September 2018 Radiotherapy

[Anxious-Soul]

Wombat woo - I hope 2019 is kind and gentle to you. Snugs. x x

Maggie - lovely to hear you're doing well.  

The other week I had an Indian head massage and I had to lie on the couch and just for a moment I had a feeling I was back on that radiotherapy iron bed. I think it was when the Indian head practitioner was asking me to move here and there. It was a moment reminding me of my past....X

[Wombat Woo]

Ladies it is like saying goodbye to old friends.... thank you all for your support and I hope we all continue to prosper and most importantly have FUN !!! Love and hugs to you all xxx

[Janie123]

Fab news, Maggie48. I wish you continued good health and a happy life!

Jane xx

[Maggie48]

Hi Ladies

Happy New Year, hope you all had good Christmases, I did far too much and ended up in bed for 48 hours over new year, but it was nice to see so many people and catch up.

Two menopause’s is at least one too many in my view - the only upside of having BC at 48 is the side effects of Tamoxifen and the menopause will all hopefully roll into one 5 year period & most of my friends are periodically forgetful & a tad warm too.

I had my final review with the Oncology team this week and it was great to be signed off as ‘done’, thank you all for sharing, this thread has really helped me.

I hope everyone had a warm and healthy start to 2019.

Maggie x

[Wombat Woo]

Hi Anxious Sole. Glad to here you only have 2 more herceptin jabs- onwards and upwards.
I am back to work and all ok. Having menopausal symptoms - 2 menopause seems a bit greedy !!!
A bit of pain under my arm and some in my boob but I believe it is all the nerves knitting together.
I hope you lose the flu symptoms and enjoy being back to work. Xx

[Anxious-Soul]

Hi wombat woo,

I hope 2019 is treating you well.

Two more herceptin injections to go here, continue to feel like I have flu most of the time. Not on here often now, I seem to be filling my days. Due back to work in a couple of months depending on how I go. 

How are are you doing? X 

[ladybowler]

Wombat Woo

Hello to you as well.  Ours was very quiet just the two of us, but it was nice and relaxing

Enjoying the week off, back to work on Wednesday and I start to increase my hours per day the following week so reality will soon hit home 🙂

xxx

[Wombat Woo]

Hi Ladies. Just checking in to see how you are all doing ? Hope you had a relaxing Christmas 😘

[Anxious-Soul]

Hi Bibi,

I am not up to speed on travel insurance, hopefully you will get some clarification from others. How is your decorating coming along? Have you done any good walks? 

I have checked out the live screening and there is a local theatre which does this. I am taking my friend to see the Alan Bennett play, a little thank you gift for supporting me through chemo. I am on season two of Hinterland and this is helping me switch off a busy mind and relax. 

I am looking forward to the weekend as this week I have had quite a few appointments.  

Awww, I hope your doggy's surgery goes well. x 

[Bibi]

Hi Anxious

Loved Unforgotten and Hinterland - like cop dramas,

Been looking at travel insurance again and think I will be alright with EHIC for medical bit in Europe and my bank insurance covers the travel bit just got an exclusion on breast cancer. Do you think I’m right? 

Our poor doggy has to have an eye op next week 🙁 so will be having a few quiet days while she is convalescing and we recover from vet bill 😲

[Anxious-Soul]

Good morning everyone,

GreenDamsel, I hope you're continuing to enjoy your sunny holiday, the dark nights are creeping in here and I guess more so in Scotland. 

Oh Bibi, that is interesting to learn regarding plays that are shown in London and how us northerners can access them.  I will check this out. I just read a review of the play - sounds good. 

I have been been kicking leaves and enjoying being outdoors.This weekend binge watched the ITV drama Unforgotten with a friend which we both really enjoyed. Anyone else an Unforgotten fan? I read that there is a new series coming out next year. 

I am also watching Hinterland and  really enjoying seeing the mid Wales landscape. 

This Thursday I have physio to check progress and next week my review with the radiotherapy onc and herceptin number 14.........x x

[Bibi]

Sun and a pool sound very relaxing Green Damsel - enjoy !🌞🏊🏻‍♀️

Will look at those insurance ompanies thanks and see what they can do for me. 

