••• March Radiotherapy Club 2020 •••

Jojodot from my op on 4 Feb, I had follow up with surgeon on 17th and he had already made the appointment with radiotherapy consultant for 28th. I healed really well but only just had enough arm movement. I got my letter the next morning for the planning appointment on 4 March!! Impressed how quick it was. Arm was ok above head for planning but feels better now so should be fine for starting on the 18th thru until 7 April. I got my schedule letter a couple of days after the planning appointment. Best wishes for Friday and to Sam Yorkshire_defector for tomorrow. X

Thanks . That all happened fast. Very efficient. Let’s hope it goes fast here too !! X

Had last chemo last Tuesday. Saw radiotherapy consultant today to sign paperwork, planning meeting next Wednesday start radiotherapy on 26th. Wow!!! The end is almost in sight!!!!

Brilliant news HockeyNut x

Hi West End Girl.  I finished radiotherapy nearly 3 weeks ago.  I had the tattoos and lymph nodes treated too.  It was all very quick and painless. My skin got a bit red and tender towards sessions 10-15.  I just used the Aquamax cream the radio team gave me.  I used it morning and night plus when I got home from treatment.  I applied it thickly and left it to soak in.  My sick didn’t break.  

On my last session I was told my skin would get worse before it got better and about 7-10 days after treatment was the most uncomfortable time.  The treatment to my collarbone for lymph nodes was the worst area plus I was advised to apply cream to the back of my shoulder as the beam exits there.  It did get red and itchy but not as dry as my collarbone.  I did get tired but not as bad as after my op. 

I am now just a little pink.  I go for Zolondronic acid infusion tomorrow then back to work, coronavirus permitting!

Good luck to you all.  The 3 weeks flies by.

Jackie xxx

Hi everyone,

My daughter has developed a cough so my radiotherapy has been suspended for 14 days whilst we self isolate. Bit concerned that a delay of 2 weeks could have an effect on long term prognosis. Does anyone know if suspending radiotherapy is ok? I had completed 10 sessions and have 8 to go.

I had my first session yesterday. All went fine. To be honest, it was just a relief to get there and find everything operating as normal in these crazy times. Sitting at home watching the news, you do start to wonder if everything is going to stop completely at some point, let's hope not. So, I'm concentrating now on keeping myself well for at least the next 3 weeks so I can complete the course.

So glad to hear all is normal - so far !! And you found the treatment ok.

As you say listening to all the news is scary stuff. I had my Herceptin infusion on Tuesday and told I was vulnerable - hate being told that. Have been looking things up and there is a dubiety as to how long it takes for your immune system to return to normal after chemotherapy . Some sites say 6 weeks, some 3 months/ 6 months/ even 9 months. Guess we are all different !

Thats me nearly a week post mastectomy and everything seems ok. Doing the exercises and am fine. Was planning to get fitted for new bras but now that won’t happen. Will have to try online. Also I was looking forward to getting new glasses and planning a change of style to match my soon to be short hair but that won’t happen either. Trying to stay positive but it’s hard just as was looking forward to returning to normal ( nearly normal anyway) living. At least the weather is improving and can get out in the garden and for walks etc. 
Take care and keep safe.

Jojodot

That must be worrying for you. I don’t know the answer to your question but mine was delayed over Christmas and new year period so I’m assuming that a short delay is ok. I felt like it was a long time between my op and my radio starting. Some people start later because of restricted movement so there must be some play in timings. Perhaps a call to the team might help allay your fears. I was due to see the oncologist on Monday after completion of my radio to start my hormone therapy but I am have been told it will be a telephone consultation instead. Hope you get it sorted soon. 

Hi ,

I initially waited 11 weeks from surgery until my radiotherapy started, but I don’t know if that is normal or not. I’ve tried to do some research about radiotherapy being suspended halfway through but there doesn’t appear to be any guidance for 14 days delay. I’m trying to get hold of my oncologist but no luck so far. 

Thank you, I hope you don’t experience any delays too.