November 2018 Radiotherapy

[Kip]

Well done zzzhu, what a long trip it must have been. How's the skin?

[zzzzhu456]

Hello everyone - just dropping into the forum. I finish my sessions on Tuesday. I like so many others have used Aveeno cream - it has worked well. I am red and very hot but the skin so far seems okay.

My trip to hospital has been very exhausting - 2-3hrs each way.

I have had added complications so my care had to be in central London - the clinic were wonderful and I have had transport every day BUT it is still leaving at 6am and back anytime between 1-2pm. 

[Kip]

Thats fab news CyclingSoo... good for you keeping up the exercise... I still walk about 2-3 miles but I ache so much when I stop.

Janey - thanks for the kind words, yes its the children that kept me going, had to be strong for them and still do.   Just wish I didn't ache so much!!

Kip

xx

[cyclingsoo]

I know I haven't been on here much, but my radiotherapy was completed mid November. I managed to cycle for all of my sessions, so I was quite pleased. If anything I'm more tired now than I was then, but returned to work 2 weeks ago. Although on phased return not sure how I'm going to cope with 12 hour shifts, so far only done 6 hours!

  I can do 11 mile walks without a problem , so will just have to wait and see I guess! To be honest, I did go into this journey fit and healthy which helped. I was lucky my boob didn't get sore, but I did put plenty of Aveeno cream on.

  Good luck to all of you still going through this.

  I have also been told I'm cancer free.

[Janie123]

Well done ladies who have completed radiotherapy. You give us such an uplift

Kip!!! Your children are adorable. The photo brought a tear to my eye. When you get the diagnosis, your children are the first thing that leaps into your mind, and I am sure they are thrilled and proud of you to have completed treatment. Have a wonderful Christmas, Kip, and all you lovely ladies, as we support each other through this.

Jane xx

[Fezzy1952]

well done Kip. I am now just over 3 weeks post radiotherapy so just a quick update. I did get incredibly sore under the breast and on the scar where the boosts were done, but the skin didn't break so I used a barrier cream and carried on with Aveeno twice a day, the itching was horrible but I found calamine lotion helped with this, also Aloe Vera soothed it as well. This week it has all cleared up except for the tan marks were radiotherapy beam hit, but I am feeling much better now. I can also report that the Anastrozole is not causing me many problems, yes I do have some joint pains and hot flushes but I am coping with them so I just hope that I am one of t he lucky ones, I do find that keeping as active as possible helps. Sending very best wishes to all who are still receiving treatment, there really is light at the end of the tunnel.  Fezzy xx

[JWD]

Well done kip😍😍🎅

[Kip]

I've done it and rung the bell... feeling emotional but happy... good luck to all of you still plodding on.. I'm sending big hugs to you all...xxx Kip

[Kip]

Janey Glad you have found the masectomy not too bad, me neither, I have found the ANC clearance op harder but the radio has been fine,  no burning or anything yet.  Its a shame you don't finish until after xmas but you'll get there and soon be ringing that bell too.   I have terrible achey joints but I think that may be either chemo or Tamoxifen but in the scheme of things... I can put up with that.

Kip

xx

[ladybowler]

Michelle

Sorry mate I have only just seen your post from 3 December. 

Another milestone passed in that I went back to work last week, only 3 hours a day but it is a start.  I really feel it when I come home and can not help having a nap in the afternoon.  I have not had a problem with the driving however it is only 2 miles each way so not far, also as I have an automatic car I think that makes a difference

You will get there my dear honestly, just give yourself the time you will get there honestly xxx.  How is the counselling going?

[Janie123]

Thanks Kip.

I finish on 10th January. There will be fifteen sessions, but because of Christmas and New Year it is dragging on til then. I was really keen to start earlier as I had healed well from my mastectomy on 31st October, but there was no availability, and I would love to have been finished treatment by the end of the year.

I still have to have Herceptin injections three weekly til around June next year, and I am on tamoxifen. Luckily, I have had no ill effects from Herceptin or tamoxifen, and I am hoping I don't find radiotherapy too bad!

Best wishes for your last radiotherapy tomorrow.Ring that bell!!

Jane xx

[Kip]

Ah thanks Jane, ive booked the moving on course to start in February and it sojnds helpful.  You hit the nail on the head with what you said..  irs like being set adrift rwally. The ladies at my Macmillan centre said its very common.  God luck with your rads .when do you finish?