It was a play called Allelujah - about the NHS - very topical and very good - it was the live streaming they do at cinemas which is great if you don’t live in London - get to see some good stuff.

Have a good week everyone 

[GreenDamsel]

Hello ladies, 

greetings from Dubai, it’s 30 degrees and sunny which is lovely.  I’ve been swimming and using the hotel gym each day and I feel great.  Tummy is still a little tight after surgery and I notice that when swimming but other than that no issues.  I’m using factor 50 and keeping radiated bits covered but sunshine is a boost, I reckon it is all that vitamin D we don’t see in Scotland very often at this time of year.  My new short hair is a bonus in the heat and dries super quick coming out of the pool. Also feeling rather good with my new flat tummy in a swim suit 🙂

re travel insurance I got a year world wide cover from Aviva for about £150, Enable Insurance were also about the same and that’s declaring the cancer treatment etc.  We used to pay a bit less than that for both of us for a year  but hubby has his insurance through his work now so it’s not that big an increase, which surprised me.

well done on the decorating, feels good to do normal things doesn’t it and no appointments is very liberating.

have a good weekend it sounds as if everyone is doing welll and recovering from treatment and looking to the future. 

[Anxious-Soul]

Good morning everyone,

Bibi - it is lovely to hear from you. I am pleased to hear your recovery is going in the right direction. I get you when you say you're enjoying not having to attend hospital appointments. 

I ended up up buying my mum a hi gear down jacket, she loves it, keeping her nice and warm. I have only just discovered hi gear kit, I would say very reasonably priced and reasonable quality. 

I too too have been catching up with family and friends. 

My skin is recovering really well, I am taking daily vitamin C supplements to help the healing. I am getting my flu jab done next week as I have told my immune system will still be compromised. 

Which Alan Bennett play are you seeing?  x

[Bibi]

Hi everyone- hope your holiday is a real rest and recuperation for you Green Damsel - have a great time.

Hope you managed to find a jacket for this weather Anxious.

Im still feeling good, skin is almost back to normal , didn’t have any effects from last Herceptin so keeping 🤞that continues. I have rejoined my gym and am really looking forward to getting back to yoga and swimming regularly 😊

Just enjoying having no regular hospital appointments and spending time with friends- have booked a little trip to Edinburgh with one of my daughters so I’m excited about that. 

My bank travel insurance won’t cover me for anything related to breast cancer so I’m going to look for another policy - did you find a good one Green Damsel? I figure since I’m on Letrozole if I did have any problems with bones they would say it was related to that, and if I had a heart problem they would say it was the Herceptin so I’m just going to look for a different insurer. 

Been decorating the bedroom - felt the need for a fresh start so starting there- just going to put all stuff back in this afternoon and then off to see the Alan Bennett play on at cinemas today with some friends. 

Have a good day everyone xx

[Anxious-Soul]

Good morning everyone,

GreenDamsel, the weather is definitely turning, cooler and wetter so a perfect time for a well deserved sunshine break. 🌴🐚🌞🍉🌅🕶

Today,  after my heart scan I am planning to head off to GoOutdoors to check out jackets, fleeces etc. That time of year in Britain has arrived. :)☔️☔️☔️☔️

Hopefully there will will be no delays at the hospital.......x

[GreenDamsel]

Hi Anxious, 

Well as I thought I am about to start 6 cycles of capecitabine, so before that kicks off I am squeezing in a holiday.  My skin is normal according to oncologist and as long as I use protection and cover up I’ll be ok in the sun.  I tend not to be out in the sun for long but like to read in the shade and swim now and again.  So flights are booked and this time next week I’ll be in the air. 😁☀️✈️

I may look up those australian series you mentioned and load a few episodes to watch while I’m away too.

Hope the herceptin doesn’t have too many side effects, from ladies I spoke to at rads sessions it seemed to vary from each person.  I feel fortunate that I had very few chemo s/e and the same with rads and fingers crossed the tablet chemo goes the same and it’s something I can manage and still do normal things. 

Hoping for a good weekend for everyone.

