Mish1 It sure can be a bit of a whirlwind!
Do you know where radiation is provided near you?
At the meeting with the radiation oncologist and then the planning session (where they took measurements and gave me little blue marking dots) they checked that my arm was able to be above my head for the duration of the radiation. If the arm movement takes longer to return, they will delay the treatment until you're ready.
In the weeks before radiation, I had been making sure to moisturise the area well several times a day. I wanted to make sure the skin was at it's healthiest before radiation. During treatment although my skin changed colour and was sensitive, it didn't break. No idea if I made a difference but I'd like to think I did :)
When I told the medical team I wanted to work, I was able to get most of my appointments at 8am as the first person for the day. The process took 10 minutes, I put on more moisturiser, and then I was able to do the 30 minute trip to work getting in pretty much on 9am.
Once a week I also had a chat with a nurse to discuss how the treatment was affecting me and my skin. On those days I got to work a bit late but I had been given a printed schedule which I was able to give my boss who was very understanding.
I was working part time in a physical, outdoor job, so I was on lighter duties and did have some days off when I only had to go to radiation and spent the rest of the day at home which helped distribute my energy to the other days. I found sleep very useful.
I had read about deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) for people with radiation on the left breast, but they wanted me to do it for my right breast. They said that there was new research suggestion that if the person is able to do DIBH then it can be useful for either. They let me practice with the machine and explained that the machine will only zap me when I'm holding my breath at the right capacity. I felt a bit anxious at first but after a few sessions it got easier.
I was still a bit tired for a few weeks after radiation finished. I kept working, slowly built up what duties I did, and I was cautious about doing much else outside of work that wasn't necessary.
The medical team will no doubt give you lots of helpful information. They do this every day and know the tips and tricks.
I was told to make sure I'm eating lots of protein and drinking lots of water.
And no question will be too small or strange for the team - if you notice something or don't understand something then there will be a person who can help.
All the best with your surgery recovery.
