Starting Radiology April 2019

[angie123]

Aneeebel I was eight and a half weeks post op when I started. One of my scars is redder and the skin around it darker, but all holding up so far. I’ve found my arm is feeling tight, despite continuing with my physio exercises. Half looking forward to four days off, half sad it’s prolonging treatment...

A x 

[Aneeebel]

Thankyou angie123... Tuesday is the start date for me!! I just hope my wound holds out...I'll only be 7 weeks post op! I'm not allowed to moisturise the wound itself but I can moisturise the skin around it! How are you? 🎀💗😘 

Nipper...fab news your rads are over! 🎀

DebsE...a busy day for you on Tuesday! You'll need 4 days off afterwards! 🎀

Have a fab w/e Ladies... 🎀💗👙🌸

[DebsE]

Mrs Velo - you are absolutely allowed to have bad days, as many as you want!  It's definitely not acting like a spoilt child.  Getting a diagnosis like this is life changing and I don't think any of us will be the person we were before.  But we'll be stronger, that's for sure.

I also think a lot of us have not wanted our family and friends to be upset or worried so we've "protected" them by putting on a brave face.  Maybe we're all just amazing actresses because they're then thinking "well if she's ok with all this, I don't need to worry too much about it either".  

Angie - I bet it felt amazing to be able to use the aloe gel.  Such a relief for you.  My arm still hurts but then I'm still holding the Kindle the same way.  I might have to go back to real books for a while.

I'm in just after 3pm today and then have four gorgeous days off.  Tuesday though I've got a Herceptin injection in one hospital in the morning and radiotherapy in another hospital (20 miles away) in the afternoon.

Enjoy your weekend ladies.

Deb x

[ambychlo]

Congratulation nipper,

i have been thinking of you all day

im so pleased for you.

mow get out there and live your life xxx

[Nipper11]

Oh ladies. Bell rang and now on the road to recovery! I will be thinking of you all. Best wishes and lots of hugs. 

[angie123]

Hello Ladies

Thrive - what an amazing attitude you have.  I too am feeling positive today 🙂  But I can't feel like that every day!  One day - sometimes one hour - at a time for me.  Take care and keep being positive.

MrsVelo - you have been on a huge, huge emotional roller coaster and no wonder you are having some bad days.  Your diagnosis is absolutely not a storm in a teacup.  It is a massive shock and there is so much to get to grips with.  Be kind to yourself and don't think you are acting like a spoilt child at all.  I was also diagnosed in January and I was in shock for many, many weeks.  When others told me how lucky I was, I found it really hard to feel lucky, and like you I felt a bit if a fraud occasionally.  Know that everyone here understands and is supportive.  Let us know when your RT is due to start and take care.

Nipper - I am so pleased to hear that you finished RT today 🙂

Aneebel - not long until you start.  Thinking of you.

[Aneeebel]

Hi MrsVelo...

You're definitely not acting like a spoilt child... a cancer diagnosis is a massive shock! It's very traumatic... If people knew what was going on in my head when I was diagnosed I would probably have been sectioned! Don't be so hard on yourself! It's scary and horrid...theres so much to think about and take in! You need time for it all to sink in! 

I haven't started radiotherapy yet...due to start on 23rd but it's been a long road getting to this point! 

Keep your chin up... thinking of you! 

The other Ladies will be able to help if you have any questions...I've only had my planning appt up to now! 😘🎀

Nipper...fabulous news that you've finished your rads! Did you ring the bell? 🔔🔔🔔

🎀💗🌸

[Nipper11]

I was exactly the same MrsVelo before I started radiotherapy.  I was really getting quite worked up. I felt I needed a slap of the face. Once the process got going I was wondering why had I got so worked up - but it’s human nature I suppose.  The staff were lovely and my boob seems to have held up well. You’re not acting like a spoilt child at all. I wanted to pull out before I even got near the planning appointment but today I’ve finished. My boob is fine, I’m tired and drinking loads but I’ve done it. Keep your pecker up!

[MrsVelo]

Hi ladies,

My first posr and I am sobbing as I write.  Just having a really bad day.  Diagnosed DCIS Jan this year, quick lumpectomy, but the histology was unexpected, HER2 invasive, aggressive something or other, second op removed more tissue and lymph nodes.  Second results more positive and now awaiting radiotherap.  Essentially this puts me in a positive place I know, but today I am having a meltdown and feel a little I don't know, like a fraud.  Everyone around me is so positive like I have just been to the dentist!  I have been petrified and terrified, and now it seems, "oh, that was a storm in a teacup", "you're OK",   "three weeks of radiotherapy and it's all over".  Am I acting like a spoilt child? You ladies will understand how traumatic this has been I can't just switch off my emotions and act like it is already ancient history.  Feeling so exhausted. 

