Hi, I’m for to start radiotherapy end of December, beginning of jan (over 5 days) . I work as a ta in a primary school and not sure what to expect. I know everyone is different and reacts and heals differently, but my question is would I need to take some time off work?! I have 3 kids of my own and am thinking of juggling family life with work on top of effects of radio! I’ve gone back to work this week 3 wks post lumpectomy on a phased return - so part time and office based till Xmas. Any advice would be appreciated. xx
Hi , I had 5 days of radiotherapy at the end of June this year. All of us react differently to the treatment so it is difficult to generalise. I would think your job entails quite a bit interaction /movement but I may be wrong. I was advised to wear a bra for support as I am well endowed! I used some older soft cotton bras and when the skin became a bit irritated towards the end of the 5 days I tucked a very soft men's handkerchief inside my bra especially where the band is. My skin did go quite pink and I continued to use the cream provided by the unit 4 times a day, as well as doing the exercises 3 times a day.I needed a presciption from my gp for a cream to stop irritation under my boob about a fortnight after the RT had finished - this soon cleared up. But I know from past experience that my skin is sensitive and iI have to be very careful with creams and perfume etc.Hopefully you will not have this problem . Your breast care nurse should be able to advise you which cream your unit advises and whether or not they supply it. Hopefully you will get other answers to your questions and please do ask others if you wish. Sending you good luck with your treatment . xx
I’m five days in to my 15 treatments. So far I’ve experienced some irritation to my skin and some stabbing pains as expected and some fatigue. I’m currently on sick leave since having my mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction two months ago. Although the treatment is swift the appointments can be time consuming. I’d imagine your job is quite hectic ( I also work in environmental education and have a four year old daughter). Are you able to arrange to be off for the duration of the treatment so you can focus on your treatment and home life? Perhaps you could work from home after the treatment for a week or so to see how you feel?
Hi I've just completed 5 sessions of radiotherapy and was anxious that I would experience fatigue and skin complications. I'm happy to say I've not had any symptoms since my treatment finished 11 days ago. I have been told that side effects may appear a couple of weeks later but everyone reacts differently. It's important to keep up your exercises and drink plenty, at least 2 litres a day. The more the better.
As a retired school teacher I understand what challenges you face in a classroom but from my own experience I believe I would have been able to go to work. I hope this helps, good luck and take care!
Hi all. I'm 3 treatments in to a course of 10 RT sessions, and I feel as though I've been hit by a train. Has anyone else had exhaustion almost from the beginning? I bounced back from surgery, coped well with cording, and was back to running 20-30 miles per week before RT began. But now I can hardly face getting off the sofa. It's ridiculous! I'd naively hoped that being very physically fit would reduce the severity of exhaustion, but I was so wrong. Anyone else?
Hi, I’d have to agree it’s really exhausted me. I’ve 3 sessions left of a course of 15. Probably hit me after 3-4 sessions, felt slightly nauseous too.
Thankfully had a two day break from it this weekend since my skin is extremely hot, red and sensitive. Hoping the effects have peaked but will have to wait and see!
Hi I had 5 radiotherapy in October and while I felt quite well for the first 3 1/2 weeks the burn started and continued for 2 weeks . Make sure you keep moisturizing for a full 6 weeks at least even if you feel good, hopefully your SE won't get too bad. The treatment itself was painless. Hope this helps xxx
