June 2018 Radiotherapy

[Lizzielou42]

Had my third treatment today, feel like I’ve been hit by a sledgehammer. I thought the fatigue would take longer to kick in. ☹️

[Handbagaddict]

I think you just need to get one that is aluminium free.  I used (and still am using) the Soft and Gentle ones.....

[Dealdoh]

Phew Jencat but almost there now 🙂

[Jencat]

Yes it does seem a bit of a marathon Dealdoh!

Orginally I thought I was having 25 sessions-15+10 boosters and finishing tomorrow! Then I discovered after I'd done 15 and thinking I was about to start the boosters, that 25 sessions were just the normal rads! Because I'm having a high dosage they'd spread it over a longer time and the boosters hadn't been added on yet and it would be 35 sessions (!) and I was now finishing on the 19th! I did find that hard mentally. Then last week, I was told they're able to do 2 boosters per session and I'm now finishing on the 12th! x

[Dcb]

Thanks Helena and Gill for the swimming advice. 🙏 😊 

[Dealdoh]

Gosh, 30 sessions, Jencat! That’s a bit of a marathon isn’t it?

[Jencat]

Thanks for the paracetamol tip Melly, I'll try that tomorrow. I've been taking them about 1/2 an hour before my appointment time, but still find my arms get uncomfy x

[Jencat]

Hi Sunflower,

I was told to drink decaff tea, so don't know if that would be the same for coffee x

[Jencat]

Hi Starfire,

I've found that my sessions seem to be between 25-50mins long, but I'm doing the breath holding which accounts for some of the extra time as I have to do quite a few before I have the radiotherapy to check I'm in the right position.

I find that my arms get painful, so take paracetamol beforehand and doing arm exercises to help. When they say you can bring your arms down, I feel like I can hardly move them sometimes!

I've had 23 sessions so far, 7 more to go! x

[MellyL]

Hi Ladies
I'm past halfway now.. 8 done 7 to go. 
Just thought I'd let you know the first sign of fatigue hit on Friday when I just suddenly felt drained about an hour after. 45 minute nap when I got home and fine since. Of course these sticky nights aren't good for sleeping and I hope it was a one-off. Some slight skin darkening that no-one else would notice.

My sessions were about 25 minutes first week with imaging to check me before the zapping. Faster the second week after fewer pre-zapping checks.

Tip: BCN said take paracetamol only 10 minutes before treatment..they will be at their most effective for holding the position.

Have fun this week ladies 

[Dealdoh]

Hi Starfire, my sessions seem to be more straightforward than yours as so far I’m usually in and out in no longer than 10 minutes, with most of that time being taken by the ladies positioning me.  I find taking paracetamol definitely helps as the only day I didn’t take it, my arms got numb and a little uncomfortable. But other than that. Touch wood, all has been ok.  Hope things settle down for you.  

You sound well prepared Sunflower.  I hope all goes well for you on Tuesday.

[ladybowler]

Sunflower

It is 2 litres of fluid throughout the day, which I would imagine includes tea and coffee so I would not worry xx

[Starfire9]

Hi Dealdoh,

i started mine on 29th as well. I am already getting pain on my op side (left) where I had my sentinel node biopsy after four sessions. They said it’s from holding my arms up for 30 mins everyday?. I’m taking paracetamol everyday as the day I didn’t my arms went numb. Does anyone else have to lie there for this long? It took three attempts to get me set up correctly on Friday and then I have three different positions for treatment and am blasted four times in each position. On Friday it was 45 minutes.

lots of love to all xxx

[Dealdoh]

Hi Rosie and Jamesy, hopefully some of the others from the January thread will be joining us soon.  Hi Lizzielou, I started my rads on 29th but thought I would join here instead of the May thread.  All well so far, trying to drink plenty and using aqueous cream to moisturise.  

[Gill3105]

Just another thing that might help you ladies. I bought some bio oil for me booby and scars now they are 100% healed. Amazing stuff and pretty impressed with it. Scar under my boob was looking pretty jagged round the edges and lumpy bumpy and still is a bit but the scar under boob and arm are looking great. Bit like a chip pan boob quite greasy so use old bras but recommend. Also started putting on my face at night and it’s really good. Again ya face looks like a chip pan and mirror but in the morning it’s like a babies bum and make up goes on great (once the oils is washed of). Had comments saying how good skin looks and been using it 2 weeks only. Ok of now out for food. Enjoy this lovely weather and speak soon all you Juney rads team.

