Hi, I'm new here too.

Ugh, I wish I could type properly on my iPad! For diagnose, please read 'diagnosed' and for 'boadder' please read 'bladder'!

Hi there,

I had a mastectomy and was told to use bio oil on my scar by the best care nurses. I think it’s probably ok for you to use it but check with your breast care nurses how soon you can use it especially if you have had an infection.

I’ve started using Bio Oil ( great fan of it for scars)  but only since my skin has got over the radiotherapy. Meant to ask if it was ok to use pre-radiotherapy but ended up using E45 instead

Hi, 

can I ask how you have been with the radiotherapy as I will be having radiotherapy after I finish my chemotherapy.

I am not sure about having it.

Hi Kits

I can’t  compare it to chemo having dodged that, but it was (for me) no trouble at all - only tedious with all the waiting around!. I was fortunate in that the hospital I went to was only a 30 minute drive away, so travelling wasn’t too bad. My appointment was 1.45 each day so I worked at the office until time to leave and then worked at home the rest of the day post-appointment. My skin got pink quickly as I’m fair skinned but never got sore ( I did get a bit of cellulitis which itched but a week of antibiotics got rid). 

I did get tired, but that kicked in more after treatment finished and I took a week off about a fortnight later.

I would think if you’ve made it through chemo, then radiotherapy should be much easier. The main things I would recommend is making sure you start moisturising as soon as you can before it starts ( as it definitely seemed to help protect my skin) and also doing your exercises- lying with your arms above your head can be uncomfortable if you are still stiff

I hope that helps x

I slathered my mastectomy scar with carrier oils and lavender essential oils, otherwise it's uncomfortably tight. Looks really awful too, puffy and puckered. The oil really helped soften it and make it more flexible - though I think the appearance is a lost cause. Haven't had any problems with it. I waited till the wound had settled a bit though. 

 Hi Mollusc,

I still have another 5 chemo before I have radiotherapy so I’m worrying as usual because I don’t know what to expect.

I can remember my mum having radiotherapy many years ago and her skin was quite bad afterwards.

I will definitely moisturise though so thank you 

A breeze compared to chemo but of course varies with individuals. It was no problem at all during the treatment, but very sore for a couple of weeks afterwards. Healing up nicely a month afterwards. The nurse scares the crap out of you but I pretty much sailed through it. I know that some people get bleeding ulcer-type patches for a week or two aftertwards but I just had soreness similar to very nasty sunburn. If doc said you need it I'd have it? 

I think it’s much “kinder” than when your poor mum went through it and the dosage is more “refined” as it were. The staff are so lovely and check your skin before each session and will give you any creams or dressings you need.

Hopefully, you will just need the shorter 5 session course and so it’d be over and done in a week. If you’ve managed any chemo, then I’m sure you’d be able to manage radiotherapy x

i suppose I’m worrying because I  read that it can damage the heart if it’s on the left, but I guess they have to tell you everything it doesn’t mean that’s going to happen.

I’m on my own so worry about side effects of treatments vaccines etc