Forum Discussion

Ulli's avatar
Ulli
Member
7 years ago

Exercise

hello all, 
i started my 5 week course of radiation for breast cancer yesterday, and would like to try and continue my regular walking program during this time if it’s possible. I’d like to hear of others experiences of fatigue, and what it might be realistic to expect to be able to do.
I’m also have a small problem finding the right bra to wear for walking- I have had breast conserving surgery, and thus have one breast smaller then the other, and don’t want the wound site on my affected breast to rub when walking.... I wondered about using the wool sold to prevent blisters in my bra ..... sounds a bit funny, but I have tried soft muslin and it still rubs...  but I would love to hear from others about how they have managed this....thank you, and I wish you all well on your individual journeys. 
Ulli
  • I’d say minimum 3 times creaming , more if you need it - and I did in cairns on holiday as uv/ heat seemed to activate things.I did not know about Moo Goo and used Dermaveen which is colloidal oatmeal which worked fine. I really liked the Calendula supplied by the Radiotherapy centre as did everyone else as always running out in the change rooms.I used Q.V. cream in Cairns when I ran out . Cetaphil I noticed replaced sorbolene in my last few days of radiotherapy in the change rooms.PS Calendula is worth reading about on the Herbs app / mskcc website as it gets a very good rap for radiation burns.
  • Have a look at Braza Australia. They have an online presence as well as a place in Nunawading, Victoria.  They have all different kinds of inserts that may help. I was looking for some chicken fillets to pop in the right side to help prop up my smaller breast. It's worked and is really comfy. You may find something there that will work for you.
  • Thanks everyone; 3 treatments down, 22 to go! I am grateful for all your advice. I found some interesting info supporting the use of Mepilex from a trial done in NZ. I’m off to look for an ah bra now. 
    Best wishes Sister (Adelaide Hills) for your treatment starting this week. 
  • Thanks @Ulli.  Hopefully, they don't lose me this time!
  • Thinking of you @Sister happy to advise if you need it.How long is yours ? And is it public ?
  • Had 25 treatments. Yes I did get fatigued towards the end and after treatment.  Wore soft crop top bras which did up at the back like a bra from Target.  Dressings were thankfully provided .  Thought I was doing well but towards the end of treatments and after, the burns were uncomfortable.  Continued going back to have dressings changed for a week to ten days after treatments had finished.   I used QV lotion to use in the shower and two moisturising QV creams on the treated area and my arm. Good luck on your journey. 
  • I have 3 more treatments to go -15 in total. I used pure sorbeline cream twice a day at least - sometimes 3. If my treatment was in the morning I applied the cream in change room before leaving. I tried to do a 5km walk each day of treatment, often used public transport so incorporated the walk into treatment regime. I also used the soft crop top type bras from bonds, bought the largest size so not too firm. As others have said, these do become quite discoloured because of the cream and the markers the rad therapists use - will be throwing them once treatment finished. I have been lucky to have minimal fatigue and no skin redness at all at this stage - am I lucky or is this because I have kept active & vigilant with cream - who knows ??? The radiation seems to go on forever and each day seems to revolve around this treatment with little time for anything else, but at least for me the end is now insight! Hope all goes well.