preparing for and going through radiotherapy

I've undergone two lots of radiotherapy 20 sessions each time in the last 9 months.I was constantly tired and no energy and some days felt very itchy.And my anxiety went thru the roof and there were days when my breathing was worse.But at this moment in time but for my breathless worse on some days, but manageable on others.Im still here and trying to stay focused and positive.Wishing you all the best for your journey.

I've just showered and washed as normal,but didn't wear deodorant during treatment,and for couple weeks after I finished.Sorry missed this off my reply and didn't know how to edit it.

thank you hoping your good days increase and the bad days soon become a distant memory x 

Hi SH1

I finished 5 days radiotherapy a month ago. I only had a little bit of pinkness and slight sensitivity but that’s all gone. I used Aveeno a couple of times a day and used my usual shower gels and deodorants but was gentle pat drying the area after showers initially just to be careful. I was advised not to shave during treatment but did once finished, no problem. In terms of fatigue, after two weeks I had a couple of days when I fell asleep after work and slept through until the morning but after that no issues. My oncologist wrote in my radiotherapy plan that there were no restrictions on any activities. I started Tamoxifen about a month before radio and haven’t had any major issues from that. I have been running and going to the gym throughout and think physical activity definitely helps. I know I’ve been fortunate but think it’s important to share positive experiences.

Hope everything goes well for you too. x 

I had 15 sessions that ended 9 August .I also used Aveeno and have had no problems ,plus just showered with usual gentle shower gel and didn't use any deodorant while treatment was ongoing .I then started having a quick spray of bionsen aluminium free deodorant. We went on a family holiday 11 August so any tiredness I just thought was partly down to all the extra walking and activities. Yesterday ,I did my first aquafit class for a year and it felt really good .I had mastectomy and diep reconstruction 22 April,and the surgery was so amazing nobody would notice anything when wearing my swimsuit -but I did love my flat tum ! I thought maybe the chlorine could react on the skin area that was treated in RT but is OK this morning so far .

thank you really good to hear the positive - I'm keeping my fingers crossed. good luck with your journey too x 

thank you very helpful! we had a family weekend away booked (20 people) the day finish radiotherapy .. leaving it till the last minute to decide ..!

Hi SH1 , I had 15 sessions back in 2019 when that was standard. I didn’t use deodorant on that side during rads, then afterwards I used Pitrock roll on. I now use a refillable Salt of the Earth one. During rads I was very careful when washing, just using very mild shower gel with no ‘nasties’ from the health food shop. And just gently patted dry, no rubbing. I moisturised with Aveeno mainly, also aloe Vera gel but I found that a bit tacky. I think I was doing 3 times a day. I was told by the rads team to make sure that it was at least 2 hours before the session to allow it to absorb fully. 
I didn’t swim for a few months as I had a bit of a skin reaction so I think you have to play that one by ear, see how it’s going. I walked every day, even if it was in the dark as it was winter. It’s said that exercise helps with any fatigue. The walking definitely helped my sanity and still does! 
Also drink lots of water! Apparently it’s important to keep hydrated. 
Re hormone treatment, I had already started Anastrozole a few weeks before rads. 
I haven’t heard of the melon and coconut water for fatigue but probably good anyway?!

Good luck with it all, love and hugs, HFxx

Thank you very much x  that’s really helpful info.. 

Hiya... I've just had my tenth session and got 5 more to go and it's been much better than I expected!

I was given Flamigel and use it 3 times a day... My skin is fair so expected a reaction so very suprised it's just a little pink but not sore or itchy.

I use simple products, no deodorant and my armpit hair is frightened to come out so no need for shavng yet!

I started taking letrozol in May and have serious hot flushes but they have not been made worse with the radiotherapy.

I have been unbelievably tired but I've mobility issues so do think exercise must help. I also feel less tired after days when I've drank lots of water.

Hope this helps and good luck.... I definately felt better mentally once the sessions started xx