**SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2021 BREAST CANCER CHEMO**

Hi  I know there are widely differing views on 'shielding' during chemo.  For me personally, I've been relaxed but careful. I've followed government rules as they've changed. I've mostly socialised outside. Taking opportunities to walk out with one other friend at a time. No hugs! Avoided indoor socialising except for close family... again no hugs and lots of ventilation. The younger end have all kept distance and been very careful. Not gone anywhere where anyone was feeling under the weather. More recently, I have ventured out for a couple of meals and chosen seating carefully so I felt safe. Still wear mask indoors when out in public. I had to self isolate before every chemo and that drove me crazy so I take every opportunity to walk out when not self isolating.

I think the key thing is... Decide for yourself, but do what makes you feel safe. I've found everyone very supportive.

I did roughly the same as Iblodwin I went for walks outside with my daughter who was staying with me through my chemo. Being outside and getting a short walk every day really helped my mental health.  
I think using common sense, good hand hygiene and masks if indoors is all pretty sensible. You must do what feels right for you, are the cases high in your area and are you double vaccinated? If you’ve had both jabs pre chemo that should help too. 

I was more worried about getting an infection tbh as our immune system is pretty low for about 10 days after chemo so I was extra careful about washing fruit and veg and cooking and heating things up thoroughly. My chemo nurse also advised against takeaway food so I made sure to get some treats in the freezer. 
My family did lateral flow tests before they visited me to keep me safe but that was only near the end of my chemo as we were in lockdown for most of it. 
Try not to worry too much  once you start lots of the anxiety eases as the staff are so lovely and explain everything as you go along. Wishing you all the best tomorrow. 

denise x

Hi Lynne,

My aim was always to do the 5k action cancer walk on 9th Oct too. 
Not sure if I could manage it though, I just got my final chemo on Thursday - which I am delighted about, but can’t walk the length of myself without getting out of breath!! There is still time to sign up - but 5K sounds out of my reach at the moment.  Don’t know what to do

it really is great to hear all the stories of people coping/recovering afterwards - it def helped spur me on and now I am very nearly one of them too. 
I just have 5 days of RT to do now (no date yet)

We will get there!!! 
Nuls x 

Delighted you're done Nuls!!!  You certainly didn't get an easy run at it so well done for seeing it out!

I was so short of breath after the last one too. It lasted almost 3 weeks but went away quite suddenly. I just noticed one day that I was keeping pace with my husband.

Have you had your RT planning appointment?  Everyone I met in the department was lovely and I was in and out in 30 minutes. There is a bell to ring when you finish and it was like a walk in the park in comparison to the chemo. I almost skipped in to it rather than almost having to be dragged from the car for my chemo.

Why don't you sign up for the walk and just see how you feel nearer the time.

I think having it as a goal has spurred me on to keep getting out for a walk. 

Congratulations

Lynne xx

Hi 

woohoo, fantastic to hear you’re done, it’s a great feeling! Now just the 5 days RT which is a breeze compared to chemo. 
I was short of breath for about 3/4 weeks too and just noticed it gradually got better and by week 4/5 I was fine. I started my 5 days RT 4 weeks after chemo and by the end of that I felt good, slight SE kicked it 10days later for a week but more annoying than anything with itchy pink boob. The end is in sight

Anyone having treatment this week let us know how you get on please

denise x

I have heard using cream being mentioned during RT but it wasn’t talked about during my planning session.

should I start now? When did anyone else start? Was it 2/3 times a day?

Hi Nuls X just to say that I was given cream by the staff to use after my first session so hopefully you will too X Told to use non purfumed soap too ( I used simple ) wishing you all the best x

Hi Nuls,  I don't think it was mentioned at my planning session either. You will probably see the RT nurse during the week and she will give you Diprobase cream to use.  I was told to use it 2/3 times a day or more if required.  

I am assuming you will be having RT at the City, that's where I went for RT and the nurses are lovely and very helpful.

I was told to just keep moisturizing as normal until RT starts.

I developed a small red patch on the underside of the boob and they were happy for me to go and have it checked and gave me Diprobase ointment.  I think it was probably a small area that I had been missing with the cream and it had gotten dry and irritated. Do be careful to use the cream all over and under the boob

Are you having the 5 daily sessions?

Lynne xx

Hi Nuls

Delighted to hear that you have finished chemo.

Best of luck with your radiotherapy when you start it.

Best wishes

Daisy53

It scares me too but my children are 5 and 7 so its not really an option! I have been advised to limit my social contacts though.