New to the forum

Hi,

I haven't reached radiotherapy yet, still mid chemotherapy cycles. However I follow others experiences to inform myself of what's ahead. I find it useful hearing from others further in their recovery than me.

From what people have been sharing its a mixed bag. Some individuals experienced no symptoms others shared they felt a bit tired, and others said the area at times needed some E45 for a wee rash.

I haven't read anyone having very negative experiences. Hopefully someone at that stage will answer for you soon.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your recovery xx

Thank you so much, all the best for the chemos.

Thank you xx

Hi, I finished 3 weeks of radiotherapy 2 weeks ago. I am feeling OK,have felt a bit tireder than usual and have like sunburn on my chest (I had 15 sessions). I also had a sore throat for a few days but I had it quite high up.  You usually have a session before you start when they tell you what to expect and answer any questions and also do a scan to pinpoint where to aim it. It is completely painless, just a bit uncomfortable lieing with your arms above your head. I had to hold my breath because it was on the left to move my heart out the way. They are very kind and make it as easy as possible. It is worth it to zap any stray cells. Good luck and be thinking of you

Hi Manya,

I had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed four months ago and a ew weeks ago, finished my five days radiotherapy, I have recently been told I am clear.

After my planning scan which you have a few weeks before your treatment, I was told to prepare the breast beforehand. They advised me to cream the breast with either Baby Aveeno or E45 cream, which I did, this helps to keep the skin soft and moist.

My radiotherapy went amazingly well, I wasn’t told to hold my breath at anytime, but I suppose that depends on your medical team. I had a little discomfort afterwards, but nothing to complain about and was told to continue with the cream which I have done. I was also told not to go swimming before or for at least six months afterwards, as the chlorine can affect the skin.

There is some tiredness, which can kick in a few later as well and you must do the arm exercises they give you, as they are important towards your recovery.

I do hope your radiotherapy goes well and please feel free to come and chat at anytime.

Live and hugs.xxx

Thank you so much Boobybabe2. I am planning to send my sister away for holiday once the school starts in September as she can also have a little time for herself. I was concerned that if the radio therapy make me really tired, I might have to postpone her holiday. I hope 5 fractions of the treatment would have minimal effects.

No, I think she will be fine on her hols. I did a clean round a week before my radiotherapy, so I could just relax and concentrate on me after the therapy. You have to think of yourself now and just take one day at a time, if you don’t want to hoover one day then don’t - the carpet and hoover will be there tomorrow.

Fingers and everything crossed for you

Take care.xxx

Hi

Like you I had EC then Paclitaxel, then surgery and the radiotherapy. I opted for the ATNEC trial and was pleased to just have the 5 sessions to the breast none to the armpit. Found it all OK, planning session was quite long then each session went to time. Nurses were lovely, breathing technique fine and I did not suffer with skin reactions or tiredness. I finished on Dec 23rd and had the family for 3 days over Christmas (easier for me to have them and they all mucked in then me go to them). Good luck and lets hope it all goes smoothly for you too.

Thank you  

I had the surgery first then chemo ( EC, the Red Devil was hard to cope) . Thank you so much for the information xx