Radiotherapy

Hi Bizzybe,

I had weekly chemotherapy and three weekly injections, after chemotherapy finished and surgery I continued the injections at first I had them at the hospital and but now the Clatterbridge nurse comes to me at home which is so much better and much more relaxing.  
last week I had injection 16 from 18 so only 2 more to go, so long as the nurse gives it very slowly it doesn’t hurt, She gives me the bottle to warm in my hand while she gets ready she said it is better if warm, if it does tell her it is getting a bit stingy and she will go slowly. I usually lay on the bed as I find it more comfortable.

I didn’t have radiotherapy so can’t help you there but don’t worry about the injections you have done the hard part this will be the easy part.

Best wishes and try not to worry. Big hugs Xxx

Hi there I had those injections too I used to dread them I also had so much itching too I tried lots of creams but the one I found worked was adex gel I got from the doctor hope this works for you too and you feel better soon x

I am 2/3 of the way through my radiotherapy. I was initially very concerned about it as they give you a very long list of some very nasty sounding possible side effects but so far everything has been fine. Today was the first day that I felt very tired and I have noticed that the side I am having the therapy on is getting a bit red, sore and hot to the touch. The bottom band of my bra is also started to irritate me even though it is a soft mastectomy bra with no underwire. They gave me a big tube of moisturiser when I started treatment and I have just been using that as much as possible. I have a lot of sick leave so I am not going back to work until I'm sure that I am feeling much better. The nurses did warn that many of the side effects don't happen until after you finish treatment. 

The worst part is getting to the hospital every day. All of my appointments are first thing in the morning so I have to travel in peak hour which is more expensive and difficult due to crowding than later in the day. Most people have been very good about offering me a seat which has helped. 

I never had chemo or anything so I don't know if that would change anything with radiotherapy. 

Good luck with everything. 

H. 

Hi Bizzybee,

I had the same concerns that you do about the radiotherapy. I'm on day three of a ten day schedule (five full-breast treatments plus five days for a breast boost). 

Similar to Hides reply, it was the long list of possible side-effects that worried me but searching the forums on here was very reassuring as lots of people said they didn't have any side-effects. So far my breast has been very slightly achy but that's it. I was given a large tube of gel to put on my skin once treatment started and I've been applying that several times a day, plus following all the advice in these forums about eating healthy, taking gentle walks as exercise releases endorphins that help with healing, and staying hydrated.

The radiation treatment itself is really quick, not at all painful and I actually feel quite relaxed lying there while the machine moves around me (I'm having X-ray therapy so I assume you are too).

Were you given a patient leaflet with a link to a video about the radiotherapy to explain what happens during treatment?

Hi

I finished 9 sessions of radiotherapy a month ago. In my experience it is a breeze. You can feel vulnerable on the table as you have to have the area to be treated exposed. There may be male radiographers and some trusts don’t appear to provide gowns. These may be some of the issues to raise at your planning meeting. As for side effects, I have not had any to speak of. I made sure I was well hydrated. I also moisturised 3 times a day for 3 weeks and exposed the treated area to the air. I did have a bit of redness but that soon faded and also a bit of heat. Neither were a problem. I wore bras with no underwire. As for Herceptin injections, I have had 6 of 18. I always ask the nurse to do it slowly and it hasn’t been too bad.