Forum Discussion
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 :)
