Mid week start to radiotherapy

Thanks for sharing mollusc and TT50 

im finding radiotherapy quite tiring..only done three sessions and I’m bushed! Red hot boob too! And to top it off I’ve started with hot flushes.

the nurse was very up beat and said ..lwell we know it’s all working then.. just hanging onto that as I prepare for another restless night. Oh the joys x

I notice that you Cyprusfav are having 5 sessions, then followed by a further 5 session.  Are your initial sessions 'stronger' zaps than the standard 15 session apps?

I'm asking, as I have Planning next Tuesday, then May 4 I start 15 sessions of 'standard' radiotherapy.  I'm hoping I don't find too many side effects during this.  I previously had, 9 yrs ago. 15 sessions plus 3 boost sessions and don't remember having too much of a problem with it all.

I drove myself to and from appts, ie 60 miles round trip, incorporating some visits to relatives who live over that way.  I didn't feel particularly tired at all

However, this time, the whole 'journey' has been fraught with issues and problems and my stress levels are sky high, not coping too well.  I've arrange for people to give me lifts to/from appts this year.  I really can't see that I'd be safe driving this time.

I'm interested to hear how people's skin copes when having the 'intensive' 1 week treatent, to be honest.

Good to know your tablets are working well but must be making RT more difficult to cope with

Many thanks and wishing you all the best

Hi chocdrop. I hope your planning sessions goes well.

My 5 sessions to whole breast is the same doze as the 15 sessions I believe. Most hospitals doing this now to save extra visits, especially with COVID and research suggests outcomes are the same. The extra 5 are target boost sessions to the effected area. I am driving myself everyday and it hasn’t stopped me doing anything yet, still doing my 10000 steps but just noticed that when I do sit down for a cuppa, I feel like having a little sleep! 

My drive is only 20 mins so I think it’s probably a good idea to get a friend to drive you if you have a long journey. The company will be good too and less stress of parking. If you do get stuck in traffic your friend can just drop you at the door and find a space later. 

After 3 sessions my Skin holding is up, a bit sore around my scar area and feels hot at night, so grateful for the weekend to recover. Next week might be a bit harder with a session every day. My hospital advices against using any cream what so ever, but I’m using aveeno twice a day and wearing a cotton vest rather than a bra.

I know some ladies on here tell about how little effect radiotherapy is having on them, but one thing I have learnt during this cancer journey is that we are all different and our bodies react and need varying things. So I’m off work, fortunately full pay and will take the rest I need and walk around the house  top less to get lots of air to my skin.  Hopefully the post man doesn’t knock on the door! 

Good lick next week.

I'm pleased your sessions are going well Cyprusfav. I had to laugh at the no bra, I went from constantly having to wear one post surgery - even in bed to not having to wear one, it was like losing my comfort blanket. Also that's strange about the cream, I used and am still using Aveeno and have got a silicone stick - prosil for my scars.

Chocdrop as Cyrusfav mentioned everyone is different, I had a 26.00 (Gy) dose over 5 sessions as apposed to the standard 40.00 (Gy) over 15 sessions. I had minimal side effects, felt a bit yucky a couple of days and had a sore throat (but a hot toddy got rid of that) I had a bit of a mottle rash with itching at around 4 weeks post treatment, but I just put sudocream on it and again that disappeared overnight. The tenderness around my scars is disappearing too and I've had no issues with the Tamoxifen either, I do keep asking if the treatments are working and I've been assured they have, the consultant told me this is what they hope for, but not everyone 'sails through it'.