Kip

Xx

[Janie123]

Hi KIp,
I have followed some of your posts on the other threads so I feel I know you quite well! I have just started the first of my radiotherapy sessions today. I had a left mastectomy, so I am hopeful I won't have any rubbing either!
Good luck when you have your lymphodema treatment.Also, I wish you well, in the future. I can imagine I will feel emotional after this stage- you feel like you're on a treadmill, onwards and upwards to the finish line, and then, I imagine, you think, where do I go from here? Maybe you feel less 'safe' as active treatment has finished. I am sure the Moving Forward course will be very beneficial.
Best wishes
Jane xx

[Kip]

Hi all, haven't posted on here for a while, just been doing the daily slog to Radiotherapy.  Today is No. 14 of 15... so ringing that bell tomorrow!   So far so good, no soreness, redness or burning... but well aware this may happen in the next couple of weeks.   I think as i had a masectomy with no recon and have just a flat chest there is no boob to rub against the skin so perhaps that helps a bit.. got to be an advantage somewhere to being a lopsided flatty!!   My only SEs at present are horrendous aches and pains from head to foot but the nurses think this could be a SE from the docetaxol chemo or from the Tamoxifen I'm now taking.. or possibly all of them!!   Unforutnately I have developed cording from my ANC and am awaiting an appintment with Lymphodema clinic for some massage and exercise advise but otherwise just trying to get through this week and then some nice rest over Xmas.   Am also feeling tearful at the though of end of treatment..ironic really isn't it as at the beginning couldn't wait for the end of it all.   I'm hoping to attend the Hope Moving Forward course run at my hospital in the new year to help move on.

Take care ladies

Kip

xx

[Michelle21]

Thanks Helena, good to hear life has gone back to normal in 2 years. I think Me and my OH are at the stage where we are beginning for the first time to reflect on what has happened. I wish I was 2 years down the line but know you just have to go through it.
Well done on the drive, it must be hard post hysterectomy. It always feels good to pass a milestone x

[ladybowler]

Michelle

Oh mate I can really assure you that there a light and it is starting to shine brighter fat the end of that tunnel for you now. 

Before

Now

I am now 2 years post op and 22 months post rads finishing, life really has gone back to normal but with a greater appreciation about what I have been through and my priorities in life xxx

Done an airport run today as mum has flown home, it was quite a journey as it was pouring down the whole way, tired but again another milestone reached as it is a round trip of about 35 miles, which would not have been a problem prior to my hysterectomy!!

Sending you hugs

Helena xxx

[Michelle21]

A night out and talking about normal stuff can do the world of good cant it? It’s good to hear you are getting back to some sort of normality, it’s a good idea to return to work on reduced hours, gradually get back into it. Shows me there is light at the end of this long dark tunnel! X

[ladybowler]

Michelle

That is good news and is obviously going to help your overall wellbeing. 

Yep totally agree still would be worth going to your appointment, at the end of the day mate, if it is not for you, you dont have to go back but you need to find that out first.

I am doing really well, I was out last night with a few of the girls from work at one of their homes, it was wonderful, had a late night and didnt get home until midnight, I slept for 7 straight hours which is something I have not done for months so it really did me the world of good.  Had my apt with GP and am returning to work on 11 December albeit on a very reduced hours phased return which I am really looking forward to, I am ready and need to get back into the real world again.

xxx

[shirleyvalentine]

Hi ladies. So I’m now going braless! I didn’t wear underwire, but after 15 the redness & soreness has just crept up on me. Very itchy and skin ever so slightly raised towards the collar bone, but taking antihistamines which seem to work. My underarm is quite sore because of my protruding bruise where I had axillary clearance so it rubs. I saw the nurse today, she gave me some pads and gel ‘just in case your skin breaks down’ - fingers crossed it doesn’t, but at least I’m prepared! Had a bout of fatigue yesterday, was out of breath walking the dog! But not too bad and muddling through. Glad of this forum so I know what to expect and that everything’s ‘normal’ - 4 more then done!

[Michelle21]

Hi Helena
Thanks for asking, I feel like I’ve turned a corner and there is some improvement. They haven’t disappeared but as long as I gel up regularly they seem to be improving.
The tears seemed to have stopped too which is a relief! I actually feel very positive today, although I’m still going to keep my appointment for counselling.
Hope everything is going well with you xx

[ladybowler]

Michelle

How are you getting on, how are the blisters, hopefully improving now?

Helena xxx

[Fezzy1952]

thank you so much ladies for all your messages it means a lot to me.  Fezzy x

[cyclingsoo]

I'm sooooo excited! 2 weeks since completing 15 days of radiotherapy I've been discharged and told I'm cancer free. I will need to go for a mammogram annually and a bone desity scan in 2 years as I have Osteopoenia and need more weight bearing exercise and medication. I already do 10,000+steps a day! I even cycled to radiotherapy each day.