[Thrive]

Hi Ellie,

I just completed my 5th treatment today.  The blessing is that you, like myself, discovered cancer in the early stages.  I too was shocked but never questioned my ability to get through it.  Taking time for yourself is imperative to stay sane and balanced during the journey 🙂  I keep reminding myself that my body is healing when I'm sleeping, it helps me to not feel like wasting my day or being lazy.  I used to workout 5 days a week now just happy if I can get in 16,000 steps or a nice walk on a sunny day.

Take this time to reconnect with yourself and plan for an amazing future when the journey is done.

Thrive

[ambychlo]

Hi nipper,

good luck tomorrow gor your last rads

i hope your okay as you seemed seemed a little reflective last time you messaged.

what time is your appointment?

let me know once you ring that bell

lots is love kimberley

[Bebe28]

Good Evening all you April ladies .

For all you ladies who finish treatment on the 26th , you are doing great 👍 

Tomorrow you will be 2/3rds of the way through . Keep smiling we are nearly there 😘

[Aneeebel]

Angie123... you'll be the 1st to know if I ever lift any weights! Haha! 💪🏼

I haven't had the energy to lift anything today... altho, i did plant a few peas on my allotment with my Grandaughter! 

Yes, I'm doing my exercises... my shoulder is more or less okay, Thank you! 😘

Hope you're all well Girls... and hopefully your treatment is being kind to you all x 🎀😘💖

[angie123]

Hi DebsE

I hope that you're feeling less bruised and swollen now you know it's your Kindle!?

I spoke to the radiographers yesterday and they said to try some moisturiser.  It was very cooling to put some on (I got an aloe vera gel.)  I'm not sure it has taken down the redness so much, but certainly cooled things on application.  I was feeling very achy/sore when I woke up, but better as the day progresses.

I am with you on the "everything-free" deodorant!! 😄

A xx

[angie123]

How is the weight lifting going, Aneeebel?!!

Seriously, I hope that your shoulder is feeling a bit less painful now?  Keep going with the exercises xx

[Aneeebel]

Hi angie123

Yes, I'm doing the exercises out of the folder but when I went to see the physiotherapist at 3 weeks post-op she tweaked them a bit...so just very slightly different on some of them! I go back to see the physio on Wednesday...hope she doesn't have me lifting weights!! 🏋🏼🏋🏼 (It's only 6 weeks since my op!) I'll look like a body builder soon!! Hahaaa... 💪🏼👙😂

Hopefully, your back isn't too bad! 🌸

Hi Deb

Hope your shoulder improves...I only went for my planning appointment and my shoulder was so painful! The radiologist advised me to try and get it moving a bit more ready for when my rads start on the 23rd as it was quite stiff...I've been doing my exercises religiously too! 

Have a lovely evening Ladies x 🎀💗🌸

[DebsE]

Hi Angie.

No, I'm not doing the exercises they gave me after I had my lymph nodes taken away.  That was back in November and I kind of got out of the habit.  I should dig the leaflet out again.  I'm still doing regular stuff like house cleaning and shopping, though the lymph nodes were taken from my right side, and I'm left handed so don't use my right hand/arm so much.  I was worried a couple of days ago and my arm felt a bit swollen and bruised - turned out it was due to the way I hold my Kindle.  Numpty!

I hope you're not feeling too sore today.  Could you maybe use a moisturiser at weekends but just make sure the residue is all washed off prior to your radiotherapy?  I'm doing something similar with my deodorant.  I got some bionsen as my usual one has aluminium in it but have found it doesn't work for me at all, so I'm back to using the usual one for these two days.

Deb x

[ambychlo]

Hi Barbara,

i had a lovely birthday thank you.

i slept most of yesterday so a waste of a trip to the hairdressers.

i will finish treatment on 24th so a good  rest before I go away.

keep me posted on how your getting on, I’m willing you all on to ringing that bell

i have found all you ladies so lovely so this forum has been a breath of fresh air.

good luck Barbara xxx

[angie123]

Hi DebsE

I hope you can relax today, and the pain in your shoulder goes away. Are you still doing physio/exercises post surgery? I do find it helps me with the tightening I’m finding from RT. 

Good luck for next week. 

A xx

[Bebe28]

Hi Kimberley,

well that’s a surprise , you having treatment on Bank holiday ! 

I don’t know if I’m jealous or not . You will be finished before me .