[Gill3105]

Dcb. On the swimming I asked this question at my planning appointment and she said swimming is absolutely fine and a good excercise to do but to be sure you shower well when you get out and to shower again when you get home. was advised the only time you can’t swim is if you get broken skin then it is a definite no no.

[ladybowler]

Dcb

I would check wiht your rads team.

This is a useful little booklet which is on the main page of this website under publications, which might help some of you and it recommends in there that you might want to avoid swimming, click on the link below it will take you to the booklet and one of the options is to download it as a pdf:

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/publication/radiotherapy-primary-breast-canc...

It tells you all about radiotherapy.

Helena xx

[ladybowler]

Gill

And that is so true.  I have always believed in my breast team, they have always been upfront and honest with me, I remember when I saw my oncologist for the first time, he immediately told me without my asking that I was cancer free, I just hugged me.  He told me that the rads and tablets were belts and braces but that I should go and live my life with that knowledge.

I am so looking forward to ringing the bells on here for you when you, and the others ladies I dont want to leave you all out, finish your rads.

Have a lovely weekend

Helena xxx

[Dcb]

well done re the water Gill, I’m impressed.  I keep trying but am having many days where I fail to achieve! I will use you as inspiration to be successful next week so I’ll have done a full week before I start!

Are we allowed to do things like go swimming once we start the radiotherapy?  Pre-diagnosis I used to run each day - just a quick 3k, not far! - I’m back doing that but can’t seem to pick up to the speed I used to manage! I think even though I feel totally well, my body is still weary!

hello to everyone joining the thread -will try remember all the individual names next time I post! 

[Gill3105]

Hi sunflower. Countdown is on! Yes on the water. Started with a 2 litre drinks bottle and it didn’t work just looked far to much so it just sat there looking pretty on my table. So bought a Joseph Joseph one which has a twist top. Twisting every time you finish a bottle 4 dots 2.5 litre. Gadgets hey but it works for me. Excersise not so good other than arm excersise which I have never stopped since op. Hopefully will kick in when I start. Might go swimming if all ok. Hope all goes well for you and speak soon and keep in touch. Helena mentioned the first one could take a while as they re measure to be sure all is ok and correct so stay calm and relaxed! Take care

[Lizzielou42]

Hi everyone, started mine on 31st May. Having 15 in total. 2 so far with no issues. X

[RosieH]

Hi ladies...just stalking my girls Starfire, Dealdoh and Jamsey...😀...sorry I’m in a ridiculously good mood as I’ve just found out and don’t need second lot of chemo as suggested last week.

So it’s on to the last leg (not counting hormone stuff) at long last

Got my first apt with Radiotherapist Tuesday, not sure if it’s planning or not!!

Brilliant tips re pain relief and cream...thank you x

[Gill3105]

Hi Jamesy and daisy and welcome. Think this will happen to me at some point jamesy but it’s fine and understandable. Sometimes think you have done all the crying but nope not the case. I think with me it is because I feel really well and look well so people keep telling me then I start asking myself how should I look? I have been very lucky as found by routine mammogram, small and treatable as with all of us. Fortunate and thankfully no chemo was needed just Wle SNB and rads. From diagnosis to end of active treatment will be 99 days with 56 days of that waiting results so pretty good I think. Then the battle begins of moving forward and placing a little bit further back in the head but will cope with that when the time arrives. Never give up daisy stay strong and positive because we will get through this.

[Gill3105]

Thank you Helena. I am sure I will be fine. Think it is just the thought of reality and treatment commencing. Read something the other day and thought very true quote: go with the flow, trust the medical staff, and drift with it, because you will travel safer that way! And like you say fear of the unknown but will stay strong as not far to go now that light is there albeit it not to bright just yet.

