Breast Cancer Now Forum

Lo,    I drove my surgeons, oncologists etc. mad with all of my questions! I was armed each appointment with a long list of things that I wanted answers to and as I was constantly researching there was always something new that I wanted to talk about. You must be happy with the people that are treating you. I was not happy with the lack of information my oncologist was giving me so I asked for a second opinion. I was seen by another oncologist, that I immediately clicked with, who was more than happy to sit and listen to my worries and answer my questions. Some one very close to me, with cancer, told me at the start of my journey that this was my battle, and if i didn't fight for things, no one else would. So that's what I did and that's the advice I would give to you....don't let anyone get rude and agitated when you are discussing your life. Just ask for a second opinion. I think the problem is that there are so many people that are diagnosed with cancer, that just want the doctors to do what they have to do and don't want to know about side effects or what the future holds that women llke us, that need to be informed, are sometimes frowned upon.  Good luck with everything....and keep on asking those questions! x ... View more

Hi Lo,   Just to let you know that I finished RADs nearly 5 weeks ago now. I went ahead with the SF radiotherapy and i suppose my final decision was made because I have TNBC, which has a high rate of reoccurence and my lymph nodes were affected. I felt ultimately that I didnt want to leave any stone unturned if you know what I mean? The thought that this type of radiotherapy may increase my incidence of stroke in years to come obviously bothered me but at some point I had to stop worrying and stressing about things that "may" happen...I strongly belive that stress contributes to this horrible illness. I am a fit and healthy person and I will make sure that I continue to be. I would just like to mention that I also researched into Deep Inspiration Breath Hold, a technique that is used in some cancer centres for ladies who are having left side radiotherapy. My hopsital did not currently use it but I persisted and my oncologist made enquires and arranged for radiographers to use this technique on me. It basically involves holding your breath for 20-30 seconds whilst you are being "zapped" and this pushes your heart and some of the lung area out of the radiation field. The advantage of this is less of the heart is treated with radiation and therefore there is less risk of heart disease which is a side effect of left side radiotherapy. You haven't said which side you are having RADs? If you are having left side, definitely worth asking about this technique. If u don't ask u don't get! I used 100% pure, organic, coconut oil every day on my skin and brought an aloe vera plant that i broke stems from, kept in the fridge wrapped in cling film and squeezed on my skin when necessary. You would never guess I have had radiotherapy! I hope this has been helpful and good luck with your treatment x ... View more