  Anyway good luck to everyone at the start or even part way through your journey. I was only diagnosed on August 2nd, lumpectomy on August 29 and now out the other end. 

  I'm still an emotional wreck at times, but hoping going back to work will help.

      Cyclingso

[ladybowler]

katiepoo

Yay thats great news.  I have started a December 2018 Radiotherapy thread on here for those ladies starting in December xxx

[ladybowler]

mavit

Dont worry we will be ringing the bells on here for you next week 🙂 and then you can say goodbye to the travelling, that was what used to get to me xx

[Lilacmoon14]

Well done Fezzy xxx you got there in the end!!! Keep drinking lots and continue to moisturiser. Even now, after finishing rads in July, I still get some discoloration under my boob and across my chest where the rad zone ended. But I still drink as much as I can and still moisturiser within an inch of my life and alls good.
Reading through recent posts, everything sounds so familiar, which is good, as these worries and twinges are common for all of us.
This is the best place to come for support from others who have been through the same.
I'm also 4 weeks in to my HOPE course. If your MacMillan centre offer this, go for it. I'm with a lovely group and although we have had different diagnosis and treatment plans, we all have the same worries and concerns so its good to share.
Take care all, keep going, there is light at the end of the tunnel xxxxxx
🎀❣🎀❣🎀

[katiepoo]

After having my radiotherapy delayed from October I hope to be finally starting mine next week.
So well done ladies that have finished, good luck to those still having it and i shall no doubt join the December thread

[mavit1]

Congratulations Fezzy
Bet you are relieved! No more Rads. Make sure you look after yourself As I was told too that side effects could continue after Rads completion.
I am on day 13/20. Roll on next week the final week . I am tired having to make the same journey each day . There are no bells to ring at my Hospital - my thoughts go out to everybody going through Rads or yet to start

X

[ladybowler]

Crocrazy

Thank you for your good wishes xx  Oh that is great news having the all clear, know what you mean it just brings back memories but going forward now it is a good memory of everything being absolutely fine

Sending you hugs

helena xxx

[ladybowler]

Fezzy

Congratulations on finishing yoru rads. As your team have advised you the next couple of weeks you will need to keep up your regime as you will still be feeling the effects, and I found especially making sure that I kept up my fluid intake.

Ringing the bell for you tomight as well.

Helena xxx

[Michelle21]

Congratulations Fezzy, I am glad you have finished rads and I hope your skin stays strong 💪🏻 X

[JWD]

Well done Fezzy💖👏💖

[Fezzy1952]

hi ladies hope you are all doing ok. Today I rang the bell, 20 sessions completed, my lovely radiotherapy team cheering me on they have been brilliant. Been told that I still have to moisturize and watch my skin but it's been fine up to yet, just a tender nipple and odd stabbing pains which I have been told are normal, hopefully I won't have any problems but time will tell. Good luck to all having treatment this month it does seem never-ending  but it's surprising how quick it goes, Fezzy x

[ellajo]

Hi, I have been prescribed some Mepiplex pads to put under breast but has anyone used any gels or creams on the blistered areas? Or should I just keep it dry? I will ask the radiotherapy nurse but just wondered what your experiences were. Thanks

[Crocrazy]

Hi Michelle, 

I though I would just pop on and say I know exactly how you feel with the radiotherapy burns.  I had some nasty burns this time last year when I was going through treatment.  I was given the instrasite gel too and it really did work wonders.  It is something to do with keeping the skin moist while it heals and it helped me no end.  Keep your chin up, mine took about three weeks to skin over (mine were all under my boob and under my arm).   Take painkillers regularly too, I tried to be brave and eventually realised I was doing myself no favours and just took them.  The skin is very fragile when it is healing too so gentle is the name of the game.  Take care X 

Hi Ladybowler,

Glad to see you are doing well and recovering from your op.  I have just been for my 1st year mammogram, and got the all clear - hurrah!  Got myself in a state going, but glad it is all done.  X 

[ladybowler]

Michelle

Well that is positive and it does sound as if things are improving. Have you got a cotton hanky that you might be able to put between your bra and nipple to ease it.  Oh the joys of numb underarms, I remember putting my deoberant on and the only reason I knew I was doing it was because I had it in my hand, I could not feel anything under my arm.

I am so glad to hear that you have an appointment for counselling as well, I really do think it will help and give you the space you need without having to worry about upsetting anyone.