[Jamesy46]

Hi I’m a june lady too but not till the 27 th , I’ve had my planning and tattoos , I’ve got appt 15 the to discuss s/e and lymphondema ( spelling ) xx I cried a t the planning I don’t know why I think I just got overwhelmed xx

[Daisy200]

Hi ladies, I'll be a June starter too. Already had my planning scan etc, but first time will be June 21st. Three weeks plus a week booost.

Are you all/most/some doing this after chemo? I'm still reeling from the end of the FEC-T and so emotional. It's the gift that just keeps on giving isn't it?

If I'm absolutely honest I just feel like giving up with it all, head in the sand and a new identity/NHS number so they stop wih the constant letters and appointments. I know it's irrational, but it's what I want.

[ladybowler]

Fill

It is that old fear of the unknown that we go through, honestly once you get the first one under your belt you will be fine.  The first one is a long one because they check all the measurements again, but after that they are usually only 10/15 minutes from undressing to dressing again.

Sending you the tough pants to help you and we are all in the big deep pockets to support you

Helena xxx

[Gill3105]

Well 6 days to go before I start rads and good ole anxiety gremlin trying to creep in again but not welcome so keep telling them to do one. Cream all ready. Water at 2 litre per day. Exercises ok ish. So ready to go I suppose. Good luck to all those starting rads in June and hope it goes well. Speak soon all

[ladybowler]

Sunflower

That is right.  I was told not to apply it any less than 2 hours before your session.  Mine were always in the afternoon so I did not have that issue.

Helena xxx

[Dealdoh]

Thanks for the explanation Sunflower - one less thing to worry about.  Thanks again for the painkiller advice; I took a couple of paracetamol before my session today and it was much more comfortable.  

[ladybowler]

Samantha

It really does not do you any harm to have a cry and release all these pent up emotions, I remember on one of my sessions I just burst into tears, the rads nurse gave me tissues and a cuddle, then we got on with it.  Totally natural when you think of everything you have been through.

Must admit I was crickey I am going to have a tattoo after all these years, cant even tell they are there 🙂

Sending you hugs

Helena xxx

[MellyL]

Glad the message is getting out about the discomfort of the arm position and using pain relief before. The radiographer mentioned yesterday that they are seeing more ladies with painful joints/muscles who are on hormone therapy. The sessions are due to be quicker with fewer "pictures" (!) before the treatment actually starts. One third there! I'm even enjoying the drive now.

[Dcb]

Thanks Jencat, I’ll add aloe Vera to my list - think I’m just going to throw on the lot and hope for the best 😂 

Samantha, youre having same as me but one day later, I start on 12th and finish 9th July. I know how you feel with all the emotions, at home in between appointments it feels like everything is normal but then you are suddenly sat in hospital yet again! I really struggled every time someone rang the bell, my eyes filled up with sadness even though it’s supposed to be a happy thing marking end of treatment! 

[Still-in-Shock Samantha]

Had my planning scan today and started crying on the table - the realisation that it's really happening knocked me sideways yet again! Just as I think I've got to grips with it.......

Tattoo marks are tiny and hidden well within the cleavage. Funny that I always thought my first tattoo might might be a mid-life homage of some kind.....never mind eh!

Start whole breast radiotherapy for 3 weeks x 5 sessions  on 13th June and then a week of 5 sessions for boost (I'm just under 50) and will finish on 10th July.

Will definitely take painkillers beforehand ladies - good call! 

[Jencat]

Hi Dealdoh,

Glad you found the painkiller advice useful Good that you haven't had to do the breath holding either x

[Jencat]

Hi Dcb,

I've also been using Aloe Vera lotion as well as the E45. They suggested at rads today that I keep the lotion in the fridge to make it more soothing as I'm feeling a bit itchy under my arm now, so I'm going to give that a try.

That's good they can do the rads without the breath holding. When do you start? x

[Dealdoh]

Hi All and hello again Starfire.  I had my first session of 15 today but have also managed to avoid the need for breath holding despite treatment being to the left side.  Thanks for the advice about the painkillers as having to keep the arms above my head was uncomfortable.  

[Dcb]

Am definitely a June lady! start on 12th for 15 normal and 5 boosters.

Something about this process makes my brain numb! Totally forgot to ask what creams they recommend! think I will follow suit with E45 (thanks Jencat) or I’ve also read Aveeno is a good option.

