** JUNE JULY AUG 2021 BREAST CANCER RADIOTHERAPY **

Hi Everyone,    
I go tomorrow to get my tattoos for radiation. I’ll be having 15 rounds. Starting next week possibly(I find out tomorrow) My centre is about 1 1/2 hour drive away.  I’m planning to drive myself as my mom will be babysitting and my spouse can’t take that much time off of work.  Some of you mentioned fatigue as a side effect. And I’m wondering how fatigued you felt and was it right after radiation or later in the day? Does it accumulate like chemo did? 

Thanks Sarah

Morning Sarah,

For me the fatigue hit me when I got home after the first session, think it was more the anxiety and fear of what will happen( the not knowing) that made me feel tired, fell asleep within an hour of being home. I had a lift each day, so didnt have the added stress of driving to and throu to appointments,  so thinking a 3hour round trip will make you v fatigued,  be kind to yourself when you do get home each day if you can, rest. 

I would say it would build up over a period of time like chemo, yes

I hope all goes well with your treatment, chin up and keep smiling, you will get there

Hi Sarah,

my centre was about 30min drive away so wasn’t a long journey. I was in the unit for on average 50min each day but only had 5 sessions on a reduced protocol-slightly higher daily dose but overall smaller total dose. My daughter or husband drove me there as parking is a nightmare. 
I didn’t really get too much fatigue, no more than I had when having chemo but my arm and shoulder were sore with position I had to hold arms above my head. Despite the arm rests my hands went numb and I had pins and needles which might have affected me driving home?…I just rested when I got home.

Going to GP today as shoulder anx arm and hands getting worse since RT. GP thinks it might be a trapped nerve or my old shoulder impingement playing up. 
Please make sure you are feeling comfortable in the position when they do the simulation and tattoos as you will be holding the position for 30min without moving. Good luck, hope all goes smoothly, it’s a doddle after chemo! 
denise x

Begin my RT today, five sessions with break in between this weekend. My hospital isn’t far, I always have lifts to appointments (avoids arriving sweaty/out of breath!) and usually walk back home after, only takes 30 mins, clears my head and gives me the much needed exercise. I was wondering how anyone has felt immediately after first session?

Hi 

I had the 5 day protocol about 6 weeks ago, nothing noticeable first two then slightly pink boob on next three, I could have walked 30min after treatment as didn’t suffer fatigue but did rest at night. 
Most of my SE happened about two weeks after RT ended. Itchy, spotty skin and slightly swollen boob. Followed hospital guidelines and left my bra off as much as possible. More annoying than troublesome with the itch. Healed in about 7days and just looks slightly tanned now. Good luck, hope all goes smoothly for you. 
Denise x

Thanks Denise x

Hi Ista

I had 15 sessions plus 4 boosters. I drove myself there also, but not as long a drive as you. I always went around an hour early, to make sure I could get parked and not be late for appts. By the last week I was a bit weary or scunnered as we say in Scotland. However, I think it was because I got tired of the same routine every week day. I couldn't say that I had fatigue though.

Wishing you all the best and hope that you don't have fatigue either.

Wallydug

Hi Sarah, 

My hospital was an hour again , I had fatigue/ exhaustion , came in waves , just rode it ! Listen to your body , I had a few down days as I had mentioned here but now post 9 weeks ,skin is good ,just tanned !  In the earlier weeks, just felt like sunburn ,skin peeling a bit , sorted with double base! 

Wishing you the very best x keep well hydrated, it will definitely help x

Lily x

Hi everyone, thanks for responding.  Today’s test run went well. I downloaded an audiobook for the drive and it was pleasant.  
 They didn’t give me a start date. My RO is on vacation until Monday.   

Sarah

Hi rad friends

After my first session, boob was already pink and hot, used the aloe vera gel straight from fridge, nice and cool. Second session, on bed and marked up ready to go, then machine had technical problems, so got dressed again and back to waiting area. All machines down...own up, who pulled out the plug? Bit of a wait but all sorted eventually. Never thought I’d be so keen to be “zapped” haha!

Eline x