[Anxious-Soul]

Good morning everyone

GreenDamsel, I hope today goes okay for you.

I may have to check out Outlander as the days become shorter although I am enjoying the many twist and turns of The Cry and I am also watching Informer and Autum watch. I love it when the landscape is inspiring whilst watching a good drama, I think that is why I enjoyed Keeping Faith and apparently I have read that Hinterland captures the raw Welsh landscape although I haven't watched this. 

I am having herceptin number 13 today, I feel very lucky that these are done without having to go into hospital although Friday I have a hospital appointment for my heart monitoring scan which is done due to the herceptin.

I hope everyone is continuing without too many complications. Week 3 and my skin is definitely settling. x

[GreenDamsel]

Hello folks,

glad and to hear you are doing well and not having many after effects, I am now 2 weeks past last session and nothing untoward happening so I reckon I’ve escaped the worst of it. Energy levels are good and see my oncologist tomorrow for a follow up.  I suspect further chemo is on the cards as I’m TN so no hormone therapy available but she’s keen to do as much as possible to give me the best long term prognosis and it’s tablet form so not as much of a pain as the IV stuff and much less side effects. Will find out tomorrow what she wants to do. 

In in the meantime I’m keeping up with the walking  and plan to get in the pool next week if my skin stays good. 

Ive also discovered Outlander on Amazon Video, so working my way through the first couple of seasons - my mum is a huge fan and has been going on about it for ages, so far it’s a bit of a location spotting exercise as it’s filmed in Scotland at many of the places I grew up or go walking. 

Keep up up the fluid and moisturising , that seems to be the key to avoiding any skin problems. Take care.

[Anxious-Soul]

Hi everyone,

Bibi - do check it out as it will soon be unavailable on iplayer. 

The prickles have stopped, a relief...........I wish I could do a 7 mile trot but it is not happening, my body is protesting, a frustrated soul. x 

[Bibi]

Thanks Anxious - will check it out. Had a fun filled weekend with family - so good to relax and know you have no appointments to attend. 

Hope everyone is doing well - my skin is pink but not breaking or sore. Little red patch on my collarbone hasn’t got any worse - in fact looks like it might be starting to heal so 🤞should be able to start swimming again soon. 

Trying to increase activity and build fitness back up - taking it slowly . 

Take care everyone xx

[Anxious-Soul]

Bibi, yesterday I started watching Goldstone on Iplayer, it is a sequel to Mystery Road which we both enjoyed. I am half way through at the moment. 🙂

[Bibi]

Hi Anxious - had Fitbit for several years and never had problem with skin. 

Glad to hear your work meeting went well - take your time and recover well.

Hot flushes 🙁 

Take care all xxx

[Anxious-Soul]

Good morning everyone,

another sunny start to the day.

I continue to research fitbits, iPhones etc etc. I am so behind in technology. My skin has become so sentivitive after chemo I wonder whether the Fitbit strap would irritate my skin.  I may look at a small device which can be put into a pocket. Has anyone had any skin irritation with the strap?

Yesterday, I met with work and it was a good supportive meeting. I was very pleased to hear that the new office has air conditioning. For now, recovery and improving my stamina is my priority.

 Oh, I am having a hot flush and wading through a clean fresh flowing river sounds so appealing. 🙂

[Anxious-Soul]

Giggles

[GreenDamsel]

Ha, when I learned to fish I went on a week long residential course run by the field studies council.  The daytime was practical and at night we did theory and things like entomology.  One evening the class was a bit restless and to be perfectly honest fed up learning about bugs and flies.  The tutor took pity on us and showed that film instead! I was the only female in the class and very happy to watch young Brad and listen to Robert Redford tell the story... not sure about the gents in the class.

[Anxious-Soul]

Your love of fly fishing has led me to watch the trailer for the film A River Runs Through It with a very young Brad Pitt acting. 🙂

[GreenDamsel]

Hi Anxious,

yep it’s fly fishing I enjoy, been doing it for a few years now.  I’m not as hardy as my hubby, he goes out in all weathers but I love a day walking the rivers, when I was going through chemo they advised against it due to risk of infection (although I did manage a cheeky little 4 days away being very careful about barbs) and then with surgery i’ve missed the season completely but there is still fishing to be had over the winter. 