I am doing fine.  I have my apt on Wednesday which will be 7 weeks post my hysterectomy, cant believe how the time has flown.  I am hoping that I will be able sort out a date for me to go back to work for at least a week before xmas.  Getting stir crazy now and need to get back to normality, albeit that I will only be working a few hours a day for about 6 weeks.  I must admit I feel so much better having had the op, which is what a lot of ladies have told me

xxx

[Michelle21]

Hi Helena
They have given me more dressings and said that the gel is the best thing to use to help healing. The blisters underneath have improved although a new one has appeared today, my nipple has begun to get sore and my under arm is raw. On the plus side I can’t feel how sore my under arm is because I haven’t got the feeling back since lymph clearance! They have said that it should have healed in the next two weeks so I am focusing on that.
Also I have got an appointment booked with the counselling team which I really think I need as I am very up and down.
How are you doing? X

[ladybowler]

Michelle

How did you get on with your rads team today?

H xx

[ellajo]

Hi everyone, I had session 13 of 15 yesterday and also a review with the radiotherapy specialist nurse. I had been feeling quite hopeful that my skin was not going to be affected too badly but she warned that the worst is to come. Apparently about 2/3 after finishing the rads will be worst time and she expects blisters etc will appear under boob so she has advised me to get some pads from the GP and also some 1% hydrocortisone cream for itchiness. Best to be forewarned I suppose. She is going to phone me to see how I am getting on in a couple of weeks. 

I am also getting some stabbing pains but very short lived at the moment. Nurse has advised that these could happen more for a while and breast will feel very heavy. Paracetamol advised and plenty of rest and fluids of course. I have been getting some dizziness for the last day or two but nurse says this is more likely due to not drinking enough fluid rather than the radiotherapy. They are all very kind but I cannot wait to get to Wednesday so that there are no more long trips to the hospital. I am going there again today though as the breast care nurses run a monthly support group and it sounds quite jolly so I am looking forward to that. I am also being referred for counselling as the whirlwind of appointments and treatment over the last six months has meant that I don't believe that I have really had time to accept what is happening to me yet - nurses have said it is not unusual to feel at your worst mentally/emotionally at the point treatment finishes so we will see.

Sending big hugs to you all 💕💕

[ladybowler]

Michelle

Definitely ask them about the polymem, you can also get it prescribed by your GP but the rads team should be able to give you some in the meantime.  One side of it has lines on it and I think that is the side that you slightly dampen before applying it to your skin.

Always there mate xxx

[Michelle21]

Hi Helena, no the dressing is simply that, a sterile non adhesive dressing. It looks like a sanitary towel! The gel is called Intrasite gel, I don’t think either actually help the healing process the gel just keeps it moist and the pad stops my bra rubbing. I will ask about polymem when I go on Monday.
Your husband sounds great, what is it with men and gadgets?! Although the grabber does sound useful!
I have rang the counselling dept, waiting for a call back.
Thanks again for ‘talking’ x

[ladybowler]

Michelle

Thats a good idea about going again Monday.  Have they given you a dressing called polymem as that is supposed to be really good for radiotherapy burns.

Well as you say we go into auto pilot dont we, it must have been so hard for him because he was not able to support me in the usual way, but he always finds ways round things to make life easier for me. In teh same way as he has done with my hysterectomy, I think I have every gadget going to help me, the best one ever is my grabber, I never realised how times I dropped things on the floor until I have not been able to bend to pick them up 🙂 :). Think I will be keeping that one around for a lot longer x

Give the counselling a go and see you might be surprised.  I did go the mill a bit with everything that was hiding under the surface but it was lovely to do it in a safe comfortable environment where more than anything I could be honest with myself.  I recall the last session which was on the last day of my rads, I actually said to her that I was letting her go now and that I was ready to move forward, she just smiled and gave me a hug,

I am so glad that I have been of some help xxxx

[Michelle21]

Hi Helena
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I went to the unit on Monday and ifnit is no better I think I will go again on Monday. Two new blisters today.
You must have had a lot on your plate caring for your partner as well as coping with BC. I think we can go into auto pilot and deal with the immediate bit like you say there is a lot bubbling under the service waiting to rear up. I have been given a referral for counselling, I wasn’t going to contact them but having read your reply I think you are right it could be a big help.
Once again thank you for your reply, it’s very much appreciated x

[ladybowler]

Michelle

I didnt have any blisters but the area around my nipple was rather tender for several weeks after, and yes I did experience the stabbing pains for a while.  I seem to recall them saying it is eveyrthing settling down again following surgery healing and then it all being agitated by the rads but it will settle in time, everyone is different so it is difficult to say how long it will take.  I am nearly two years post rads I very very occasionally get an ache but that is all now.  Remember even if they have given you something to help with the blisters you can sstill contact them to see if there is anything else they can suggest.

