Starting radiotherapy and Tamoxifen

Hi Satch76 

That's great to read that you've been given the all clear after your recent surgery.

I'd already retired when I was diagnosed so I didn't have the worry of when to return to work. However, I didn't find radiotherapy tiring at all and could have worked if I'd still been in work.

I don't have any experience with tamoxifen so hopefully others who do will be along shortly.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

Hi! Hooray for being given the all clear. That's amazing and it's such a relief , isn't it?

I am in the same situation, but I'm going to wait. To be fair, I still feel quite tired and the hormone medication causes some joint pains and fatigue. My breasts cancer said :" If you are not having to rush to work, don't".

Also, I found it emotionally quite tough and I need to recover from that too. There is no rules for when you need to go back. That makes it harder to decide, doesn't it?

Good luck.

Hey how are you feeling now you have also been given the all clear ? 
And how are feeling about radiotherapy and medication ? Xx 

Hi! I am very very relieved. The waiting and the uncertainty is absolutely killing. But now i can look forward and focus on prevention! It changes your whole outlook, dont you think?

The medication so far has been okay. I was terrified after reading all the experiences people had. Bit so far it's okay! I do have joint pains. Funnily enough, I had these same pains throughout my life. I always thought it was hormonal (after many appointments with no clear diagnosis from rheumatologists etcetera) and I now know for sure that's exactly what it is. It is do-able and besides the odd 'feeling really warm' it is going well.  Oh, and I am very hungry. 

Regarding the radiation..... We'll see. One thing about this whole palaver is that I've learned not to look ahead too much. If I feel fine after radiotherapy, I am happy to go back to work. 

Xxx

Yeah I completely get you .. the waiting after biopsies and scans was the absolute worse , now just to concentrate on staying healthy ! 
yeah , learn to take one thing at a time .. something I’ve had to learn , being in control wasn’t an option , just had to hand faith in the process . 
I will let you know how things go with radiotherapy and medication , stay in touch x 

Good luck!!!!!

Hey did you have your radiotherapy ? 
I start mine soon , what should I expect for these appointment during and after please x 

Hi!

First you get a planning appointment. During this appointment you'll have a CT scan and the "map" the area that needs radiation. If you have radiation on your left breast, you might be asked to do a breath hold technique. You can practice this during the appointment and the staff will help you.

I had five radiation sessions as my cancer was early stages. The radiation itself does not take long. 

When I was done with my radiation, my boob looked a bit red. It looks like it's getting a bit better. It also became somewhat sore, but do-able. I was really tired for a week or two. And strangely, my tummy was rumbling and upset.

All the staff where absolutely amazing!!!!!! So caring and warm.

When are you starting?

Thanks so much for explain I, I start next week . 
hope you are feeling well xx 

Good luck!!! You will be doing great. Go easy on yourself. Relax when you can.

Did you start Tamoxifen yet?