It is amazing the variety of advice given for probably much the same situation, I was told to exercise 4 times a day for at least first 6 weeks but to get into the habit of doing them from now on and I also have tummy exercises to do from week 8 onwards. When I remember I do them when I eat and then before I go to bed so it’s not intrusive and very quick.

[Anxious-Soul]

Hi Bibi, 

I would say be carefully stopping the arm exercises as I think the stiffness can creep up all of a sudden. Yes, keep up with the moisturising. I think a visit to the GP to ask for some cortisol cream may be in order for me if this doesn't calm down. 

Yes, definitely pace yourself, I had a strange turn the other day, I just did too much. 🙂

[Bibi]

What a beautiful morning - been enjoying my garden - before this I would  have carried on all day but I am realising I need to pace myself otherwise I am too tired for days afterwards. So that will also be my plan for decorating Green Damsel 👍 small sessions and enjoy them.

I use my Fitbit to track my distance or even the phone using Map my walk - I like the Fitbit to track steps as I don’t have to carry phone around the house/garden then. Walked about 6 miles in Dovedale last week and that was just about right at the moment. Going back out with my walking buddies tomorrow for the first time since before surgery in July - but will probably be a short stroll and lot of cake and coffee and chat to catch up- looking forward to it.

I must admit I forget to do the exercises now as I feel I have full movement back with only very occasional twinges. 

Red patch on collarbone looking a bit iffy and skin breaking down a bit - is it best to still keep using Aveeno do you think?

Enjoy the sun while it’s here everyone xx

[Anxious-Soul]

Hi everyone,

ladybowler - I was thinking the same, it is interesting that we get different advice. I have been reading about how walking with poles helps with the shoulder, arm and upper body. There has been some research which has proven they help after breast surgery. 

GreenDamsel, is that fly fishing that you do? 🙂

I am reading up on the map my walk ap, this sounds a good option. Historically, I think I have measured my walks with time and not distance. And then my oncologist started asking me how far can I walk. 

[ladybowler]

Anxious Soul

Its funny how each hospital is different, I was advised to try and do them 3 times a day but certainly twice during rads.  I carried on doing them after rads but to be honest not every day, really just when I felt everything was stiffening up.  I was lucky because in the April I started my bowls season again so that gave my arm a lot of exercise, albeit was really uncomfortable at first but it did get better quickly.

Helena xxx

[GreenDamsel]

Morning,

Got the ok to pretty much do anything I want as far as exercise is concerned so planning a fishing trip for the weekend. I’ve been desperate to get back in the river and I think using the shoulder and arm muscles will be a good thing too.  

Re mileage i usually plan it on a old fashioned map/guide book, especially if it’s new territory, or using an online app ‘map my walk’ and then my phone or apple Watch keeps track while I’m walking.  The app also has lots of routes others have done so you can reuse them instead of creating your own. There are many route planners out there so it’s just what suits, and if it’s forestry commission land you often find there are good waymarked routes available with pretty good distance  and elevation guides. 

Bibi decorating sounds like a plan for a real fresh start, just don’t over do it! 

No one mentioned reducing exercises during rads so I’m still doing them 4 times a day but they only take a few minutes, as there is no stiffness it feels a bit silly to do them but I don’t mind, might be a good benchmark to notice any changes if things start to seize up.  I was warned chording can happen about 8-10 weeks post op so will keep at it.  

[Anxious-Soul]

• Good morning everyone,

Bibi - a time to recover now although like me you have the herceptin to complete. Having a motorhome must be exciting. I enjoy camping, getting back to nature although I've done none this year due to the treatment. I struggled with the heat too. 

DamselGreen -  seven miles seems a good healthy length to me. I am curious, do you calculate your miles the old fashion way or with one of the new gadgets? I am just pondering whether to buy myself a gadget although I would like one which is very straight forward. 

I think my shoulder is stiffening up a little so I am going to increase my exercises. During rads I was advised to do the exercises only once a day rather than 3 times a day. Did everyone get similar advice? 🙂

[Bibi]

Glad to hear you are all getting energy back.

