** SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2021 BREAST CANCER RADIOTHERAPY **

I must add my thanks to Exraygirl as well. When you feel a problem looming at the weekend when you know you can't go to a Clinic even if you needed to, it is particularly worrying. Exraygirl responded to me immediately last Saturday. I am so much more comfortable as a result and didn't need to go to all the trouble of a Clinic check as her sound advice cleared up the problem a lot.

Bless you for that Venicelagoon

I hope you are feeling a lot more comfortable today and going forward.

Hugs x

Thanks Gotchya.

Although I seem to be going through this in a sort of dream, It's still all seems a bit unreal. 4.40 pm appointment today so that's why I'm replying so late. 

Yes I'm on Anastrozole , I'm almost 2 months in with it now. I'm taking it around lunchtime ATM, but think I'll try taking  them a bit later. I'm glad that that is working better for you and worth a try. I seem to be doing ok on it apart from that. 

Only a 40 min wait today and different nurse and radiologist but again very nice. Thank god for those machines and all the professionals is all I can say, quite prepared to wait as long as necessary. .  I'm like you creaming up any chance I can get. It's definitely all bound to help..

Hope everything goes well for you. X 

Exraygirl. Apologies I have also replied to your comment to Gotchya.. apologies to you both..brain fog lol.  Definitely brilliant bits of kit for sure . Today went really well.  Thank you to you both for the reassurance and advice. It really does help. I'm definitely going to try taking taking the Anastrozole a lot latter than lunch time. Doing well on it so far apart from the sleep issue which is probably exacerbated by other things.

Thanks again Ladies xxxx

Thankyou Exraygirl. Your advice to people on the journey ahead of me allowed  me the knowledge to speak up when I knew things should of been different to the relevant professionals .

Now I seem to be on the right track . A way to go yet but I feel more confident now . I was a mental and physical wreck 4 weeks ago .

Never underestimate the important role you have played in so many women’s Bc journey.

xxx

Well done Penelope having the confidence challenge people.

I’m so happy to have played a small part in your recovery and journey and I’m glad you are in the right track now.

i sometimes think people must be sick of me commenting but all your positive feedback makes it worthwhile.

Hugs x

I forgive you for the brain fog! I think we all have it!!

xx

You are simply The Best!

I hope the appreciation lifts your winter blues and catapults You to the highest spot of Real Living Angels....helping other weary souls on challenging journeys as well as navigating your own journey, we are BLESSED to know you Exraygirl. XxX 

You deserve every bit of praise.

Your information gave me knowledge...oncologist had asked me to sign a consent form for radiotherapy....10 treatments over 2 weeks to include nodes affected(removed in total axillary clearance as had c in them)

I hadn't noticed treatment amounts when I signed as listening intently to her while she also was conversing on a call regards my results...I read ALL your info and when I was back to see oncologist politely asked her how she worked out how many treatments I was to receive, her immediate reply was you will receive 15 treatments over 3 weeks....New consent form signed....THANK YOU.

She had on the day I arrived been trying to get my HER2 results over a 2 hr period where I waited in the waiting area after my appointment.

At that time she was waiting on the phone when I initially signed so her concentration was excusable...BUT I'm glad I was forewarned...because of your info and replies to us frightened people.

I want to have the necessary treatment 2nd time around as recurrence from 11 years ago to try and exterminate it. THANKYOU.

You also told me radiographers were like dogs with a bone...you were right. When my radiotherapy was held up by 4 long weeks because of a large seroma and breast nurse said I couldn't be referred to surgeon  because oncologist hadn't replied to her email 're my seroma....you advised to speak to the radiotherapy team directly....I did...the radiographer knew my first planning appoint for radiotherapy had been unsuccessful because of seroma swelling and unstable skin contour...I'd also failed doing breath hold technique as left side in agony with seroma, couldn't inhale properly without flexing left shoulder, I cried...

To cut a long story short..your advice and encouragement after being a yo yo between depts not seeing me ....radiographer spoke directly to oncologist and did as she said she would...she rang me back..I cried with relief... I was referred to surgeon within 2 days, aspiration by dr, aspirated again under scan...only 20 mls.....HAEMATOMA...that meant 3 weeks later I'm in the middle of my radiotherapy, THANKYOU. Haematoma large and painful but decision after radiotherapy treatments as to whether needs surgical removal, I will take 1 treatment at a time as skin under pressure from radiotherapy and changed from diprobase cream to yellow petroleum gel...hoping my last 7 treatments can be given so keeping well creamed...

You told me there's an aid to help me do the breath hold as they originally measured me for free breathing after I'd failed miserably during initial planning appoint....I told the oncologist  I wanted to retry the breath hold as so worried about left side heart and lung damage(fear even though lead machine helps shield them)....I've managed it and asked about the little visual aid...I've done GREAT..that's what the praise is,daily from my wonderful radiography team...THANKYOU......On so many levels you have saved my Bacon and strengthened my mental health as I was falling apart as too frightened to call the breast nurse for a 3rd time in desperation and stuck in a dark place with only pain...you have me the courage to ring the radiotherapy team and dog with a bone...you were right, wonderful people..

following your info I drink.plenty of fluids, rest well, I drink at least 2 litres of water before and after treatment, rub on my cream as soon as treatment over as skin was compromised blotchy, red, bruised with haematoma...

Just one thing in not sure about, actually2

Should I clean my skin after radiotherapy treatments before applying cream?I

Should I wash off all yellow petroleum gel(vaseline) prior to treatments as I think I read the creams can block proper treatment?

Thank you My Living Angel.

Katrina xxx

Good morning

Theres no reason to clean your skin after RT before creaming .It’s all down to personal preference.

So glad to have helped you on your journey 

I’m feeling less blue today and just about to take my dogs for a 4 mile walk on this lovely sunny day

I’ve got acupuncture this afternoon at the hospital so looking forward to that.

take care x

Thank you Exraygirl,

IPad made so many spelling errors so had to go back and edit many times ..and another question for you

added..lol

Enjoy your 4 mile walk with your dogs, fantastic therapy and your acupuncture, you thoroughly deserved everything good.

Great the  is shining on you.

Exraygirl....you've carried me on my journey....feeling so much stronger.

Katrina.

XxX