Radiotherapy

Hi, you’ll be just fine, ask the gp for r1 and r2 creams, I managed to get them prescribed and they really did save my skin. I didn’t burn or anything but I did only have the standard 15 days to 3 fields. I’ve been in the sun since and not burnt. 
I did feel nauseous tho and very very emotional which is to be expected I guess as it was the last bit of active treatment after surgery and chemo. 
One of my sons girlfriends is a radiographers and she did say the shorter but more intense rads do tend to make ppl burn more so I’d really try and get the r1 & 2 stuff if you can. 

and be kind to yourself as well, plan treats for yourself too. You can and will do this x

Ruthie2- thank you, did you find you had to take time off work I’m back at work at the moment for two weeks then taking the week off for treatment as told I my be tired but not sure if I will need longer. X

it's 5 years since I had radiotherapy and it was 15 sessions over 3 weeks.  It's a very quick process each day.  I used E45 and Aloe Vera gel (Holland & Barrett).  I kept the aloe Vera in fridge to cool the heat.  I only had broken skin underneath my breast which is very common with larger breast.  They will give you special dressings if this happens but I found a panty liner better to absorb wetness and protect skin from bra.  

Start moisturisering breast now do in top condition.  Find soft non wired bras.  Post surgery bras usually well lined and soft.     But some cheap bra extenders online to give ordinary a bit more room so not tight on skin.  

Once you start treatment drink plenty of water and you might get fatigue after it's finished.  With traditional rads I think they said you still glow on airport scanners for 12 months !! 

 I worked through both chemo and rads, just took the test of the day off if my appointment was in the morning that’s all x

That’s good to here. I’m going to take the week off as my appointments are in the afternoon and I have to travel to hospital just wasn’t sure whether to take the following week but will see how I go. My work have been amazing with me through this so no worries with that. Thank you ladies for you help and advise it’s helped a lot  

Hi

The one piece of advice I would stress would be to drink plenty!  They do advise you to drink plenty of fluids, but drink as much as you possibly can.  I am pretty sure that this aids the prevention of fatigue.  I went at the same time in the afternoon for 15 sessions 2.5 years ago so I met the same ladies each time.  The ONLY 2 ladies that suffered fatigue really badly were the ones who just didn't drink enough.  One lady said she fell asleep at her desk in the morning, yet when I asked her about drinking, she's had one cup of tea all day!!!

I drank a pint of squash in the morning and several cups of tea - black and green, coffee and more squash before and after radio.

I didn't need time off work, only the time to do it and drive the 60 miles there and back and was fine throughout (apart from the burn underneath which again, as mentioned probably due to large breast)

Good luck with it.

Best wishes,

Hi Dragonfly1970

Sorry I'm late in answering your query. I had  5 day Fast Forward Radiotherapy week beginning 22nd June and am now post 11 days. As  others have said drink loads it really does help and put whichever cream they prescibe/ provide on your boob as often as they say. Advice seems to be variable but the radiographers will keep a close eye on your skin during the treatment. I was advised to wear a bra if possible as I am large breasted (G cup). At present it is more comfortable without a bra but I have an old soft cotton hankie between boob and chest wall to prevent skin rubbing.Continue with the exercises throughout your treatment and afterwards unless told otherwise. Ask questions at your sessions and you will be guided through by the very kind and informative staff. Wishing you all the best with your RT . Big Hugs xxKwissy