I hope you had a lovely birthday 🍰 have a great holiday , if we don’t speak before.

Good luck with the rest of your treatment ( I think I am envious).

i will keep you updated . 

Barbara x

[DebsE]

Hi all.

Two sessions done and another 13 to go.  So far it's been fine, though I know it's early days.  The weirdest thing is when they're moving me into position and say "we know you want to help, but don't" then I'm pushed and prodded and wiggled about.  They're so lovely though - all quite young.

I've woken up a couple of nights with a pain in my shoulder - across where my bra strap would lie if I was wearing a bra.  I don't know if it's a coincidence or a result of keeping my arms above my head in those support cups.  I'll keep an eye on it.  

Have a lovely Sunday everyone.  We had friends over last night and have lots of leftovers so I don't even have to cook today.  (Yay!) x

[angie123]

Aneeebel

I do find my back aches even after a short time on the equipment, which isn't very comfortable.  I had a bit of a bad back beforehand anyway.  My shoulder and arm post lymph node suregery has been ok, but I have definitely noticed a "tightening" in my arm, especially when I do my exercises, compared to pre RT starting.  Are you doing the exercises from the leaflet from this website?

Regarding creams - they were pretty definite at my hospital!  They have repeated this advice several times to me now...  I wish there was some standard advice throught the country about it!!

[Aneeebel]

Hi angie123

Thanks for the info... 🎀

Why don't you ask again about using moisturiser...it would be awful if your skin became painful at this stage! My Oncologist gave me a prescription for Diprobase which is similar to E45 so I would assume it's fine for you to put something on your skin! As you say, lots of ladies use creams! 👙

I'm a bit concerned my shoulder is going to be right by the time my rads start...it was so painful after I'd been for my planning appointment! I've been doing my exercises religiously so I'm hoping it will be okay! 💪🏼

Hope you're next 8 sessions go quickly! Keep your chin up! 🎀👙🌸

Love Aneeebel x 💕💕

[angie123]

Hello Aneeebel

It sounds like  you have already been through so much   I hope your RT goes very smoothly.  I have another 8 sessions to go and can't wait to get to the end of them now.  My skin has started to get red and sore this weekend.  I was advised not to use any moisturiser at all and if the skin breaks they will dress it at the hospital.  I have kept to that advice, but, as far as I am aware, everyone else was advised to moisturise loads!

I find some sessions are quicker than others.  Sometimes they are also "imaging" as well as providing the treatment, and those sessions take a bit longer.  And sometimes it takes a while to get lined up.  The first time took them about 40 minutes   The rest have been much quicker than that, but once they went out and I thought it was going to start, but they came back in to make more adjustments as it wasn't right.  Where I am the appointments are always late to go in - it is a soul destroying conveyor belt of us there...  I think I got the short straw 

Let us know how you get on.

Angie xx

[angie123]

Hi Nipper

We are indeed all here for you 

And you are almost at the end of RT, you must be feeling very tired and possibly emotional/refective about that.  You have come such a long way and we are here to support you right through to that last RT session and beyond.

I have another 8 sessions, and none on Good Friday or Bank Holiday Monday, so another fortnight to go - I can't wait to finish this part now.  

Thinking of you.

A xx

[Aneeebel]

Hi ambychio

Thank you for thinking about me.. and Thanks for the advice about the cream! My Oncologist prescribed me some cream to use similar to E45 so I'll use that!  hope you're well x 💕🎀

---

Nipper...it is a bit disheartening when people don't seem to care but they're really not important... you are... 😘

Hope you had a good night's sleep after your busy day x 🎀

[ambychlo]

Of course we are nipper,

just think you finish Wednesday which is brilliant 

i think people just just don’t understand as who can they if they haven’t experienced it. It’s such a long hard journey so some days are harder than others.

i do understand what your saying nipper 

let me know now as soon as you ring that bell, I will be thinking about you and cheering you on.

good luck nipper xxx

[Nipper11]

Hello everyone. Coming to the end of my radiotherapy. Probably over done it today as in the garden and haven’t had much of a rest. Made me quite reflective! I don’t know about you but people don’t ask how I am getting on.  It would be nice! I know friends and family have busy lives but as I have got more tired this omission gets me.  At least I know you are all there! Thank you.

