** APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER RADIOTHERAPY **

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Hello everyone, 

I'm Steph from the Community team, I hope you don't mind me posting here.

We've been asked to create a new thread for radiotherapy discussions this April, as the existing threads were getting a little long. 

  • If you're looking for earlier discussions, you can find them in the Feb/Mar thread here.

  • You can find useful radiotherapy tips shared by members in an older thread here.

Please do let us know if you have any other threads you think would be useful to link here.

  • Hi Cyprusfav

    They will be treating the left side. Good to hear it's pain free. I think I make the mistake of thinking it's easier than chemo - which I'd had enough of by the 12th one and last one. Not looking forward to the AI's at all. Thank you for your words of comfort and I think, as other people have said, the key is to imagine yourself somewhere nice.i'm alarmed my energy levels are not returning quickly. It's been 3 weeks since my last chemo and I expected to be able to do a lot more.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Kelstar9

    Thank you. People are recommending Aveeno - any particular one as I notice there’s an oat one as well as the original one. Xx 

  • Hi , I found my energy levels didn't return until about a week or 2 after my operation - so 5 or 6 weeks after chemo. Chemo is cumulative so by the time you get to the last one, it takes longer to bounce back and recover. My muscles felt all wrong after docetaxal and I was breathless for a good few weeks walking anywhere due to low bloods. I feel great now, my last chemo was end of Jan and I've been pretty active for a good 6 weeks now. I've also started my AI, exemestane, and it's been completely fine. The biggest thing I have noticed is very stiff joints and sore feet if I sit for too long, or overnight, But this eases off very quickly with walking around, I don't notice any stiffness when I'm active and am running etc again now.

  • Hi Breathebreast, 

    Thanks for the information, I thought I might have been too optimistic. There is a steep hill, where I live and I'm reluctant to walk up it just yet. Will pace myself more and give it longer now I know energy levels take a bit longer. I know everyone is different but you've given me a good guide to go on.. my last chemo was end of March.. got the AI's to look forward to.

  • I have a steep hill too! At 4 weeks post-chemo, I was still breathless walking up it and my legs felt heavy and weak. I'm absolutely fine now, feel good again. They say it can take 6 months to a year to fully recover your energy levels from chemo and I definitely get tired in the evenings, but I am doing a lot now. I am an active person and am back to doing the things I love, just delighted to be doing them again. Give yourself time and rest if you need to. I was still taking naps during the day for a couple of months or so post-chemo - in fact I still do if I need it! 

  • Thanks Breathebreast

    You are right  - take one's time and a step at a time- it's good to know those energy levels return. I'll try that hill after 5 weeks and see what's what.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Hepi

    Good luck to those at the start of radiotherapy.  I’m in my 3rd week now, so only 4 days to go.  Skin so far has been fine. I’ve been using Aloe Vera gel, as it is what I used 10 years ago on my first bout of rads.  I know some are against it, but it seems to work for me and the staff are happy for me to use it.  I’m having treatment to my right side, but still having to use breath hold.  I was told this helps them target the area they want to, and avoid damage to other areas.

    . How are you finding the Flamigel?  This was mentioned in my review yesterday, but isn’t routinely given.  I could ask for some before I finish to get me through the two weeks following treatment when side effects might peak. 

    Judith

  • Hi, just catching up on posts, not been on for a while, just felt exhausted all the time.

    I've just finished radiotherapy, tried both blue and green Aveeno and had horrendous reaction to both creams. Stopped using and used Pomegranate oil instead.  I was given a huge tube of Flamigel which I also had a severe reaction to.  Requested Eumovate from GP to clear rash but still haven't got it.  Made a blend of my own Pomegranate oil, Calendula and Lavender.  Have been amazed at results.  Not only has the rash gone but it's really helping the burns, should always go with my gut and only use pure organic oils.

    I know not everyone has sensitive skin but I'm pleased to have found a better alternative. I should add that I am a qualified aromatherapist so do have quite a few oils to hand.

    Good luck to all who have still to complete their radiotherapy sessions. 

    Dee

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Pixdee

    pomegranate, calendula and lavender sounds like a wonderful mixture!  You should go into business and market it!  So pleased it has cleared your rash and is helping burns.  

    Judith

    • Judith, for me the Flamigel has been great. No skin reactions at all so far & hoping it continues. Had a chat with the lead radiographer today & she advised me to go get some more from them this week to use for the two weeks after rads. I can thoroughly recommend it but if you are having equal success with Alie Vera you may well want to stick with that. We all just want something that seems to work for us. 
      Really pleased to hear that you are getting through rads successfully. Only 3 to go now  - great stuff!! I have 4 sessions left & am then just left to the mercy of hormone tablets for 10 years!! 
      , your bespoke blend sounds fabulous. You obviously have a goid knowledge of what should be of help. As  says you should market this!! xx