*** DECEMBER 2021 to MARCH 2022 BREAST CANCER RADIOTHERAPY **

Hi Grue

Just to say I had 19 doses RT last June after chemo, lumpectomy surgery and a sample of nodes removed. Then letorozle for 6 months, now exemestane. So far so good. No lymphodema . All scars and tissues are now pale and uninteresting.  l know we are all different. However, I think it is important to give a positive account, as often only people with negative experiences take the time to comment. 

Wishing you all the best

WallyDug

Hi Wallydog, 

Thanks for that.  Very interesting especially when I looked at your bio, we are exactly the same except on different timelines.  
Similar diagnosis, same treatment.  
It’s very nice to hear your positivity, thanks for giving it, best wishes xx  

Hi Mickey

How frustrating about the Flamigel.   I hope it arrives shortly.    It's 2 weeks since I finished & pleased to report my skin didn't get much worse & is definitely now improving. I've just got a slight rash above the breast area but the rest of the skin is pretty much back to normal just slightly darker.  I have felt weary but nothing too bad.   I've been signed off work for 2 more weeks, mainly to deal with the weird emotional state you seem to find yourself in when treatment finishes.  Then I think I've just got to bite the bullet & go back.

Good luck for Monday & keep us posted with progress.   You'll soon be posting that you're all finished yourself.

Take care x

Hi cs82

I have had almost the same treatments as you. My rt finished last week and although I had a sick note for 4 weeks, for various reasons decided to go back to work on a phased return.

Two days in and I've had to take today off as I felt terribly tired. I'm lucky that I'm only in 3 days next week then on leave for a week.

In retrospect I should have taken more time off. Luckily I have been able to carry over several weeks leave I was unable to take last year,, so I intend to take time off at Easter.

You are absolutely right to take a couple of week to recover post rt. 

I have a phased return, hopefully you can request similar as it gives some wriggle room if you have a bad day.once you get back to work.

Take care x

Hi everyone, just catching up. The logistics of getting to and from RT plus Monday with added (planned) oncology face to face, plus blood tests, meant I’ve had time for nothing.

so 15 sessions are done. What a weird anticlimax 

but I had another saga start or restart rather.. this ongoing thing about my cortisol levels which started as part of investigating why I still felt rough 2 weeks after my 1st zometa back in January, oncologists followed up this week as initially the endocrine team were interested in me, then disappeared. All systems go this week and Ive been instructed to start a tiny dose of steroids- which solved my tiredness but is a slightly nagging worry. Probably caused by meds for pre existing lung condition but it can be a sign of mets into adrenal glands. Luckily a lung CT of November had my adrenal glands on it & oncs said they looked ok then. Endocrinologist appt in 2-4 weeks to begin detailed investigations.

off to have some outdoor time, take care all x

Hi CS82, thank you so much for coming back online and posting your update. I’m really pleased to hear that your skin held up well and didn’t get much worse the two weeks after you finished your 20 days RT. Did you find the tiredness eased after you finished or did the weariness just fade over the two weeks? I’m glad you’ve still got some time off work. I think we underestimate the emotional impact. I’ve decided that with all the emotions and waiting that I need more time and I’m going to ask for another two months when my sick note expires. This will take me to about six weeks after RT finishes. I’m realising that I haven’t even processed my emotions including the loss of my boobie yet and I need time when I’m not worrying about the next thing to allow for recovery. Hope that makes sense. I’ll have to source more flamigel, but fortunately I did already have some, so I can start wearing it now ready for Monday. I’ll keep you posted how I go. Hugs Mickey xx️

Hi Daiquiri, I’m not surprised you are so tired. It’s such a rollercoaster of a journey and as I was just saying to CS82, I realise I need more time after I’ve finished RT to physically and emotionally recover before I can get to a place to even think about work again. 
please rest as much as you before Wednesday.

Thank you for your well wishes, I will keep you posted. 
Virtual hugs Mickey xx ️

Hi LalaLou, thank you for the update re your timings. I’m just back from covid test, but still only have my first session time sat far for 11.30 on Monday. I’ll keep you posted how it goes and thanks for staying in touch. 
really good you are getting out for a daily walk and meeting friends when you feel up to it. Walking every day has helped me so much. 
Im glad you have more time off work - you need it and I realise now that I will too. Work will always be there but we haven’t stopped living on eggshells and need proper recovery time. 
I will keep you posted. Virtual hugs Mickey xx ️

Hi Mickey 

I fear I spoke too soon about the tiredness! I've felt wretched all day & I've also developed a really stiff painful neck over the last couple of days which I would have attributed to the RT but it's  also in my thumb joints & hip so Tamoxifen is the other possible culprit.   I've got some different brand Tamoxifen tablets from my second prescription so may switch to them to see if it helps.   

I have been out & about a lot over the last few days so perhaps I've just overdone it a bit.  I actually caved in & had an afternoon nap today & i have a very lazy day planned for tomorrow.

Best wishes for Monday.  

For all of the ladies just finished treatment  - be kind to yourselves & take it easy.   xx

Oh no CS82, are you feeling any better today? Neck pain is so uncomfortable, along with other pains - I feel for you. Caving and having a nap sounded like a good idea to me. I think I’m going to have to try to do that over the upcoming weeks of RT and after. 
A lazy day today sounds fabulous, I think I’ll have a short walk later and just try to do the same. Hope it helps you feel less tired. 
How long have you been on the tamoxifen again? It’s hard when you don’t know which treatment is causing what, but I guess it’s probably a combination of both. 
Thanks for your best wishes for tomorrow. 
Rest up today - more virtual hugs Mickey xx ️