Feeling emotional during radiotherapy

I felt exactly the same during radiotherapy, I think because it felt like the nightmare of the last 15 months was coming to an end and in a way i was fearful about having completed everything. 

Last may was without doubt one of the worst days of my life and during surgery and chemo i thought it would never end, alll the appointments, the ups and downs and constant worry have become normal and its taken me time to adjust to not thinking about the bext course of treatment. 

Im not sure things will ever be the same,  i feel different in a way i cant explain, not just my outward appearance but in my mind and approach to every day things. 

You need to take a little time for yourself and remember how much you have gone through. Im not an expert but i thought it could be similar to ptsd, we are plunged into a shocking situation with no time to to take a breath and its only now that we can appreciate how hard that is to process. 

Best of luck. Xxx 

yes definitely!  I'm on no 3 of 15 tomorrow...I'm just exhausted by it all I think!  having to travel to another hospital  as well, because of machine issues, 2 motorways and heavy traffic for a 15 min appt isn't helping!  I do feel tearful  esp when on the table alone and petrified to move, just makes me feel vulnerable!  yet like you I also feel grateful we have access to this amazing modern treatment . we def need to recognise what we have gone through and theres no right or wrong way to feel!  it's weird cos I haven't felt this emotional through either big operation or 6 months chemo! Good luck, end is in sight, rest relax and treat yourself! I'm going to! x

Hey Love,

im newly diagnosed dcis. Yea have not had radiotherapy and am awaiting a treatment plan. I am also on maternity leave with a 5 month old baby (and a 5 year old child). I also had a bad day today and have cried at least 5 times. I just want to say that we all have these days and you’re allowed to feel these feelings. I am also a nurse who deals a lot with cancer care- you’ve really come to the best most supportive place. These ladies have definitely made me feel heard and allowed for the rants I need!!

helen 

Hello there,  I know going through cancer treatments is a real drain.  Personally the emotional toll was the hard part for me.  Thank goodness I did not need chemo as that certainly would have been very difficult as I read so many posts from women who are dealing with that hard phase of treatment.  I was petrified of doing radiation as I needed it on both breasts as had DCIS in right one and stage 1 invasive in left.  I remember lying in the table for the first time and felt overwhelmed but then I said to myself this big ole machine going round me is getting rid of those cancer cells.  Tried to stay positive but I had ups and downs too.  
My breasts did really well and OMG I had never pampered them so much.  Used Avene products and worked great.  No real redness and just occasional light rash that I put hydrocortisone cream on.  Had 16 treatments on both breasts and then a boost of 5 extra treatments on the right side.  Glad it is all done and on anastrazole now for 5 years.  I have been faithful with breast massage too.  Radiation oncologist told me to do it daily for 6 months starting 3 weeks after radiation treatments done.  My breasts are so soft just like a baby’s bottom.  
You will be finishing up soon and take it easy on yourself.  Feelings need to come out.  ️

Barbara

Hi, 

Thanks for your response and yes I think you may have a pint with the PTSD.

Wishing you all the best for your continued recovery

Hi Hev999

Thank you for your response and sorry to hear that you are feeling the same. I hope today went well and wish you all the best for the rest of your treatments and recovery

Hi MamaH thank you for your response and so sorry that you find yourself here. 

Yes, it is really important to allow ourselves the time to cry and feel sorry for ourselves.

I hope that you are ok today, it must be really tough having little ones whilst you are going through this.

Take care of yourself and all the best for your treatment. Sending hugs Xx

Hi Barbara, thank you for your response and so glad that you are through the treatment and in recovery.

Interesting about breast massage, I haven't been told that and mine would definitely appreciate the love!

Jo

I completed Radiotherapy 3 weeks ago. I had a radiation burn which is only now beginning to heal after 3 weeks of dressings. I also felt very emotional during treatment and still do now. I am still struggling with fatigue. The moisturiser really worked on top of breast.  But its still tender to touch.

Take care.

Hi there,  I actually feel that the massage has really helped me to heal.  I had a lot of zinging nerve like pain especially in right breast during and after radiation.  However since I have been doing the breast massage no more of those pains.  Yeah.  My radiation oncologist only spent a brief time telling me what to do so w went on YouTube and watched this excellent video.  Hope you can open it up.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uRlGXeOcJno

The massage is suppose to help prevent fibrosis in the breast which is a side effect.  It is nice to think that we can do something to feel better.  
Happy massage!!

Barbara