••• May BC Radiotherapy Club 2020 •••

Thank you Dreamthief, joining this group as treatment starts on 21 May. Off to read the tips!!

Hope you are all keeping well. Take care. x

Hi everyone thought this looked interesting on the ICR information 

https://www.icr.ac.uk/news-archive/one-week-course-of-radiotherapy-could-benefit-women-with-early-stage-breast-cancer-study-finds 

Thank you for posting this link about 5 day treatment. I am due to have this treatment this month so was reassured.

Many thanks

Jojodot

Thanks Dreamthief; really useful pages here.

Just wanted to add that my oncologist (makes me feel special to think I have one when I never used to ...Ha!) said yesterday that R1 and R2 creams were not worth the money and he stuck with his original advice to use Aveeno.  I have no wish to upset anyone over what is  their choice, but for anyone with financial issues, don't feel that you need to splash out.  I've only met the man over 2 phone calls but he has 5 star ratings for everything from his patients. 

Waiting for planning and dates, but sending sincere good luck to everyone here.

Hiya   

Mentioned the R1/R2 gels in the 'Tips' page as they were formulated to help reduce the risk radiotherapy dermatitis - It's worth asking your GP if you can get this on your free prescription; some will be willing, some won't because of the cost (£70) 

Where most of the other creams are for moisturising and/or the cooling effect if kept in the fridge.  As long as whatever you use you keep at it for at least 2 weeks after the last zap.  If anyone does get some burning or blistering, do mention it as they can will give you something to ease and heal this.  Most manage really well throughout rads but like all of these treatments you never know what may come from Pandora's box.

Don't ask for any fancy tattoos at the planning session, tiny black dots is as arty as they get 

Take care, G n' J

Was it just me or were those tiny black dot tattoos painful!! That’s me off tattoos for life!!

Hi Bramble22

I just asked J and she said she hardly felt them at all - they are only a few tiny little black dots barely the size of a full stop which faded and disappeared after a couple of months.  Some rads units can offer UV light sensitive dots if you ask, but these are mostly used for patients with darker skin.

G n' J

Hi all,

I was quite disappointed to learn that the only way you get those tear tattoos under your eye in prison is if you commit murder...they're now off my list...so far!

Day 2 of rads down and all well.  I hadn't actually realised how dull it was going to be, at least with the chemo you can have a laugh/conversation whilst its going on. And the ceiling of the rads room is a rubbish conversationalist when the radiologists are out of the room. The most exciting part of the experience is shouting at the boyfriend/chauffeur to change gear (he's not used to driving my manual car!).

So nothing exciting to report I'm afraid...

Sam

And another thing!

My whole day now is pretty much arm exercises and moisturising - using R1/R2 so that's 5 times a day and then as have cording need to moisturise/gentle massage that 2 times a day...its a wonder I have time to eat & sleep...never mind do any work - ha!!

I must just be a sensitive soul!!  I found them really painful...only for a split second though but....ouch!!!