••• April Radiotherapy Club 2020 •••

I have just finished my radiotherapy and I did use aveno moisturiser before each treatment and again in the evening. So far my skin has been red but not too uncomfortable.I

am quite an anxious person but found radiotherapy was OK.

Hope it all goes well.

Same as you start Wednesday I think we can only tryst the profession or send ourselves mad. I know this has been tested before all this happened and not just because of coronavirus which makes me more settled. My view is chemo stopped at 4 rather than 6 now radiotherapy 18 to 5 I do worry about it coming back as was stage 3 aggressive tho not lymph nodes I had op so think they have everything so mop up. I feel better knowing I am on the 5-10 year tablet now and will get yearly mammogram. I think also I would rather limit hospital atm as I think coronavirus with my immunity is the biggest evil atm who would have ever thought we would be in this awful situation? So head up, with out positive attitude we can and will kick both C’s. That doesn’t mean we can’t have a justified sob now and again then dust off our crowns and kick ass again. It’s been emotional xxxx stay safe

Another question can I ask if anyone had problems with their temperature fluctuating on radiotherapy. Had second session today and my temperature has been up and down all day. My natural temperature is normally highish. Feel ok apart from that so is this normal or should I be concerned? 

Hi

I'm day 3 now, haven't noticed any issue beyond hot flushes that I was already getting due to Herceptin, there again I don't monitor my temperature generally as not been advised to do so.

Thanks . It's not something I've been advised to do but just got into the habit doing it with chemo. Just hoping it's the Radiotherapy 'cooking' me and nothing I should be concerned about. How's the Radiotherapy going for you? 

All going really well  apparently so far, have been told my breath hold ability is amazing (hidden talents lol). Felt a little nauseous last night but as had Herceptin yesterday as well it was probably that. Bonus having a long weekend dividing the up  treatment too, Have a great Easter 

Well done. I failed the breathing test. Can hold my breath brilliantly but just relaxed into a different position each time!!! It is good to be having a long weekend. Enjoy it and I hope you have a fantastic Easter too. Xxx

So I’m almost through my radiotherapy now. Just three more days of the ‘boost’ to go taking me to next Thursday because of the bank holidays. I’m a little weary but honestly just grateful to the good folks at the hospital who have continued my treatments as ‘normally’ as possible. I am very red and sore particularly ‘under boob’ and wondered if anyone here had tried the ta ta towel ( basically an elasticated terry towel boob hammock.) they look ideal but are a bit pricy so wondered if anyone had used them before? 

Finished my 15 sessions of radiotherapy yesterday. My skin is very pink but not really uncomfortable. I know this could continue to develop for a couple of weeks before settling down. I'm relieved to have got through the treatment though with everything going on....worrying about if I developed any symptoms and wasn't allowed to go or if the hospital decided to suspend radiotherapy treatments due to the CV situation. However, there wasn't any sign of that happening.

To be honest, I found radiotherapy ok on the whole. The worst parts were the daily round trip of 45 miles, the waiting around...sometimes for a very long time if one of the machines broke down, which happened on quite a few days considering I only went 15 times. Also, although you would think I would be used to many people inspecting my chest over the last 8 months, I did sometimes feel a bit self conscious and undignified during this part of treatment, more so than the rest, lying on the machine with my cape thingy unzipped and arms above my head whilst the staff drew lines on me and taped gel pads and stuff across my remaining boob!!!! Of course, they were all lovely and I'm glad to have had it done....and glad it's now over!! 

Although I have continuing herceptin/perjeta every 3 weeks until October, I feel like the main part of this journey is behind me and have a sense of now being set free.......even though I am only allowed out of the house once a day for exercise!!! 

Good luck to everyone continuing treatments next week. xx

How are all those who've finished rads in the past month doing?  I had my planning session and was told the fatigue is worst 10 days after end of treatment.

I start my rads 30th April, had my planning meeting 14th so all measured up and am now a tattooed lady (hadn't realised it was a prison type tattoo, was expecting the humming machine like in tattoo fixers - feel quite disappointed!).  And I'd been practising breath holds not realising that was those of you with rads on LHS!

I've a call the day before treatment re caring and prep for impacted area....gives me lots of time to get stuff in!  Anyway I've decided to blow my income protection insurance on R1 & R2 gels and for the price they'd better help grow a new boob as well as make the skin super lovely.

Happy thoughts  to all

Sam