I recall after finishing my rads bursting into tears, I think it is a mixture of the relief that active treatment is completed, fear because we have been on the cycle of appointments and treatment for a several months, depending on the amount of treatment even longer than that, to be suddenly "thats it" is rather scary.  For me the biggest thing was my life not being controlled by that one apt every day for 5 weeks which such a relief.

Have you thought about having some counselling to talk through your feelings with someone who is objective, you can say what you are feeling to them without the worry of upsetting them the way you would be in telling your family and friends.  I had counselling just before I start rads as I was feeling scared that I was doing so well I would crash and burn.  It is amazing the stuff I was keeping nside me which I was able to let out and she helped me understand so much of it, I am carer for my partner who has MS and is housebound, so there was a lot of anger there as to why this should happen to me.  It was very therapeutic.

Sending you hugs

Helena xxx

[Michelle21]

Helllo
I finished 20 RT sessions last Wednesday and since finishing my skin has erupted in blisters on the under side of my breast, 48 and two kids I’m not as pert as I once was! So when the skin touches the skin it is really sore. I have been back to the unit and they have been very helpful giving me non adhesive dressings and some gel to put on the raw skin. I noticed someone mentioned stabbing pains which I also have. I was wondering if anyone else has been through this and how long it lasted. Each day a new blister seems to appear.
I also notice a few of you have found you’ve been emotional during rads, I have found that too, In fact I found the whole Rt experience quite depressing. Now they have finished I still feel very up and down. I feel like I have been on high alert during 8 months of gruelling treatment and only now am I stopping and trying to take in what has happened.
All advice welcome x

[shirleyvalentine]

Sorry you had to have another scan Mavit, that must have been very annoying and frustrating for you. I’m 10/20 so half way now. I started seeing slight pink skin after 7 and thought oh no... but it settled down again, the main pink is just behind my armpit, back of the arm, where the rays are exiting I guess and kinda in the top armpit fold, it’s irritating due to my scar still producing because of the large bruise. I’ve had one episode of fatigue I guess, 7:30pm I crashed, couldn’t keep my eyes open and crawled into bed! I’ve been fine for the last few days though. Drinking loads as soon as I’m in the car (water!), using Aveeno straight after each session and at bed time. Walking with the dog seems to give me an energy boost. Had one emotional wobble on day 5, but fine since then and grateful the sessions are all over very quickly.  think what everyone experiences is all very normal, good to hear how others are feeling so it punctuates the normality even more. Take care all. Getting there! Xx 

[Fezzy1952]

hi Mavit I am now on day 17/20 so nearly finished, I am just the same having good and bad days feeling tearful for no particular reason and  then absolutely fine again for a few days, fatigue comes and goes as well, it's all very odd. I have had stabbing pains on and off that was round about 9 days in, the boosters I am having now are giving me pain again but it doesn't lasts long. my skin has held up remarkably well, just looks Sun tanned at the moment just hope it continues like this. I have only used Aveeno but put lashings of it on 3 times a day, and kept my fluid  intake up, must admit I can't wait to get this over with now it is very tiring and I have had some early appointments, on the plus side at least it's easy to find a parking space.  hope tomorrow goes well for you.  Fezzy x

[Elaine Maria]

I hope all goes well with your scan.
Take care xx

[mavit1]

Hello everybody
I’ve not been on for a while now and just wanted to check and see how you are all doing.?

I’m on day 8 of Rads and been having good and bad days . Today felt ever so tired after my session that I needed an afternoon nap.

The hospital phoned me early this evening to tell me that the shape of my breast has changed due to the Rads so I need new scans done.

I’m a bit shocked but then I was aware that Rads can cause breast changes. I am starting to experience some pain within and twingesas such.

I need to go into hospital early morning 7.45 am to firstly have my Rads session on the current measurements etc and then have the CT scan done.
I will need to be up early at 6 tomoro to get to the hospital. Not happy 😞

My breast feels like it’s swollen , not a lot of redness only around the nipple area. Also have a big of itchiness around the breast and nipple area and been told to take antihistimines as well as continue to cream up.

I am feeling anxious and just hope I will be able to successfully complete Rads as I still have got another 2 weeks to go .

Not feeling too happy ..

[cyclingsoo]

Hi Kim . You sound as though you are just like me! I've certainly been more tearful since finishing RT, but I just let it out. Having said that I don't have any choice on a bad day. The last 2 days have been fine with no tears at all. Good luck and don't bottle it up I'm better after a good cry- alone or anyone around!