Forum Discussion

NaturalBel's avatar
12 years ago

After the 6 weeks of Radiation

Just a quick message to anyone who is around 47, and just had a tumour removal and about 15 nodes removed for BC.  So far, touch wood, my experience with Radiation hasnt been too bad at all.  For 5 weeks they Radiated the entire breast and under arm.  I had only mild itch that caused me to use Dermaid cream for sensitive skin only on 2 occasions.  Yes its red, but I recall sunburn in my youth that gave me more grief and pain.  So far, the breast is same size, nipple and breast red, a bit tender.  The last week of treatment they only Radiate the square around the tumour site.  My scars are tidy, and there isnt any sign of lymphoedema at all.  I still wear an arm compression bandage daily as a preventative.  Also I havent returned to work, I have learnt to use my left arm more often, I dont do anything I shouldnt with my right eg, no carrying groceries with right arm, etc.  I still rest when I need to - only do necessary house work, and do my pilates stretches, or walks, on 5 days a week.  Drink lots of water, taking fish oil now also.  I have been fortunate and I wonder if it was because I had nothing wrong with me prior to getting cancer, or the fact that I dont take any tablets.  I eat healthy, and fairly stress free at the mo.  I say all this with a kind heart so all the people starting radiation aren't  too scared by the ladies who have had it tough.  Fingers crossed - I just think its all based on a bit of random luck. xx Bel

6 Replies

  • Hello Belinda,

     it was nice to catch up with you, and also with Helen.

     Fingers crossed for you.

     All the best.   Kathy. OOXX

  • Hello Belinda,

     it was nice to catch up with you, and also with Helen.

     Fingers crossed for you.

     All the best.   Kathy. OOXX

  • I asked my doctor to guess my prognosis, and he used a website to predict my %.  I hadnt realised that by having chemo and radiation only increases survival by an extra 10%, so now I have an 80% chance on average, of survival between 5 to 10 years.  He said after the 10, if you havent had an issue, its highly unlikely after that it returns.  I dont really care too much for statistics because there is only one me, and well I kinda think that focusing on thats such a waste of time.  No crystal balls hey!  I was pleased to hear it doesnt make a difference that Ive got triple negative, its all about finding it in time that counts.  For me, on the other side of the family there is ovarian cancer, so I guess that monitoring both ends is important for me.  Thank you for your messages, I really appreciate the feelback.  I am starting to get really happy about my situation now.... Bel

  • I asked my doctor to guess my prognosis, and he used a website to predict my %.  I hadnt realised that by having chemo and radiation only increases survival by an extra 10%, so now I have an 80% chance on average, of survival between 5 to 10 years.  He said after the 10, if you havent had an issue, its highly unlikely after that it returns.  I dont really care too much for statistics because there is only one me, and well I kinda think that focusing on thats such a waste of time.  No crystal balls hey!  I was pleased to hear it doesnt make a difference that Ive got triple negative, its all about finding it in time that counts.  For me, on the other side of the family there is ovarian cancer, so I guess that monitoring both ends is important for me.  Thank you for your messages, I really appreciate the feelback.  I am starting to get really happy about my situation now.... Bel

  • I have been following your blog through your journey because you are almost the same as me in the timing and treatment during your journey. I am also 47 but had to have a masectomy and not just the lumpectomy. I am also triple negative and 8/25 through radiation. I however have 3 kids and have continued to work but have had a relative trouble free journey. Good luck for the future Sue
  • Great to see you are nearly finished with your treatment. It is such a relief to have it all over. Another few months and you won't believe how much better you feel.  I think you're right about the luck part. I've been pretty lucky with all my treatments but I suppose on the other hand I guess we've all been unlucky to get the dreaded BC in the first place. Hopefully we come out the other side of this experience stronger and wiser. Take care, Janet :)