Preparing for radiotherapy

Yes I hope so, every year brings new traumas and highs. To be in the feeling world we have to be open to all experiences. Xxxxxx

Hi, I'm also due to start radiotherapy soon.  I have my first telephone appointment with my oncologist on Friday and take a lot of comfort from the posts on this site during these very uncertain times.  I hope everything goes well for you ️

You too, I feel like I'm in a trance sometime. It's the waiting game. The day before is the worst. Life on hold. Xxx

I know what you mean. I spend most of my time as if it's happening to someone else but the day before an appointment the reality kicks in.  Meanwhile it's hard to make any plans because I don't know how the treatment plan will go. Hopefully not for much longer ️

Hello Luna1,  Well you are getting near the end of your treatment if you are getting ready for radiation.  I don’t know if you will be on aromatase inhibitors but that is ongoing usually for 5 years if estrogen positive tumor.  
Don’t worry about your age.  I had radiation to both breasts last year at 73.  I was worried as my skin is very sensitive and I have a history of eczema too.  Thought I would be all red like a lobster.  I had 3 weeks radiation to both breasts and a boost of 5 to the right breast.  I did start moisturizing my skin for about a week before my treatment began as I wanted my skin to be well hydrated and the skin barrier strong.  I used Avene products as their products as for sensitive and reactive skin which is me.  The products did not disappoint.  
In the shower I did not face the water stream as didn’t want that water pounding on my breasts so stood with my back against the water and it was soothing that way.  No washcloth on breasts either just use your hands.  When my skin was still moist after the shower I used my moisturizer.  Works better that way.  
Breath holding was not bad and I had practiced before treatment’s started.  Saw video on YouTube and it was helpful.
Another thing I have been doing is daily breast massage since 3 weeks post radiation.  Got the ok from radiation oncologist and he said it was a good idea.  I have sent you the link so you can see how it is done.  Easy peasy!!  Here it is 

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

I was told at my 6 month checkup with radiation to keep it up for 6 more months so it will be a total of a year of boobie massage.  They never had such attention!!

My skin tolerance was excellent throughout radiation and did have sore nipples and occasional itch.  Itch was relieved with hydrocortisone.  Also did notice that I had zinging type discomfort mostly in my right breast quite often but did not need any medication.  It would zing and then go away.  I think it was because the surgery in right breast was done in February 2022 and left breast was 11/21.  Surgery was not as healed.  Interesting thing though once I started breast massage zingers went away.  So happy.  

Well sorry for being so long winded but did well snd wanted to share.  Also walked daily and did not feel fatigued.  Best advice is moisturize and be kind to yourself.  If you’re tired rest.  We all respond differently but we older gals are tough too.  Evajean said it all so well.  
Take it easy.  
Barbara

Hi I like this reply, esp that your boobs are getting more attention. Massage after radiotherapy and total node removal is a little complicated. I watched the YouTube video and it doesn't seem to take that into account. I will do it and ask them what they advise. 

Thank you, ever hopeful of course. Xxx 

Hi there, I think I’m just slightly behind you on my stumble through diagnosis and treatment,  I’m getting results of my Prosigna test next Friday to determine treatment plan.  It’ll be chemo then rads or hormone and rads.  Lump found late October last year, then a bit of faffing around getting things moving.  Op on 12th January, lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node.  All good, 13mm tumour, no node involvement, stage 1 and grade 2.  Had a big blip in the beginning as originally diagnosed triple negative, but post op pathology showed low but not negative so now eligible for Prosigna testing and prognosis better.  I’m 64 and not ready to write myself off yet.  My biggest goil is to be healthy enough to return to Sri Lanka for a lovely yoga retreat.    Got to dream big! Any tests or treatments, I remove myself mentally from the scene and picture that instead! 

I'm doing Kyle Gray mantra meditation to forget and programme positivity. We went to Maldives last March, a long way to go for 1 week. The memory of it though, snorkeling with such exotic fish in thwarm sea. The view sitting on our sun loungers in the shade.  Not sure if I'll be brave enough to go that far again. The total node and risk of lymphoedema scares me.

I got bitten on the same shoulder many years ago by a giant insect in South France. The pain happened within days and moving the arm and sleeping became difficult. Maybe I'll change my mind once through this. Xxxxxx

It’s all the little things help, must look him up and try…meditation tricky as I’ve such a monkey mind recently.  Oooh Maldives, we went there for my 50th…idyllic x. 

im ginger, my skin never sees daylight, also keeps pesky beasties off!   I’m being extra careful just now…factor 50 and thermals, winter in Spain x

every day is a mission to stay positive but slowly slowly getting there xxx

Hi Sabrina, thank you for the advice and encouragement! im 82 years old and was surprised they offered me treatment but said im healthy enough they believe I should do it, love and strength xxxx