Forum Discussion

michelina's avatar
michelina
Member
10 years ago

Radiation treatment

After having a mastectomy in November last year I am now at the point of having Radiation for 6 weeks. Everyday  for about 20 minutes I have to show up at the clinic and have xrays to burn off any rogue cancer cells. The clinic made a kind of bean bag for me to lie in every time, so that I would be in the same position......then some tattoos on my  chest and then measurements........all this has to be done in exactly the same spot everyday......

 

After just 2 days I have noticed my chest skin becoming more pink.....I hope that doesn't mean I am going to react to it poorly?  Plus the weather is taking its toll on me, so hot, so humid.............today especially is a scorcher..

 

My family has been supportive.......but 6 weeks is a long time not in your own bed.........I'm lucky in a way they are so close to the clinic and it takes me only around 45 minutes to go and come back.......As opposed to my  own home which is much further away from the nearest  treatment clinic. 

I have been keeping myself busy with the mandala calender, colouring with my 7 year old niece. Also thankful for all this new technology which means I can skype my husband every night............its good to know there are programs out there that look after that kind of communication..............

All the booklets and brochures are greatly appreciated, giving cancer patients an inside look on everything about cancer. 

Too hot to chat now. Take care and stay cool.........

 

 

 

 

 

radiotherapy

5 Replies

  • Vietjennie's avatar
    Vietjennie
    Member
    10 years ago

    Get out the moo goo. It works a treat. I used to take it to radiotherapy with me and lather it on immediately after treatment. It just felt really good to do that. I finished up 4 weeks of radiotherapy about two and half weeks ago. I have some mild peeling and discolouration but nothing too major. Amazing how my radiated breast is still very warm to touch. I'm a bit fatigued still but I get by doing most things, just much slower than before. All the best with your treatments.

  • maryroset1's avatar
    maryroset1
    Member
    10 years ago

    I feel for you. I am lucky i live a park away from my radio tratment and really enjoyed walks through the park walking track each day.

    Hate to say it but my skin turned pink within a few treatments also. I had to have a break at treatment 23 because i burnt badly. Not painful but uncomfortable. If you are on the larger side there is no avoiding it. Does heal real quick though. 12 months later the skin is slightly tanned and different texture.

    Use moo goo it is so soothing and feels fantastic on the skin.

    Hope it goes well.

    Maryrose 

  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Cashalina, 

    oh the bliss of lying here with a cold wet washer on my chest! I'm halfway thru 6 weeks of radiation, first half has been a breeze, skin pink but nothing else. Just starting to feel heavy & achy the last couple of days, so finding the wet cloths and Panadol really helpful.  Have heard some ladies talk about silicone dressings, say they help protect skin but not sure every centre has them.

    Good luck with your radiation, moisturise.....moisturise.......moi..  xXx

  • nonplussed's avatar
    nonplussed
    Member
    10 years ago

    It's hard, Cashalina, isn't it, being a long way away from home when undergoing treatment.  My treatment was a really lonely process so I made some special treats to nurture myself and to try to see it as an adventure (some days possible, some days not!)

    A walk in the beautiful park near Peter Mac, a 'lash out' hot chocolate at a nearby café, and made a few new friends who were having treatment around the same time as myself.

    A midwife friend suggested cabbage leaves for my poor little radiated boob, and they were wonderful - cold, organic cabbage leaves kept in the fridge and applied straight on the chest.

    Best, Nonplussed

  • Marlee's avatar
    Marlee
    Member
    10 years ago

    I am a week post bilateral mastectomy and will be starting radiation in Feb (sometime)

    isnt technology wonderful

    Hopefully the nurses can help with your skin. When I read stories like yours I feel very lucky to live only 20mibs from treatment 

    This heat sucks !!!!

    Hugs to you as you continue your treatment