Radiotherapy Blues!

Hi Fiona068, sorry you’re finding the rads positioning so painful. I do remember my left arm getting very uncomfortable and I had longer between my op and rads than you - 10 weeks in the end because of a long wait to see oncology, then Christmas and New Year. So I was a bit further down the healing journey. And I had a smaller op. But I suspect it’s the lymph node removal area and all the structures in there that have been disturbed? I’m not sure what to suggest but would definitely tell the team that you’re in such pain. Maybe they can adjust the arm supports in some way. And I assume you’re doing the post op exercises? I know that my arm felt uncomfortable for a good while, months rather than weeks. I found changing gear into 5th from 4th ridiculously sore, so ended up just forgetting 5th gear for ages! But it did all eventually resolve. 
Hope someone pops in soon with more concrete suggestions, in the meantime I guess the longer weekends because of Christmas might at least help with longer breaks between sessions. Sending love and a big but very gentle virtual hug. HFxx

Hi Fiona068,

Sorry to hear you’re finding it uncomfortable. I finished my 15 sessions on Wednesday. I found the positioning ok, although a little tight on my reconstructed side. The worst bit was lying down and getting up due to the DIEP surgery! The staff were very helpful however. I often took a pain killer beforehand and did my exercises as much as I could. I’ve found the radiotherapy has left my breast area feeling tighter, so again I think the exercises are really important along with moisturising. I hope the fact that the treatment session itself is over and done with really quickly will help you through.

Take care x