Radiation and how you felt

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