[ambychlo]

Hi aneeebel

no I think mine are longer really some of mine have been 15 mins but on a couple of occasions it’s been slightly less.

i haven’t had it as tough as you as no chemo for me.

my skin looks ok for now but long bath each evening and then lots of aveeno. Some people are told no cream but that’s confusing?  It’s working for me but 8 more to go.

please be kind to yourself and never ever give up. Your on the homeward run now, you’ve done amazing just remember that.

il be routing for you and cheering you on. You tell me when you ring that bell x

[Aneeebel]

Hi ambychio

I have had a pretty tough time to be honest...I nearly threw the towel in on more than one occasion!! 😳😳

How are you finding the radiotherapy apart from the tiredness...is your skin okay? 

How come some sessions are quicker than others, is there a reason for that? 

Hopefully the rest of your treatment will go well 💪🏼💗

Thankyou for the good luck wishes x 💗☘

Love Aneeebel x 🎀

[ambychlo]

Hi aneeebel,

i fo agree it can take a few minutes but have had a couple of 15 minutes too.

it sounds like you’ve had a tough time but remember your near the end.

i had my 7th treatment yesterday due to finish 24th

a few late ones which tired me out going from work 

the worst thing is fatigue but after what youve been you’ve been through this will be a breeze

good luck xxx

[Aneeebel]

Hi Two steps forward

Thank you for the info... it's nice to have a bit of an insight as to what will happen! 💕

I was told I would be in the machine for 15 minutes! 

Thanks for getting in touch x 🎀

[Two steps forward]

Hi Aneeebel

I finished 15 sessions of radiotherapy 3 months ago and I wish someone had told me how quick the sessions are! At least, that was my experience. You'll find yourself in a waiting room where people are being called in all the time. I was at Leeds where they have several machines and only one of my appointments was late..some were even early. You go into a room and get into position on the bed thing. The rads people move you around until you're in exactly the right position. They measure where you are and call out the numbers every time. They go out of the room when the machine is on but they can talk to you and I asked them to do that every time..just talking through what was happening or saying what they were doing at the weekend. The machine makes a bit of a noise.. just a hum but never touches you or goes too near. You feel nothing. And I was amazed how quick it was! It moved from one side of my breast to the other so it's switched off when it moves across. All together the machine was on for less than a minute. I guess that might differ for some treatments but you will be up and getting dressed before you know it. I was nervous of course the first time but then it becomes routine. Yes I got a warm breast and yes I felt tired but compared to everything else this seemed pretty easy...and every time you go you are one step nearer to the end of it! I had a list with appointments on and looked forward to crossing off each one! 

[Aneeebel]

Hello Ladies

Do you mind if I join your April Rads thread? I don't bite...I promise! 😄🎀💗 

i was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular BC in August last year after my first ever routine Mammogram (I'd ignored the previous two invites!!), had 6 rounds of chemo (it didn't like me one bit!), had single MX and full node clearance on 6th March and I'm now at Rads stage! 

I went for my Planning appointment yesterday... And my first rads is on 23rd April! 😳

I'm sure lots of you Ladies will have 'rung the bell' by then... 💗🎉 

Any tips or advice will be appreciated 😘

Hope you're all doing well with your treatment 💗

Love Aneeebel x 🎀👙🌸💗

[ambychlo]

Hi nipper,

it it sounds like your doing really well which is so nice to hear.

3 days to go, il be thinking of you next Wednesday.

i go away 1st May so have to cover up but I don’t mind at all. It didn’t say I couldn’t have a drink though

let me know on Wednesday when you ring that bell as it will be me next on the 24th x

[Nipper11]

Lovely ladies, good to hear how you are all getting on.  I have just finished day 12. Getting tired especially after lunch.  Boob going pink but skin holding up well. Had finishing review appointment today (although 3 more to do) and was told what to do when finished.  Interestingly we have to cover the radiotherapy area up from the sun for the rest of the year and be careful next.  Can’t wait to ring that bell!

[ambychlo]

Hi Barbara,

i do keep laughing about that wondering if youve bumped in to your neighbor

your week sound similar to mine, I had to work from home yesterday as I had a bad day Tuesday.

im glad the nausea is waring off, it’s not pleasant on top of everything else.

i found out that I will still have treatment on good Friday and bank holiday Monday so will finish 24th

 I’m 50 tomorrow and my daughters are taking me away 1st May so I will have a week to recover 

you enjoy your easter and take things easy xxx

[Bebe28]

Hi Kimberley,

no I haven’t seen him since 🤣🤣🤣 but let’s just say he had it coming !! I still keep giggling. I am finding that my energy levels are changing on a day to day basis . This week , Monday Ok , Tuesday , tired and miserable, Wed , buzzing , today ok but at 6pm absolutely shattered . So pleased tomorrow is Friday .

The nausea is subsiding until I get tired then it hits with a horrible metallic taste . Just snacking now as I really don’t fancy a meal. 

