@arpie might be able to recommend as she’s in the same area I think

Thanks Romla,
Good advice. I do feel a bit grotty, like I'm coming down with something (but I may just be coming down with something :neutral: ) I did go with the public system for everything. Public medical oncology was the only disappointment. See my previous comment in 'Newbie'. I am considering finding a private medical oncologist if I continue to feel that the public ones in my regional hospital are just too busy to read my pathology, or test results or any other important information before or at my appointments. A minute and a half vague  'chat' after an hour and a half wait in the waiting room is not confidence inspiring, and I get a different intern each time. No individualised or tailored plan. Very generic - I'm on a cancer conveyor belt. Quote: " We treat 20 to save 1". It's a numbers game to them, and I'm just a statistic. Any recommendations on NSW Central Coast? It may be worth going to Sydney.

Oops forgot. You will probably find UV might be a little uncomfortable for a while even through clothing. Be cautious with the sun. Whilst my radiotherapy was in autumn we went to Cairns a fortnight later - I was still creaming up but even with a rashie was reluctant to spend time in the sun as it activated it a bit.

I had minimal problems despite being a very fair skinned redhead . I had 16 rounds 3 years ago after lumpectomy.

PS Best emollient I found was calendula  cream supplied at treatment centre as did other patients - always ran out , plenty of Sorbolene largely untouched however.

I too went private for radiation as probably in shock at the time  and unaware public/private no different.Parking was problematical as cityfringe locale. I would go public with hindsight as substantial out of pockets not warranted imo.

Re fatigue it does hit like a truck at the end I found.I was ok during treatment but after it ended very exhausted for a few days. Only issue during treatment was need for repeated creaming up with a good emollient - I used Dermaveen and was fine. Was easier to do as I bought frontopening post op bras from Target just pretty grubby by the end.

I was a teacher and would flag caution for a few days after treatment ends - maybe anticipate strong fatigue at that time and make arrangements now accordingly - possibly even alerting your school.

I had the last of 16 radiation appointments yesterday. For anyone about to go down that path, I can report that the breath holding was not difficult and the technicians were very kind and gentle. I saw a lot of different technicians over the four weeks. They work in pairs. The treatment is non-invasive and painless. I kept up the QV moisturiser. The nurse put an ointment on my nipple (probably cortisone) a few days ago. That helped reduce redness and irritation. The skin high up on my chest is red and a bit itchy. Nothing drastic. No broken skin. I am to continue the moisturising for at least two weeks and I have to watch out for edema. I'm glad that's over and hope never to repeat the experience. The next step is endocrine therapy and regular monitoring. I'll see the oncologist in two weeks and the surgeon in May. My next radiation oncologist appointment is in a year. Here's hoping my Survivor Ship is a leak-proof vessel. (Bad joke, sorry) :blush:

@Mahaica could I ask which state you are in? I have been given the same initial quote but didn’t realize you could bargain with them. It may be too late now but how did you get them to come down in price?

@BewilderedButHopeful So happy to hear your good news & that you are being well looked after. I couldnt fault my care in the private system. i even cried on my last day as I was sad to leave them & their care....go figure!! We had all become friends over the 3 weeks i was there. Keep up the positivity & take care of yourself. xx

p.s. Gold Star to the public health radiation staff. So kind and efficient. I feel very well cared for.

Hi Anne65 and other kind friends,
I just completed treatment number 4 this morning. No skin issues so far. Sore around the fresh incision/lumpectomy site and occasional tweeks of pain there too. My glands under both arms are firing - so my immune system is fighting the radiation. I was told that's why we get fatigued. The poor immune system is doing its job but will eventually be defeated by the radiation. Then it needs to recover. I am playing it by ear re fatigue. I'm back to work next week (another teacher!) and have booked my appointments after work. I hope I can work through it, but will take time off if need be. x

@BewilderedButHopeful Hope all is going well with your rad treatment & your skin ...& you...are holding up!! You are probably half way through by now so that must be a great feeling. Dont forget that the rad peaks around 2-3 weeks AFTER you finish your treatment so keep your skin covered & the moisturiser flowing until then. 
In relation to the Mepitel, if you live in a humid area then Mepitel is not recommended as the sweat can cause it to bubble & peel off. Fingers crossed your symptoms arent too bad & the creams can do the trick! take care xx