with me. Also, I only have my kitty to run around after so I can be totally selfish which may have helped!!!
So for you lovely ones now starting, the advice follows from what everyone else says, heaps of moisturiser right from the start and keep it in the fridge, don't lift anything more then 5kg on the side that your procedure was, drink heaps, apply moisturiser as soon as you can after your session and keep up the arm exercises. I do yoga and I think endless rounds of Sun Salutations and Down Dogs have secretly built up my arm muscles over the years so thankfully no shoulder pain.
That really is it.
Thank you Helena for ringing the bells for me, you really are fab xxxxxx

[LottyT]

Gill thanks for the advice. I shall get myself some aveeno cream then. Have been doing daily stretches and will continue. I am going to be having 5 boosters on top of the original 15. I will make more effort to be comfortable during treatment too.

[Gill3105]

Hi annieapple. Mine was left breast also so would imagine you will have to do the breath hold. Nothing to worry about as it lasts for approx 20/25 seconds. I practiced prior and got to 45 secs holding breath so was pleasantly surprised when it was on 25 secs. Practice taking a deep breath but from the chest not the stomach and just hold. Worth doing as if not correct they stop and ask you to do it again. Only happened once with me but that was whilst measuring up not why treatment was taking place. Also themmachine will stop if you breath well the team will see your chest drop. But it is fine believe me. Hope this bit of info helps.

[Gill3105]

Lotty and Camilla. Bit more advise. Keep doing arm excercise again this helps. Also get to know how you get on the bed and if you dont feel comfortable or right (and you will know this) tell the team as it is about you being comfy. Also by number 5/6 you can get on that couch almost measured correctly!! I know we are all different but hope what I have just gone through helps. And yes 6 days post I am still excersising, still drinking, and still applying cream 3 times a day. Remember to take cream off before putting fresh on also.

[Gill3105]

Hi Camilla. I have just finished 20 rads and I applied cream 3/4 times a day. One immediately after treatment but not before as skin needs to be clean. I used aveeno and skin is looking very good. I am 6 days post last treatment and skin is trying it’s hardest to dry out but keep putting cream on. Also drink gallons as this really helps. I use aloe Vera on the crease part of my boob as that is now looking quite angry from the 5 boosters. I have had no se’s other than a bit of itching. My advise is keep applying the cream as my rads team complimented me on my skin so must have been working. Se’s they say kick in around 10/14 days then peak 10/14 days after treatment is finished. The latter I agree with as you can see the changes now where prior I couldn’t. If you are having boosters then this will be an even darker colour. Boob will look nicely tanned. Cream/drink and go with the flow is my motto. Hope all goes ok for you and times does go quickly.

[LottyT]

Hi Camilla I haven't put any cream on yet and have had 5 sessions so far. I was told that after about 10 days I would feel a bit sore like sunburn and to use natural products like coconut oil on it. I've not felt fatigued by it yet either and hoping not to! Hope yrs goes ok tomorrow. X

[Camilla9]

I start my radiotherapy tomorrow and am  having 20 sessions. 

Those who know - am I supposed to put cream on immediately after - and what cream?

Also, why should rads cause such fatigue?

Am a bit in the dark...

[ANNIEAPPLE]

I am waiting for planning appointment. Had oncologist appointment over a week ago.

[LottyT]

Hi all. I've just had my first week of rads and so far it's been fine. The only thing I seem to have is an ache in my shoulder blade mainly at night in bed. Not sure if it's due to having my arms up while having rads or if I just pulled a muscle the other day but will keep stretching each day as still ache from docetaxel anyway.

[ladybowler]

ANNIEAPPLE

Hello and welcome to the thread.  Well you have come to the right place to get advice on what will happen when you have your rads.

Just to know where you are up to at the moment, have you had your planning appointment yet so that we know where to start from?

Helena xxx

[ANNIEAPPLE]

Had surgery for high grade DCIS in left breast at end of May just waiting for radiotherapy appointment. Had DCIS right breast with no radiotherapy in 2010. Dont know what to expect.

[ladybowler]

Lilacmoon

I think you finished rads yesterday, ringing the bells for you.  Sounds an excellent plan and why not, this is your time now to rest and recooperate xx

[Lilacmoon14]

So here I am heading in to my last week. 5 rounds left, 2 normal and 3 boosters.
Lots of love and luck to everyone starting this month.
So much advice has been given already and it was the same advice i followed when i started on the 13th June.
Pembertonrose, I too had a DCIS in the right breast and had my surgery in early May. I went back to work for 3 weeks but emotionally I couldn't cope so got myself signed off. Im taking the time out to just get my head straight, go for walks, do yoga and spend time with friends and family. Work can wait!!!

[ladybowler]

Lotty

Hello and welcome to the thread.

ANything you need to know jsut ask one of the ladies will be able to help you

Helena xx

[LottyT]

Hi all. I'm starting rads on Monday for 4 weeks. Im thinking the travelling from school run to hubbys work and then to hospital will be the worst part as it'll be an hour long trip there each day. There's some good tips on here so will pop back to read and post once I've started.

[ladybowler]

Gill

What a wonderfully supportive post for the ladies who are about to embark on rads.

Helena xxx

[Gill3105]

Hi all July rads starters. Again I imagine you are feeling the good ole feeling of fear of the unknown ? Don’t worry and try and relax because the more relaxed into that bed you are the better and quicker it is. My advice is once on that bed and neck is comfy relax your chest as much as possible into your back and the bed. Once the first one is done it’s a breeze honest. You get to know how to get on the bed and almost lines up. Today for me was hilarious as girl measured on the right and said 7.9 before the other nurse measured I said 9.1 and out of line. I was bang on to her measurement. Shuffled a bit and 8.4 x 8.3 in seconds. That’s how precise it is. As Helena says if the department is running to time 15 mins from getting changed, zap, dressed and out. Drink lots and take a bottle with you and drink it. Lots of cream again take with you and put in prior to getting dressed but not before unless it is all soaked it. Best not to put on before. Look after your skin and the rads will look after you. Keep excersising specially if you suffer from achy arms and keep walking to beat the fatigue. I set my phone every hour for a ten min walk. The fatigue will not beat me!! Before you know it the 15 or 20 depending on how many you are having will be gone and active treatment complete. Have a good weekend and good luck all with your rads. Hope this helps. I and 18/20 and finish Tuesday. PS. If you are breath hold don’t worry that to is fine and is approx 20/30 secs max.

[ladybowler]

Pembertonrose

Hello and welcome to the thread.

Well how about a really positive post - I finished my radiotherapy in January 2017 after having had 15 regular and 5 boosters.  To be honest I had very little problems with it, more around the actual journey each day that really got me down.  That as you can see was 17 months ago and life is totally back to normal for me.

I worked throughout my rads, but was only allowed to do 4 hours a day 3 days a week, so I timed the ones on those days to be after I had finished work as it was half way between home and work. 

The actual rads sessiosn themselves are ok, the first one does tend to be longer as they have to do a check on the measurements etc., from the oncologist report, it will probably be about 25 minutes.  After that from undressing, having the session and dressing it is usually only about 10/15 minutes in total

Please come on here and ask whatever questions you need, rant, rave, whatever there will always be someone who will be able to help and support you.

I am so sorry to hear about what is happening with regard to your family and friends, I wonder if it is that they really do not know how to deal with your diagnosis.  Have you considered counselling to help you with the way you are feeling.  i had this just before I started my rads and all the way through, it was so good to have someone to talk to, who I did not know, and who made total sense of everything I was feeling, putting it all back into perspective again for me.  I was the best thing I did.

Sending you lots of hugs

helena xxx