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nicole_h's avatar
nicole_h
Member
11 years ago

RADIATION OVER!!!

Hi all just thought I'd like to write about my radiation experience. I had 33 doses. 25 to the whole breast and 8 boosters to the cavity where my bc was cut out. It was delivered over 8 weeks and became tiring so after 4 weeks of driving in and out 2hr round trip I stayed at the lodge for the last 4weeks. My nurses and therapists were awesome so was the doc. I will miss them all they were that great. Just some pointers for newbies. Pure sorbaline is the best and a wet washer draws out the heat amazingly.  Salt water I found too harsh , even painful. The quartizone they give you mainly for painful or itchy areas helps when severe but as that eases stick with the sorbaline only. I've now finished my treatments after 12 long months but it feels weird.  I feel worse than I did last week. Not feeling like celebrating yet. I really want and need hair and a bra & a job before I can start to find my new normal. 

12 months is a long time for friends and family to hang in there and for that reason some have gone by the by understandably. I have made new friends who are also sick but of valuable support. Bc nurse has gone awol so im finding my own support and physio & psychologist.  Hope you are all coping with your crappy hand and trying to find a positive in every day as I am. Good luck to you all. Nicole x ♥

radiotherapy

8 Replies

  • nicole_h's avatar
    nicole_h
    Member
    11 years ago

    Well thanks everyone.  I have only just found these responses via my feed. I didn't receive any notifications.

    I thought everyone had given up on the site like me.  I actually forgot I'd even written it.

    How are you all going?  I'm still up and down. Still emotional, angry and bitter.   But I have been trying to look for positives and it does help. I actually find that putting on a brave face and pretending I'm good is better than the alternative. Hopefully this attitude will help me to move forward.  Thanks again for your support.  Hope you're doing okay today x

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Nicole, well done on getting through to the end of your treatment, you've had a rough ride this last 12 months but glad to hear you found some good support at the lodge and that you've reached out and are getting help from people like your physio and psychologist, that is a really positive step. Like the other ladies, it took me quite a while to find my new normal and to process everything (sometimes I think I'm still doing that through this forum:-)) but the further you move down the track and away from living constantly with treatment and appointments the better it gets. Hopefully things will continue to improve for you now. All the best, Jane xx 

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Nicole,

    well done you! You got there. I had to stay away from home for my whole radiation as it was 4 hours away. I found it restful apart from being away from family, however I always had  at least one support person with me. I really struggled at the end of treatment. Everyone was like YAY you did it and I was like, what the hell have I been through. It took me a while to process it all but with the help of a lovely cancer council psychologist I got there. Hang in there girl you will get there too. Be kind to yourself. 

    Hugs. 

    Paula xxx

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Nicole

    Congratulations on getting to the end of the treatment.

    It is so good to read such a positive post from you - you are getting through the hurdles despite the obstacles of rural life and friends going AWOL.

    Continue to concentrate on one happy positive thought each day and you will be amazed at how you breeze through this next phase.

    Your new normal is not far away now.  Keep up the good work.

    Hugs

    Summer  :-)

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Nicole, congrats on finishing your treatment, it must have been difficult having to do all that travelling. I know what you mean about not feeling like celebrating just yet. I remember everyone saying on my last chemo that I should celebrate, but I knew I was going to have to go through the side effects one more time. Your 'new normal' will take time to appear, just try to rest and be patient with yourself. You've come a long way and you've done really well, all the best,

    Hazel xx

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Nicole so good to hear you are well. 12 months is a long time I' coming to the end of my herceptin treatment, Friday is my last one. I think it will be strange not going in every 3 weeks but it is a positive it means I can head into some sort of new normal.

    Good luck with looking for a job., I worked during treatment and have gone back fulltime. Still struggling as I'm still very tired. 

  • Mozzie_Bear's avatar
    Mozzie_Bear
    Member
    11 years ago

    Congrats Nicole.  I don't envy you that long drive for treatment - that is tiring in itself.  I finished my radiation nearly 4 weeks ago and I'm still tired and sleeping a lot.  My skin is nearly back to normal, just a little suntan now but it feels a lot better.  The skin did get worse for about 10 days and then it peeled and now is good. Take it easy for a while if you can.  Full time work will be tough and while I am still working, I have cut back my hours to make life manageable.  Good luck and enjoy our hospital free time.  Maureen

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago

    You did it Nicole!!Congratulations:):) Now the getting back to normal starts.It won't happen overnight,so be patient with yourself.You may find that there are days that you even miss your trek to the hospital.I know after chemo I missed it for a while!! I think we feel kind of 'safe and supported' while we are in the middle of treatment,and when it stops it takes a bit of getting used to.You will get there Nicole,and I bet that this time next year you will be here regularly ,encouraging new ladies as they begin their BC experience.Keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.Cheers xoxRobyn