** APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER RADIOTHERAPY **

Thank-you, that was so fast! Forewarned is forearmed

Thank-you that is what I need to know 

Hi Judith  the Glory Oil is working nicely - soothing, hydrating and no irritation at all - though still wearing a non-wired sports bra with folded silk hanky as protection to eliminate any friction. I will absolutely call the Macmillan helpline and I’ve also requested to be referred to my company confidential counselling service. I’m not sure what I’ll talk about, I just know I need to... at the moment I’m just ‘leaking’ emotionally, like crying for no reason when I was feeding the dog. So not me. But maybe there’s a new me in the making going forward, given this is a live changing experience that I’ve survived and come out the other side. Anyway, have a wonderful weekend. Kx

Cyprusfav Hello, well done you are ticking off the sessions.  I had the last of my 15 sessions yesterday, and was given the talk about effects carrying on for another couple of weeks. So far my skin has been doing well.  It all feels a bit tight across the mastectomy scar, but keeping this under control with regular applying aloe Vera.  I’ve also now got some calendula cream as a treat for the skin now I’ve finished.  I do get a bit tired, and am having to go to bed earlier, sleeping longer, but nothing too bad.  I’m just planning to carry on as normal and not think about the radiotherapy too much, and see what happens.

planning a trip in my canoe this morning to enjoy the sunshine.  

Have a good weekend everyone l

Judith

Cyprusfav figure you’ve finish RT now? Now is the time for rest and keeping yourself hydrated. My side effects started to emerge from 1-3 weeks from end of RT, but we all react differently, so fingers crossed you have few side effects. 

Just wanted to share I spoke with my BCN and the Macmillan helpline who both gave me details for a local support centre that also offer complimentary therapies as well as counselling in support of the healing process. Most importantly when I spoke to The Fountain Centre and explained I felt so weak in character and mind, she assured me that what I’m feeling is incredibly common - when we’re going through treatment, there’s rarely any mention of the emotional wrecking ball that tends to swing into the picture and hit at full force post-treatment. Tomorrow I’ve booked to wander RHS Wisley to enjoy gardens and nature. Then in the afternoon I’m booked for a massage. As many have suggested, I’m taking time out and being kind to myself. X

SpringTulip good to hear of your positive phone calls about support aavailable.And sounds like a lovely day planned for tomorrow.  Wisley is on my wish list of places to visit but I live too far away for a day visit.  If my planned house move goes ahead I will be nearer.

I have had a strange day. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed and rather emotional over nothing much.  The lady in the library was extremely unhelpful about issuing a book for the next book group meeting.   I somehow didn't have the energy to stand up to her  and got very tearful.  I've been reasoning with myself that it's ok to be tearful after having got through so much treatment.  I too need to remember to be kind to myself.  

Sleep well everybody.

Judith

Hello spring tulip. Last session today. I had a face to face with the nurse yesterday who checked me over and gave advice on how next steps, so I will wait and see what side effects occur.

I love the fact you’re getting out and about. It’s so important to do what makes you feel good. I can’t wait to go back to the spa and get a deep tissue massage. 

I am a member of the national trust so have booked a few days out. I sometimes just take myself off on a little walk too, with a pack lunch and sit  on a park bench taking in nature. 

Hopefully your fatigue will lift soon and you can get back to being yourself.

Have a great day x

Hi Judith, I’m so sorry the librarian upset you, I find it can sometimes be the smallest things than set me off. 

I bought a Fitbit at the start of my cancer journey and wear it every day at the moment. It really motivates me to get out and walk everyday and at the end of the week I look back and see how far I have walked. It’s surprising how quickly the distance build up. 

I just hope the fatigue doesn’t hit me too hard over next few weeks. 

Hope you managed to find a good book despite the unhelpful lady and enjoy reading it. 

Ros x

SpringTulip, good that you are taking time for yourself. I took advantage of the complimentary massages at the radiotherapy centre last week which was great. You are not able to have any back massage just now as the radiation can go through to the back and massage may hurt the skin until it heals. I opted for a foot massage which was was very nice!

I had a call from the radiotherapy centre yesterday to check in on me and they advised that the treatment peaks about 2 weeks after your last actual treatment and that your skin will be healed in about 6 weeks. She advised that even when the skin looks OK, it is doing a lot of healing so be careful with it, and it can also make you tired. I'll be continuing to apply moisturiser for 6 weeks.

Apparently, being much more sensitive to the sun in that area is lifelong, so use the highest factor UV protection.

Continue to be kind to yourself - and make that a lifelong aim!