About to start radiotherapy

Hello Lynn , now why you thinking of checking out.  Treatment has improved so much.  I remember my gran having a double radical mastectomy and radiotherapy age 70 & 74 and side effects quite harsh but that was in 1970s and she lived to be 90!

I had surgery followed by 15 sessions of radiotherapy and aside from a hot noob for a week or so and a bit if skin breakdown underneath breast my skin looked and felt normal a month later.  5 years later you'd never know aside from a slight dent in one boob from surgery. 

It is distressing being told you have cancer and you are allowed to be angry and upset and this is a great site to let it all out so keep posting xx

Thank you

Hello,

@ Grogg is right. Survival is very good these days as treatments have improved. The lumpectomy will have removed the tumour and the radiotherapy should stop it coming back. All units vary these days on their preparatory requirements......you will need to follow their instructions carefully. When I had radiotherapy I was given a very thick hyaluronic cream to put on after each session. I was then told to shower before going the next day using a perfume free soap like Savon surgras which moisturises well but leaves the skin really grease free. My nurses told me that was important.....really clean skin for each session. I know that four years on some units don't advise cream but I think that may be because some people don't remove it properly and they then burn. I didn't burn at all and I am very fair skinned. Chatting in the waiting area....no one burned using this regime except for someone who hearing the analogy to sunburn put sun cream on before the radiotherapy.  The misunderstanding did cause serious burns.

As for cancer and your Ehic....my surgeon told me the day he removed the tumour was the day I stopped having cancer. Chemo and radiotherapy were to prevent it coming back. Once you get over the fatigue that often occurs for a while after radiotherapy.......you shouldn't have any health issues to stop you travelling. The timing should be perfect for things opening up after Covid!

Bon voyage!

Love Karen

Thank you.

Hi Lyn I can absolutely understand where you are coming from.

I was diagnosed in October after presenting at my GPS with what looked and felt like mastitis. I ended up with 2 surgeries and yesterday was told that they have achieved good clean margins. So next im off to oncology to set up my radiotherapy treatment. I have just celebrated my 59th birthday. I have a family history of breast cancer so like you it wasn't a surprise and slways had an awareness. 

We have already done a lot of the hard stuff and just need this last push. We have got this!! Its scary but so was hearing those words "you have cancer" and we survived that. 

I work full time but I've taken the time off i need to concentrate on me. My boss will have to like it or lump it. 

Holidays...now your talking my language. With covid and all its restrictions its just not on the cards at the minute. Making plans for 2021 is the order of the day. 

We can do this....and glow in the dark together. 

Debs x

I for one understand completely how you feel. Doubt that's any help, but you're not alone in feeling as you do - hugs

Thank you.