radio therapy, any advice

Hi sunflower,

I found the radiotherapy to be the easiest part of the treatment. The tiredness varies from person to person, I didn't find it too bad. But if you are travelling to and from the hospital every day to have treatment, this could add to the fatigue (I was an inpatient so my main problem was boredom!).

The main thing you have to keep an eye on is your skin. Make sure not to use perfumed products for showering or anything. And be very diligent about putting on your E45 (or whatever cream they recommend) every day. From Day 1, whether your skin is red or not!

I found it more comfortable and less irritating to leave my bra off whenever I could. I also found it helped to lie on my bed topless and let cool air at the skin. And I wore cotton vests, and loose clothes to let my skin breathe. Mine just got like sunburn, so it was hot and itchy. But others have terrible problems with dryness and blistering, I think it just depends on your skin.

Hoping it goes well for you. Remember to REST.
Hugs,

Flo.

Hi Flo
Thanks for advice. I am going to stay. I am a bit fed up of the driving. The resting is driving me nuts. the head thinks you can do things and the body says no. I do listen to the body and rest. I guess it is starting anew stage again. Hope your feeling well
Sunflower

Hi Sunflower,
i did my radiotherapy in january after a mastectomy in July '10 and chemo x 8. Strangely I found the radiotherapy tough going, and felt very resentful at having to go to the hospital every day. i didn't expect to feel like this and came as a bit of a surprise!! I actually hated being in the room and apologised to the radiotherapists as I didn't want to talk to them at all. In retrospect I understand that I had to face the fact of my diagnosis and mastectomy every day, no getting away from it.
I refused to take anyone with me and would advise you take someone.
Keep up the post surgery exercises as weeks after radiotherapy the muscles and tendons start to tighten up, and this can continue long after the skin has healed.
It's different from chemo, it's not obvious to everyone that you are still in treatment, don't go it alone, and the fatigue can take you by surprise. Take all the help you need and be kind to yourself.
Hope you get on ok.
best wishes, macci.

I have one more chemo followed by 6.5 weeks of RT. I've heard that eating seeded grapes are meant to help with the stiffness that can occur with RT. Hth

Hi Lyric,

Well thats a new one! Can you actually get seeded grapes anymore? All I see these days in supermarkets are seedless ones. How times change!

Let us know how you get on if you find them.

Hugs,
Flo.

Indeed! Yes they're difficult to get as I don't see them in the supermarkets any more. I get them at farmers markets and fruit and veg shops.

Hi and thanksfor the advice. yes you can get grapes with seeds.
Macci, I can well imagine how that would happen when you get to that stage. I am going to stay in St Lukes but will get treatment in beaumount hospital. I guess i wont know how I will feel until I am there as I will be dealing with the treatment and being away from home and the family. I have been doing the exercises but thanks for letting me know what to expect. for me that is half the battle.
thanks everyone
Sunflower

use plenty of aquaceaus bp cream, but dont put anything on before going in, just aft going home. i found it a lot easier than chemo, but could not wear a bra, just a light vest and baggy t-shirts or jumpers all in cotton, without too many seams. it was awful really as i am a uniboober (modified radical left breast mascetomy). i had 7 weeks or 33 goes of it, it flies. its really only 15 mins a day but the travelling is tiring or if one of the machines broke and there was a delay not pleasant waiting.

you are nearly there, you did the chemo and this is just another step. well done.

Hi hopeful,
I am going to stay in Lukes but having treatment in beautmont. I have been v tired with chemo so with everyone advice I am well prepared for everything. I was adviced by nurse after surgery to but the crean on every day to keep arm and breast mosturized. But wont but it on before radio th. This forum is great and thank you everyone for all the tips and down to earth advice. Roll on the next 6 weeks
Sunflower

hi sunflower,

you be finishing this step this week, well done, it does fly, hope the skin held up o.k. the sunburn will fade quite quickly now that you are finished.

take care

Hi Sunflower make the most of your stay in St Lukes, the accomodation and food is great, also the dining room staff. But one of the best things is the informal group therapy with other patients, the sharing of experiences with people who are on the same journey. Family and friends at home may be supportive but there is something very healthy about the talking with others in the same place. then after 6 weeks you've had enough and it's time to move on