Radiation and how you felt

Dear Bel,

I had been struggling with a hectic lifestyle, all because of a silly business. In May 2011, I was diagnosed with a 20mm ductal carcinoma with a Her2+ receptor on it,  had chemo at 3 weekly intervals and took "slippery elm powder" orally  to get through the chemo effects of ACDC, then coped with damage to my organs due to chemotoxicity, when prescribed the combination of docataxel and a targeted therapy drug Herceptin. Radiotherapy took  a toll because it was constant for 6weeks & the daily comings and goings is what tired me.So expect to take some time off to recover partway through. I worked casual, work part-time but don't over do it, or you may pay for it later. Your hubby's routine may have to change several times, your survival needs matter, so think of what you need.The diagnoses, treatment and everything has to change. The diagnosis has an effect on everybody you know. Trust yourself, you are the person to co-manage it, speak-up about it, and your needs, as best as you can, balance that with restful moments. Reflect on your life experience when you can, you may, or may not, know of people who expect far too much, and have leaned on you or been unsupportive for a time. Whereby, you may have felt annoyed about it, and for a longwhile, but you buried the thought and it happened to manifest in your breast region, in an area where our sexuality, our right to nuture oursel, andability to re, may be intersecting), and you secretly knew that something must change, or that something else had to give, because things could not keep going this way for you, the turning of any tide takes place individually and collectively with every little ripple. Something had to stop, so that life may be breathed into a healing space, to review how patterns of nurturing have changed within our lives, and our world.

All the best on your nuturing nature journey,

hugs from a fellow space traveller on the journey,

Alison

Hi Bel,

So sorry that you are on this road, but sounds that you are nearing the end of chemo and onto radiation.

I too am Triple Negative and right handed. I had a lumpectomy april 2012 with good margins and the 4 nodes removed were clear.

Then onto Chemo of 3 x FEC and 3 x Tax during which I was unable to work because of the nature of my job. I am a Food Processor/Packer on a fast conveyor line and it would have been a problem for me to walk away from the line if I needed the loo or felt I needed a little break because there was nobody to take my place on the line.  Also the constant moving of the line made my tummy and head feel really queer :(
I was off work for 5mths, I thank God each day that I had Income Protection through my super fund.

After a month off I moved on to 6 weeks of radiation. I am happy to say that once the toxic (chemo) was not going in I felt better and stronger by the day. At the same time I started back at work (no light duties), which involves standing 5hrs a day on the fast lines or operating the machines for the first month back then I switched to the normal 8hrs plus a day. Did I mention I am turning 60 in July :) My hair and eyelashes grew back, taste buds came back and for me it was so easy going back. I was fortunate to have the radiation in the morning and still have time to have a nap if I needed one (I often napped just to look after myself) before starting my Arvo shift (3:15 - 11:15).

I too was fearful of the radiation but for me the worst part was having to lie with my hands above my head. For some unknown reason my elbow and wrist would cramp up and if you move you mess up all the settings for the radiation and they have to start again so I dreaded getting into that position. But I got through the 33 zaps by simply talking and singing to God as I waited for the zap to finish and for them to come back in and move the machine so I could get my arms down.  They were very, very sympathetic and we tried all things to stop the cramping with pillows, etc.  As far as creams are concerned all I used was the special sorbolene they gave me. I put it on 3 times a day and then before bed and it worked for me.  Near the end when they did 5 boosts over the scar I did get a little redder and the skin broke in one part, but they showed me how to dress it and that too cleared up.

I wish you well with the rest of your treatment and as you prepare to go back into the workplace, each of us are so different and you will only find out if you can work by trying it. You may be pleasantly surprised or you may have to make some adjustments.  Know that you and all the people on the board are in my daily prayers.  Feel free to ask any questions I may not have answered.

Take care, Ann

I have downloaded the information provided and sent it to family to key them into what is next for me.  We have just recieved the dreaded Insurance forms again and they ask my Dr to predict my medical outcome and ask when I will be ready to go back to work.  This has been quite confronting for me,  although it shouldnt be.  I havent been at work since this happened, and having my 7th Chemo hit next week.  My job was quite physical and also, I serve sick people all the time.  Once upon a time in Pharmacy, there were plenty of staff and we shared the roles of merchandising, dusting shelves, re-arranging shelving, shifting stock, climbing ladders for poster ever time there is a catalogue and restocking shelves.   I was doing it by myself, 90% of the time.   I am right handed and it is my right arm that has been effected, my underarm has been a constant reminder that I had surgery.  Where I work there was just me for the majority of the time cleaning and moving and stocking the entire store, and the high school girls come in at the end of the day and do the light duties, such as sweep floor or remove packets from the webster charts.  So the last few days I have stressed out about what my boss must be thinking now I will be relatively unable to do the majority of what I was doing.  The other mature women just ordered stock and served customers, I was stilll kneeling on the floors dusting!  One day a week I sat at a desk and did the Webster Packs (putting tablets into containers), and I stood and did some computer work, analysing dead stock and printing out signs.  I have wondered about work and when I will be able to go back, and if they will want me back!  Bel

Hi Bel,

I thought I would jump on here quickly and point you towards the information we have on our radiotherapy page, which contains skin care tips from health professionals and other women. Also, a couple of years ago we did a survey of women to find out about their experiences with radiotherapy. Many women talked about the different issues they faced, so may find the report interesting.

Good luck Bel

~ Annie

Hi Bel,

I thought I would jump on here quickly and point you towards the information we have on our radiotherapy page, which contains skin care tips from health professionals and other women. Also, a couple of years ago we did a survey of women to find out about their experiences with radiotherapy. Many women talked about the different issues they faced, so may find the report interesting.

Good luck Bel

~ Annie