Radiation

Firstly let me welcome you to the site.  I hear your concerns.  The first time I was heading off for radiation treatment (8 hours drive and 7 weeks away from home) I felt so terrified.  This was in December 2006.  I had experienced surgery, pain, illness before in my life but this was something "unknown".  My surgeon at the time said to view the whole experience as an extended holiday.  As I had never had one of these I thought "Why not".  I did arm myself with loads of info from "someone who had gone before me".  Then when I had to return to Brisbane for a second round of radiation in Feb 2011, I felt okay with it all.  Yes second time around I was warned that I was at high risk of lymphodema as they were radiating the same area again.  I too had radiation to my neck and all of my left shoulder.  It is quite funny-  whenever I have a massage with a new service provider they are astounded with my left shoulder.  Not sure what they mean "Holy hell your left shoulder is a mess".  I figure it still works okay so that's alright.  It must be that all the muscle is "mutilated" or stiff or whatever who knows.  Yes I did prove them wrong with the lymphodema - for a while.  I now suffer with mild lymphodema - and I manage it.  Right from the beginning I have had regular lymphatic drainage massages - to keep "it" at bay.  Now I manage the problem with regular self massages, compression sleeve and more regular lymphatic drainage massages.  It can be a nuisance with fitting clothes etc.  There are people worst off than myself so I am grateful that I can manage it.  If I feel self conscious then I just camoflauge the arm with my compression sleeve and long sleeved clothes.  What helped me through radiation therapy was : taking really good care of myself through diet, moisturising, rest and saying NO to whatever and whoever when I got tired.  Wearing only cotton clothing whilst having radiation therapy and until the "burns" heal will make your life much more bearable.  Each day I put a smile on my face, some nice colourful clothes and a bright lipstick before heading off to the clinic.  It made me feel good and I like to think that I brightened up someone else's day as well.  Take care and before you know it - finished!!!!!!   Yah!!!XLeonie