••• March Radiotherapy Club 2020 •••

Just checking in. Hospitals are oddly eery places right now. I’ve had radiotherapy session 3 today and they’ve assured me it will continue even amid all this chaos. They also gave me the tip of keeping the aveeno cream in the fridge so it’s nice and cool and soothing when it goes on. Hope everyone is staying healthy in this new wobbly world. 

Hi I'm also checking in. I've been this morning for number 4. Couple of changes at the hospital for this new week.....only patients allowed in so hubby had to wait in the car and more space between chairs in the waiting room. All makes sense. Same here though that there is no indication that my appointments won't continue, so I just have to make sure I stay well.

No issues so far for me. Oooh not sure about keeping the cream in the fridge - it's already cold enough when it goes on!!!! Maybe I'm a wimp!!

Hi all

4th week post radio and I can say I am starting to feel more me again. Tiredness is lifting. Sleeping better. Just occasional nerve pain.   Keep slathering  the cream on. When I was sorest at the end of treatment I used E45 lotion kept in the fridge as it is thinner so required less rubbing in. ( as recommend by radio team) Back to aveeno now but still use a dressing between bra band and the new soft skin from under my blisters when walking any distance. 

Was due to go for recuperation for a week in Devon through the Firefighters Charity but this has been cancelled so I am now trying to work on building my stamina myself. Not easy whilst social distancing/isolating.

Hope you all remain well  

Hi Gail,  I am also 4 weeks post treatment today.  I’m fully healed and pretty well now.  I used the aquamax the rads team gave me and was great.  I was lucky I didn’t have chemo, I don’t know if you did.  I am in the Fire service and thought about going to the Centre in the Lakes but that’s out of the question now.

Hope you recover well.  Take your time 

Jackie xx

Hi Jackie

I haven’t had to have chemo either thankfully. We have to supply our own cream so didn’t get given that aqua max that you and others mention. I was told to buy aveeno and E45. Maybe that’s the difference between blisters or not. That said I may just have sensitive skin as I also got blisters from the dressings they used post op. They really delayed my recovery too as restricted my movement and my mood was lowest it has been all through this. Glad to say that the polymem dressings they prescribed have made all the difference. I also went off piste and against advice and used sudocream which I have always used and it really seemed to help. 

it’s still worth getting in touch with FF charity as they have said they will re-arrange my visit when they can. Are you back at work yet? I’m not ops, I’m in prevention but my brigade (WestMids) have been great. I have the ability to work from home for much of my role so that will be my next move but on a phased return.

Hi Gail,

I had a reaction to the steri strip type stitches they put on my op scars.  My scars were very close together on the soft skin under my arm.  The scars are still lumpy and tender but well healed.  

I work for Merseyside FRS.  I was due to go back last week but the Medical Officer said I couldn’t I was vulnerable so I have another 4 weeks sick.  I’m hoping to go back (maybe working from home) on 14th April, phased return.  They have been amazing.  I have been offered counseling too, which I have taken up.

I used to be in Control but am IRMP Officer now (non uniformed).  I think I will contact the FF charity when things calm down.

Onwards and upwards once self isolation is over. Take care.

Jackie xx

Hi all, just joining the March Radiotherapy group.... hadn’t realised there was one!

i started 20 sessions of radiotherapy on 18th March..... seems to be going ok.

bit tired but today (not had radiotherapy yet not due at hospital till 4.55) I’ve had a fuzzy head...... 

don’t know if it’s a side effect or my diabetes!! Eaten so think it’s just one of those things.... 

stay safe everyone xx 

Ola all..after all its been so lovely & sunny down south feels like abroad.

So had my follow up meeting 2 wks post ANC and was told today that may be getting 1 weeks radiotherapy (at super strength) rather than the originally planned 3 wks.  Apparently it's only suitable for some (and may not be or me) - and that's all I know.  Rads planning meeting to be arranged this/next week where will know more.

Has anyone else done this or are having this offered?

Glad all doing well and avoiding our new enemy starting with C...

Sam 

Yorkshire_defector Sam, I started rads yesterday & asked about the 5 v 15, was told may have been possible but would be another weeks delay as they would need to re-do the fractions, so I just cracked on as I was there. If they offer, be fab, get you in & out much quicker! 

Rads fine, just a bugger of a journey twice a day, drive myself & need to be there at 8.15am. 

Deb x 

Hi everyone,

I spoke to my radiotherapy dept today and I will be re-starting radiotherapy on 31st March to finish my treatment. I will have 8 sessions to go. I’m glad to be able to finish treatment and go outside again after self isolating for 14 days.