Radiotherapy over 5 days

[Jackb]

Hi Caryl, I smothered aveeno cream (aloe vera for when it was itchy) on at least twice a day. I still continue at least twice a day. I was lucky to have no real skin issues. I wore lose or no clothes as much as possible. 

Aloe vera is good for the sore and itchy, but will dry and form a skin, makes it itchy again.

After 6 weeks I believe you can use your own cream preference. I still use aveeno in the morning and use a cream I can use to massage so it's greasy. (I have an old sheet on the settee).

I did increase my fluid intake as I hoped that would help. Exercise is obviously important. I still don't have my full mobility, so this is just as important. Be kind to yourself and make sure you rest.  Xx

[Jackb]

Hi Vivian. I asked my partner to help me practice holding my breath. I put my arms over my head and practiced for about 30 mins each evening. I tried to be relaxed and concentrate solely on the breath. It's not like swimming under water as you can't exhale. I did the 1000, 2000 in my head, and just tried to focus. 

Sounds easy for me to advise but like any practice-you will be fine. 

I did have tears on one session before I started, and thought I would be hopeless, but the breath helps you focus. 

Think about what shape your forming in your body (on your mapping) sometimes we breathe and raise the stomach or chest, try to replicate that shape each time. Hope this helps xx

[Caryl]

Hi, I finished my 5 days of RT on Tuesday. I haven’t had any side effects at all so far although I know it can take time, so I am not pushing myself too much!

I’m not sure what the breath-holding is about!  At no point was I told to hold my breath thank goodness!  It takes a little while to get you into the right position but everyone I came across was very kind and sensitive so my overall experience was as good as it could have been. 

[Vivi]

Spoiler

Good Morning, I see you're probably done your 5 day plan.  Apparently, I go for radio mapping on the 26th and start the 5 day plan on November 1st.  Practicing holding my expanded breath for 30 second intervals.  Other than that I know very little.  How did it go?  Any tips or an idea of what to expect?  Thanks!  Vivian

[nikh]

Thank you and hope you continue to recover well xx

[Jackb]

Hi

I felt the tightness after a couple of hours from my first session.

I'm now over 7 weeks post RT.(26 gy over 5 days) I'm still moisturising just day and night now. I will probably continue this for a few more months. 

I still have tightness so I do still need to do the daily exercises. I also use an electric shaver as I have some nerve damage (lymph nodes removal). I have lost some armpit hair - so much to remove.

Hope it goes well. I rang the 🔔 on my last day. 

[jacqu]

Not really feeling more tired at the moment but I’ve been taking it really easy during recovery. They do say it can be up to two weeks for such effects to appear.

[nikh]

Thank you!! Feel like I’ve not really been told what to expect, have you felt more tired than normal? 

[jacqu]

Hi

I finished my 5 days last week, recommendation is to moisturise regularly- Aqueous cream, Aveeno, E45 creams are fine, don’t use deodorant or perfume in the area while having your sessions. The radiographers made sure I was comfortable and each session passed quickly. Had some redness but the Aveeno cream three times a day is really helping.

Good wishes for your treatment.

Jacqu

[nikh]

Hi I’m new to this site, starting my radiotherapy this week and just wondered if anyone else has had theirs over 5 days rather than 16 ,what was your experience  I’ve only spoken to ladies who’ve had it over a longer time, I really don’t know what to expect