Today waking up felt great knowing there was no more rads - had a nice day mooching around the Motorhome Show at NEC for a few hours - didn’t buy a new one though - mad prices - but always fun having a look.

Decided I’m going to decorate next week and have a good clear out - fresh start coming up! 

I do have a bit of a red patch developing near my collarbone ☹️ So am moisturising madly but trying not to rub. 

Take care xxx

[GreenDamsel]

Morning all, 

thats a week since my last zapping and all good so far,  energy levels are good, no naps needed and I think not having the daily appointments is also having a benefit, I think there’s something about not feeling like a patient which helps get back to normal.  Of course this could all go horribly in the next few days so making the most of it just now.

The hills were great, didn’t do much more than 7 miles in any one route and kept to fairly gentle slopes and good paths underfoot.  I usually use a pole for a bit of stability on steeper declines, I’m ok going up but coming down I’m just not as confident especially if it’s a bit wet and muddy. 

I see my plastic surgeon today as that’s 8 weeks post op but I think it’s going to be a quick conversation, the only issue I’m having is getting a bra which doesn’t leave red marks under the reconstructed boob, I’ve been measured and I’m wearing the right size bra, it’s not uncomfortable but that side always has a red indent as if it’s too tight.   Perhaps it’s still swollen or just the shape not suiting the underwear but the other side is fine. Small issue in the big scheme of things but I may as well ask.

Bibi I hope you are enjoying the lack of the daily trip to radiotherapy and can now feel you are really in the road to recovery.

[Anxious-Soul]

Good morning everyone,

Bibi - how are you feeling today, with today being very different?

DamselGreen - how was your hill walking? Did you do many miles?

My diprobase cream is now in the fridge as I have come out in a mild rash and the coldness is soothing against my skin. 🙂

[Maggie48]

4 weeks tonight since I finished and my energy levels are back to normal & my skin is still tanned but no longer red or dry. I lost a layer of dark skin, like a tan pealing, and it’s felt ‘normal’ ever since. No adverse effects from returning to deodorant, perfume or swimming I’m pleased to say.

Helena is right, keeping up fluids and moisturising really helps I think.

Enjoy tonight Bibi, it’s a date to celebrate 🎉
Maggie x

[Anxious-Soul]

Hi Bibi, I am now 11 days on, my skin is rather red, I have periods of just feeling whacked and then energy okay, highs and lows although very little sustained energy. My appetite is good though, rads and herceptin are not affecting this so I am hopeful that I will put on the 1.5 stones I lost during chemo. 🙂 

[Bibi]

Thank you all - will be around for a while - hoping I don’t get any adverse reaction and start to get energy back- how are you all coping after rads?

[ladybowler]

Bibi

Whey hey congratulations on finishing your rads and I am ringing the bell for you tonight.  Just think no more going back and forward, what will you do with your time!! 🙂 🙂

Make sure you continue your regime for the next couple of weeks especially teh water to help with fatigue.

Helena xxx

[Maggie48]

Well done Bibi, ringing bells for you 🔔🔔🔔🔔

[GreenDamsel]

so Happy for you, bells ringing here for you,   

🛎 🛎🛎🛎🛎

[Anxious-Soul]

Congratulations Bibi, you are through. I am really pleased, the journey has been long and hard and now you will not be tied to a hospital. You have many hospital free days ahead. X

🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

[Bibi]

Can’t believe it’s finally over - I know there is a way to go yet but tonight am enjoying the thought of not spending 3 hours a day on treatment 😊😊😊😊

[Bibi]

[Anxious-Soul]

Bibi - today, your last session. I hope you stay on schedule. x

[Bibi]

Thank you Wombat - have a great holiday 🌞🍨🍩🍮🍰🍦🥂🍾

[Anxious-Soul]

Wombat woo, that all sounds very lovely, you will be missed.  💗

[Wombat Woo]

Enjoy the chocolate Anxious Sole.
I am off to Cyprus on Monday for 2 weeks with my hubby

I wish you all the very best for the next 2 weeks Bibi I will be ringing the bells for you on Monday 🛎🛎🛎

🌞🤗😘