For some reason I have escaped the breath holding despite it being my left side, I had to do all the practising but when it came to the scan they said they could miss my heart without it.

hope todays visits ok for everyone.

[Jencat]

Hi Starfire, I've been doing the breath hold-I seem to have to do it about 7 times for varying lengths. I've been mosturising when I get changed afterwards with E45 cream. I haven't asked if it's ok to do so, but can't see why not, but I'll check when I go tomorrow.

I've found the breath holding ok, but I have found holding my arms in one position quite painful, so have started taking some paracetamol beforehand. You might want to do that tomorrow as it will probably be a longer session because of getting you into the right position, which takes a bit of time and maybe images taken as well.

Hope it all goes well for you tomorrow x

[Starfire9]

Hello Ladies,

i am starting rads tomorrow. 15 and then 4 boosters. I have to hold my breath twice each time for 20 seconds. I am very nervous due to the breath hold and in general. Is it okay to mosterise straight afterwards? 

Lots of love xx

[ladybowler]

Dcb

Hello and welcome to the thread, sounds like you will be a Juney lady.

Any questions ask away and I am sure one of us will be able to answer it.

Hope you have had a good bank holiday weekend

Helena xx

[Dcb]

Planning session tomorrow for me so anticipate being June person! thanks for all the hints and tips guys 😊 

[ladybowler]

Melly

Oh how I remember the weekends off, I had mine over the Xmas and New Year period of 2016/2017 so had several long breaks, the downside was it extended the weeks and I had 20 sessions, but boy that last day was just incredible, I cried a lot but it was lovely to think the next day I didnt have to do the hospital journey.

You will be a third of the way through after Tuesday and the light will be starting to get brighter at the end of that tunnel to the end of active treatment :):)

Helena xxx

[MellyL]

Thank you Ladybowler

Having 15 sessions and glad of this 3 day break to get some lie-ins! Soon be over 😉

[Gill3105]

Hi all. I start my rads 6th June. 20 sessions in all 15 normal 5 booster. Started good cream regime already so least the skin will be semi prepared. I am using aveeno and have plenty in stock with a couple of tubes of aloe Vera. Also trying to up my fluid intake. This is hard as not a big drinker. Excersise again starting to walk more and still doing arm excercises. So it’s onwards and upwards and hope we all get through this without to many issues. One thing my rad nurse did mention was to try any creams used on the inner arm first to check no allergies. I always use aveeno anyway so all ok there but something worth considering if using a different cream that you already use. 3rd July I will be ringing that bell!!! Good luck all and speak soon I am sure.

[ladybowler]

MellyL

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Thats great advise about the painkillers, never thought of that one and I cant remember if I did take them when I was having mine.

Well done on 4 down, how many are you having?

Have a great rads free long weekend

Helena xx

[ladybowler]

Ladies

Just a couple of words of advice, it is important that you maintain your exercise regime throughout the time you are having rads as it will help to keep your arm and shoulder mobile.  It is difficult to do it the 3 times a day they recommend, I managed twice a day.

Also keep your fluid intake up they recommend 2 litres a day, this will help with the potential dehydration effects of the rads which can cause fatigue.  Obviously moisturing the area regularly, I used to take my E45 with me so that I could apply it immediately after I finished each session when I was getting dressed.

Sending you all hugs and hope you are having a lovely bank holiday weekend

Helena xxx

[MellyL]

Hello Ladies
I'm new here and have just had my first 4 RT sessions with Rhianna (my new friend - the machine)

The thing I wanted to mention was preparation as I couldn't find anything on here before I started. I'm suffering shoulder pain due to the surgery/exercises/hormone treatment. Holding the position with arms high above my head is very uncomfortable, especially the early sessions when a lot of measuring goes on. If you're the same, remember to take painkillers. A simple precaution.

Some pinkness after 4th session, which has gone today. Otherwise, no symptoms yet.


(repeated from May RT thread.. I'll stay on June now)

[ladybowler]

Ladies

Starting the thread for those of you who are continuing rads in June and for the ladies who will be starting it.

Hope you all have a lovely bank holiday weekend

Helena xxx