Hello my name is Heather I have just been diagnosed with brest cancer last week for the first time (and last I hope) Both my sisters have had cancer,one died seven month ago Im a bit scared of what to expect with the chemo. Can anyone tell me how soon after the treatment do you start to feel ill? How soon do you lose your hair?
I had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed as the nodes were not all clear they done right up to my collar bone just below breast and just to the side. I had 25 then 5 just to where the tumor was. I sure you won't lose that hair under your armpit lol, It's nice to see your hair coming back my head has quite a good covering now not sure of the colour it looks dark but it looks as though some grey might be there. take care margaret
You and I posted just about the same time the last time!
So sorry to hear you are so frazzled. Still now you know that the radiotherapy is now over with and its onwards and upwards. Hope you are not suffering too much when removing the dressings.
I had a lumpectomy and 5 lymph nodes removed. One was cancerous so they removed the rest. Not as drastic as your removal, by the sound of things. My scar is about 5 inches long and is between my underarm and side of my breast.
By what you say, it looks as if they will treat both areas. I have to have 3 weeks of radiotherapy after the chemo finishes in August.
Hi, sorry I missed your post at first, else I would have replied sooner. I had chemo, then a mastectomy with full lymph clearance, then had radiotherapy. I too wondered what they were going to fry after that, but I had misunderstood what the radiotherapy actually did. I had some idea that it was a pin point focus on an area of cancer. However, at least in my case, it was used to treat the general area where my breast had been, to "mop up" any residual cancer left behind after my op and chemo. The first sessions treated the internal tissue, then I had to wear a shield placed over the area, which meant that the skin itself was treated. Although I got a little sore, it really wasn't too bad. I was able to wear my prosthesis all the way through without too much trouble, even though my radiologist had warned that I wouldn't be able to tolerate it. The worst thing about it that I found was the bloody tedium to be honest. Hanging around waiting for your turn, only for the machine to break down (once half way through a session), so do take a good book!
Well that is one week into radiotherapy. So far so good. I keep putting aloe vera on and so far it is not sore or red. Marigold, how far into the treatment did you start to get a bad reaction?
Jean, wondered the same about radiotherapy as I have had the mastectomy and nodes removed plus the chemo. I asked the specialist and she said that due to the mastectomy the local area where the cancer was does not have a great blood supply and that micro cancer could have survived in lymph channels, even with the chemo. In my case with the mastectomy reocurrance in the breast is rare. They said I had an 85% chance of it not coming back without radiotherapy and 95% chance of no local reoccurance with the radiotherapy. I thought I had come this far, why not!!!
Lorraine, so sorry to hear that you have to have the chemo again. Be strong, at least all those nasty cells get zapped.
I also have to report on the look good/feel better day.....It was great! Got sent home with about £200 worth of goodies and lots of make up tips. It is free and I would really recommend it.
Hi Marion Pleased one week has passed for you, my skin didn't really start to break down until i had 25 treatments but they did say it peaks at 7-10 days after,Then i had 5 where the cancer was so i am still cooking even though i finished wednesday,they did warn me having a fuller bust would affect me more but i think they were surprised at the extent of my skin,they actually ask for my permission to take photos for student training,i thought if it's going to help someone else why not. hope the rest of your treatment goes ok.
Jean i have the 2 scars one on the side of my boob and the one under by my armpit both about 4inchs long but had healed really well as i had my opp in november.
Thanks for the input. It helps to know from first hand experience what to expect.
Glad week 1 went ok for you Marian and I'll take Kay's advice and take a good book to read. I'm an avid reader, so there is always a book on the go.
Margaret, I'm so glad I have average sized boobs..........................good for you letting them take photos for student training. These things are so important.
Evening, Great to read all your tips on the radiotherapy. I am waiting to get my dates, hopefully some time in July, although we have a 8-10 week waiting list in Brighton. I will get myself some aloe vera, sounds a very good idea. Feeling a bit miserable tonight, loads of shooting pains in arm and armpit as well as in breast scar, all very weird as things were improving, but its only been 4 weeks, perhaps its the healing process or perhaps the nerves mending.. anyway, painkillers taken and feel a bit happier now. Have a good evening, whatever you are all doing? Best wishes to all Lisa (Dracsam)xx
Morning ladies. I can now confirm I am sick free, pain free, heartburn free and ulcer free. I left the doctors with a full carrier bag of stuff to counter the chemo and although I have to have one of those pill trays my 98 yr old Father in law has and I do tend to rattle when I walk I am at last feeling normal lol I have changed my profile pic so you can all see my new dark incognito look, I am going to have so much fun with my wigs!!!! Hope everyone is having a good day too xxxx
Dear Paula Haven't spoken to you before, but have followed your journey. So glad to hear you're free of the chemo side effects - and I have to say you look fab in your picture. Sex kitten, or what????? Well done you!
Hi Sue, thanks but I think my sex kitten days ended a few years ago lol No harm in trying for a re run though!! H ow are you Sue? Although early days I hope you are keeping your chin up. You sound like someone who is strong so I hope everything is going as well as it could be for you. xxxx
