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

Hi MickeyM 

Best of luck with the rt today. I hope the sessions run smoothly. Keep hydrating and moisturising. 

Rest up too. I am surprised at how tired I feel, even though I knew it was a possibility.

Take care xx

Hi Mickey 

I hope your first session today went well?

I had a fairly lazy day yesterday with just a short walk & I feel much better today, so much so that I ventured back to a body pump class at the gym this morning & a longer walk this afternoon in the lovely sun.  I need to get my activity levels back up prior to returning to work.

I've also been persuaded to join a choir run by our local breast cancer support group & the first session is tonight.  Apparently singing has been shown to help prevent cancer recurrence.   I've met some nice ladies through the group so I think we'll have a giggle if nothing else.

Let us know how you’re getting on.  xx

Hi daiquiri, thank you for thinking of me. All went ok - a bit of waiting around. Got given conflicting advice again about creams and was told to just use E45. I’m sticking with what I’ve got. The area was much larger than I thought even from the planning session. Chest wall and reconstructed breast, but I was told to gel/cream all the way around my right side as well as practically whole area from my neck to tummy and across part of my left breast (in which case, I’ll be doing it all just incase ). I could feel some tingling and warmth, best I can describe it, but no pain. 
Pint of water in hand and I’ll make sure I rest plenty. 
I hope your tiredness eases soon. Any further changes to your skin yet?

take care too - hugs Mickey xx ️

Hi CS82, Thank you for thinking of me. As I just said to daiquiri, the area was larger than I thought even from planning, but it went ok thank you. No redness yet, but obviously not really expecting  any yet. 

They must be really busy as I was asked at the planning session what time of day I would like and I said late afternoon. The radiographer checked with me today that that was still the case and I confirmed (adding if possible). Pleased I added that as I was given the apts just for this week and the only afternoon one is tomorrow - the other three are 10.30 and then two at 8.50. I tried really hard not to laugh out loud, but I think the giggle did come out . 

I’m glad you have felt better today and I am really jealous that you got to a pump class. I can’t wait to get back to the gym. Like you, I feel I need to boost my fitness before returning to work. Oh wow, I never knew that - I can’t see myself singing in a choir, but perhaps I can start driving everyone mad by just singing ….   Glad you’ve met some nice ladies and a giggle is always good to raise the spirits. Enjoy your session tonight.

hope your skin is still ok. 

virtual hugs Mickey xx️ 

Hi

Glad your first session went well. I asked the radiographer to show the area covered by the rt and she drew a faint dotted line around the area which helped with the moisuriser

My skin is not too bad although I've had a very itchy nipple and a few stabbing pains today.. Friday will be 14 days from rt finishing but I'll keep up with the moisturiser until things really settle down.

After each session I had to check the time for the next day and most changed by 30 mins or so. So fingers crossed that you get some in the afternoon.

Take care xx

Hi Mickey 

Glad session 1 went OK for you.  Shame about the timings.  I found when I went earlier in the day I had longer delays than the late afternoon/early evening ones so fingers crossed you don't have the same problem.  I much preferred going late afternoon/early evening as it was quieter & parking much easier.

I was generous with the area I  used the Flamigel on  & did find the rash spread across to the other side towards the end.   Skin has pretty much settled now.  My nipple was very sore & scabbed a bit at one point & I went braless for the majority of the time to avoid friction.  It's a weird sensation  - I described it as an inner glow after a few sessions.  Pleased to report it's all feeling much more normal now & any tenderness has pretty much gone.

Good luck for the rest of the week. xx

Morning Daiquiri, thanks for the feedback. The radiographer who saw me pre-session said she draw dots, but the one who ended my session just  gave me verbal instructions (not particularly helpful). 

I suppose we forget how sensitive the nipple is. I must admit that I keep wondering how my thin layer of tummy skin over the area will hold out. Guess I’ll find out. I’m glad your skin isn’t too bad and that you’re sticking with the moisturising. 

Wow those two weeks have flown for me, but I guess not for you. I’m expecting these three weeks of RT to drag even with all the rushing around.  Early days for me, only one session down, but so far my skin is ok and only real obvious side effect is the feeling of being hungover and dry mouth. Don’t we just love a non-alcohol induced hangover . 

I’ll keep you posted re timings. 

Apologies if I remembered wrong, but I think you’re back at with tomorrow, if so - rest up and enjoy the sunshine today. Xx️

Morning, thanks for the info, I guess it all depends how busy the hospital is. I’ll keep you posted. 

How was the choir singing session? 

I did buy some of the M&S sleep bras that daiquiri suggested, but the band underneath is quite tight fitting. I guess it has to be to offer the support and so I’m thinking if I do get a reaction, I will probably go braless too. I hope your nipple is settling down now and I’m hoping my layer of tummy skin isn’t too badly impacted. 

Interesting to hear you talk about the inner glow feeling. I’m really pleased it’s al settling down just over two weeks later. Good to know, thank you. Are you still using the flamigel now abs dud you get through much more? Xx️

Hi MickeyM 

Yes, I'm in work weds,Thurs, Friday. In theory short days but in practice not always.

Still I'm on holiday in Norfolk next week, near the coast. So really looking forward to that.

I'm making the most of the sunshine today. Make sure that you do too xx

Hi LalaLou, 

Just wanted to see how you are whether you’re exhaustion is subsiding yet? 

Virtual hugs Mickey xx️