I guess I'm lucky...

Hi Lyn

I was 51 when diagnosed and really didn't have much choice about which operation to have, the words large and aggressive stood out in my mind. Mastectomy was recommended right from the start, Followed by Chemo and question mark on Radiotherapy.

In the end it was recommended and I am of the view I will participate in maximum treatment to try and keep this thing from coming back. 32 treatments on the chest wall where my breast used to be. The first 3 weeks were fine. Slight skin tanning effect and a bit itchy at times. Tiring, but not too bad, loss of appetite. Make sure you use the creams the nurses recommend. The second 3 weeks were worse when the burns got quite severe but bearable, again using the right cream regularly is important.

The most uncomfortable bit was the Solugel covered by glad wrap and having to redress the wound a couple of times a day. Looks a bit scary but isn't all that painful. The skin heals pretty quickly after the treatment is finished.

After the initial relief that treatment is over,it does take some adjustment to all of a sudden get out of routine and figure out what comes next. Treatment is no fun but there is a level of comfort seeing the same people and connecting with them each day and while you never look forward to it you do actually feel like somethig positive is happening no matter how tired and sore you feel. People who work in this kind of healthcare tend to be very caring and professional and do make you feel good about it especially when counting down to the end.

I also found that there were invariably people who where clearly in a far worse position than me as I could at least drive myself and hobble in and out each day. I saw many who had to come via ambulance transport who were still able to offer me an encouraging smile each day. It is kind of a unspoken pact that everyone is watching out for each other and wishes everyone a positive outcome.

I wish you all the best for your treatment, I used to cross them of each day and you will be amazed how quickly the time goes.

Good luck! Please let ms know how you go

Kind regards

Kay