** APRIL & MAY 2021 BREAST CANCER RADIOTHERAPY **

Hey Judith  so when you move to the area we should meet and have a wander of Wisley together. Luckily I live just 10 mins drive from Wisley, 

What you’ve described is how I’m feeling too. I’m generally a deal with things head on person, but feel I simply couldn’t cope with any challenge in any shape or form. My other half mentioned about the anti-vaccine march in London where they wore cut out gold stars as a symbol of defiance. I was shocked and it moved me to tears that they would be so utterly insensitive. I’m not Jewish, but how ignorant can people be to such a significant even in human history. 

I hope today you’re feeling good. I hope today you get to enjoy your book. I hope today you get to enjoy a cuppa in the sunshine... with a jacket as it’s still a bit chilly!

Karin x

Beatthebreast I’m on immunosuppressive injections for psoriasis so always wear SPF50 whenever I go out. Comes with the territory.

And you’re right, I’m taking time to consider longer term life and lifestyle changes to align with how I see my future and what I want it to be. 

I wasn’t aware of radiotherapy affecting the back and no one has mentioned 6 weeks as a timeframe... every day is a learning day! Thank you for sharing. I will be careful and similarly to when I see my chiropractor, lay on my side and have extra towels to provide support so there’s minimal pressure on my chest. Will let you know how goes in case my little adjustments might help you and others going forward with complimentary therapies like massage. I have a reflexology session booked in for Wednesday next week. Haven’t had it for years and recall it feeling like treading on clouds afterwards... bliss. I also have a couple of litres of water chilling in the fridge for after my massage to help my body process the toxins released during massage. 

I’m on the waiting list for counselling. But have made a really lovely contact through here and find this forum so assuring and a safe space to share. 

Still can’t help thinking I’m being negatively judged by work for taking time for me, but that’s also for me to manage and accept it’s perfectly acceptable and right that I do. My physical health and psychological well-being is my number one priority. 

sounds like you’re still having RT or maybe recently finished? Likewise, hope you’re taking care and the side effects are minimal for you x

Hello 

Due to meet consultant to plan radiotherapy. Just wandering if anyone has had one week of it versus three weeks? Any information would be appreciated on pros and cons.

Thanks x

Hi  yes, I had 5 all breast fractions followed by 5 targeted fractions, instead of the conventional 15.  Over quicker given fewer hospital visits which is fab. Side effects are a personal journey and different for everyone, so there’s no telling, but plenty of experiences and advice in this community to benefit from. I say it’s only good in comparison to previous treatment timeframes. Ask what products they recommend or can provide to help keep your skin supple and hydrated. Best of luck and best foot forward x

Thanks for your reply, really appreciated

Hope you are doing well x

Hi JD11 

This is a great forum for advice and support. I had 5 sessions with a weekend break.  On balance I would have preferred to do them all in one go, I got very tired. Twelve years ago I had RT over 3 months and 15 sessions and I think I felt worse overall.  However, I'm nearly 2 weeks post treatment and the fatigue has hit again, it feels a little 2 steps forward and 3 back sometimes.  

As you will see from the threads there is different advice from different hospitals. Check out what yours can do for you and what they recommend but ultimately do what feels right for you.  We are all in the same boat but we're all wearing different life jackets.  We all need different levels of support and our bodies react differently.  

Remember that it may not be an option to choose your treatment time, it may come down to clinical need or hospital policy.

Good luck and let us all know how you get on.

Dee xx

Hello Dee

Thank you so much for your reply and for your helpful information, much appreciated. 

I'm not sure what the hospital policy until I meet the consultant. I know my preference would be shorter time frame so let's see! I meet him next week so will ask lots of questions.

I hope you are doing well and wish you a good recovery x

hi I had a wide local excision for high grade DCIS 6 weeks ago and had my" planning" meeting yesterday, so will have  5 sessions of RT in the next few weeks. Recent studies have shown it is just as effective in prevention and it is more covid-safe.  ( you also get a lower total dose )

I am envious of the support that people have experienced from their team, I have not got an allocated BCN and when I suddenly experienced greatly increased pain 2 weeks after surgery, the nurse I spoke to did not ask me what was happening ( i had left a message saying it wasn't hot or red, she just told me to take my painkillers.

It was so dismissive,I was mortified and didn't have the nerve to phone back.( and I am a health care professional)

Equally when they scheduled a phone appointment with the BCteam , I was not made aware it was with the oncologist ,thus I did not have all my questions at the ready and again yesterday's planning meeting had no time for questions or discussion. I was walked into the CT room and had to sign the consent form standing up on a clip board. All three radiographers were young men ( I have no body issues, but would have like to have been consulted) and I was in and out in 20 minutes .

I had strong reservations about the tattoo, but the box was pre-ticked on my form . Apparently as my consultant had already discussed it with me. I have been very upset today about it all as I felt railroaded .

thanks for letting me have a rant in a safe space    

Goodness that doesn't sound good. You're in the right place to rant as much as you like.

My experience has been very different to yours and I'm sorry that you haven't had the care and understanding you deserve and are entitled to.  I called the BC team numerous times and even on the bleep a couple of times when I felt I needed instant consultation. 

At my CT planning I was asked if I minded male nurses/technicians attending my treatment. I already had 2 tattoos from previous RT 12 years ago so fortunately I only had to have one done this time.  I was in planning for nearly and hour, not great when you have you're arms above your head for so long.  I know we all have different levels of treatment I'm sure it all takes different planning times but I'm amazed you were only there for 20 minutes.

I hope you feel better after your rant and your RT sessions go ok for you. We're all here to support you.

Take care

Dee x

Thank you