Hoping to work again tomorrow but only 7.30 - 11am as all appointments are now midday or very early afternoon . 

Hoping you have a lovely Easter break and enjoy the 2 short weeks xx

[angie123]

Hi Ellie 509

How are you feeling now?  I think it may have been your first session today?  I hope it went well.  

Mine is going ok.  I am tired, have an ache in my boob and tightness in my arm, shoulder and a bit in my back.  I have a small patch of raised skin by my scar, but the oncology nurse said she didn't know what it was and didn't think it was related to radiotherapy.  I am not so sure myself!

Take care, A

[Ellie509]

Hi Ambychio. My family know I am only joking when I say I'm being selfish. I think you have to be, when you're tired and just coping with getting yourself sorted. I intend to take myself off for a few days away when I am feeling better and I won't feel a bit guilty. My husband can come if he wants to but I am definately going 🙂 Thank you for your support.

Ellie

[Ellie509]

Thank you Angie. I have felt a bit low the last few days waiting to start radiotherapy, but I haven't left the house in two days. I am off out tomorrow for a few hours which helps. I'm hoping to be feeling more like my old self by late May. I think the reality of it does hit you in waves, I take it one day at a time and try to do a few things that make me happy. How is the radiotherapy so far?

[ambychlo]

Hi Barbara that’s so funny, have you seen the neighbor since?

im 4 days in too, started to feel tired today which made me teary, I’ve been positive until today and I know I will wake up positive again tomorrow.

im working from home tomorrow as working a full day then radiation at 6.30pm is taking its toll.

my appetite is rubbish too but I do feel for you as your feeling sick with it.

keep your chin up, it will all soon be over

kimberley

[Bebe28]

Hi,

How is it going ?

Day 4 done, tired and very little appetite still . I am just snacking and not eating a full meal .

Nausea is subsiding 😃 

Still working this week , all week I hope 🤞 

I travel with loads of files which I load in and out of the car everyday , just in case I don’t make it in 😂

My brain is definitely affected , I verbally abused my idiot neighbour yesterday morning in the car , for completely blocking my view , then as I pulled away I realised that both rear windows were fully opened and he heard every word ! 😬😳🤣. 

Let me know how you are getting on , I am starting to feel tender tonight 😖

Barbara x

[angie123]

Hi Ellie509

Nice to meet you too!  Like you, my cancer was found at (my first) routine mammogram.  No lump was felt, and it was a massive shock.  I think I am still in shock several months later and it is only just now really starting to hit me.

I don't find out until later this week which hormone treatment will be recommended for me.  

I started radiotherapy last week and I am looking forward to gettig through it.

Keep concentrating on yourself!

A

[ladybowler]

Ladies

Just wanted to let you know that you are ace, you are all nearly there and I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel and normal life.

Sending you all a group hug coz you are so special

Helena XXX

[ambychlo]

Hi Ellie it’s lovely to hear from you too

your not selfish at all, it’s only you who can work with the medical team to make yourself better again, carry on being selfish, think of others when you finish this awful journey.

you do sound positive as your already working towards the end of your battle 

I had my 3rd rad today and starting to feel tired as I work and my appointments are late in the evening.

i can wait for this all to finish, I want to be normal again x

[Ellie509]

Hi this is my first post. Starting radiotherapy in a weeks time. Have to have transport as I don't drive so I think it will be long days 🙂 Im already taking tamoxifen which is making me tired and emotional so I have warned my husband that I may be even more tired. I too just want to get started and through it all and get on with my life again. Lump only found at mamogram so I am very lucky that it was caught early. On the plus side I don't worry about things anymore, I just concentrate on me, how selfish 🙂 Nice to meet you all. 

[angie123]

Nipper

You’re not alone on the brain mush thing. I am not with it at all. I’m not at work because I’d just be a liability there 😥

Almost half way for you - fabulous. I’m looking forward to being there and then being through it all myself. 

A

[ambychlo]

I’m really well nipper, 

i am under no illusion that fatigue will hit me do i appreciate you keeping us updated.

i have been well all the way through, obviously the two surgeries knocked me and I had two weeks off on each one. It was driving me mad being home alone and wanted to be around my work friends.

i do get tired nipper but feel extremely lucky.

half way through for you so just keep counting your nearly there.

i do hope your keeping positive nipper and if it’s any consolation your helping others who are just behind you. Being prepared is always good

[Nipper11]

Thanks for asking. I’m getting tired. I don’t know how you ladies work - my brain is mush. How are you going ambychio? I’m nearly half way so the only way is up!