A day in the life of a radiotherapy patient

Hi huny,

Wow you have just described my life of radiotherapy for six weeks in 2012!!! Reading your account really made me acknowledge my own, which I had forgotten somewhat! Partly due to Chemo brain, partly due to needing to forget!

With my skin I had an Aloe Vera plant given to me by my eldest sister. This amazing plant was a true miracle for me! I would cut off a piece of it and use the knife to expose the sticky flesh underneath. And just rub it all over my left breast and underarm. It definitely made such a difference to the redness from the treatment. I also used a moisturiser over the top because the Aloe Vera did dry out my skin a little. It definitely was the best thing for me because my skin did not break down or crack at all. All I can remember was that my skin would tingle and sting slightly, but I think this was mostly due to the radiotherapy and not the Aloe Vera! The nurses and doctor's were amazed and so was i to the degree of help to the area it promoted. On the last day of my treatment I had brought in a chocolate mud cake to share with the staff. I called that day 'My Rebirth Day!' The reason I did this was because I felt reborn and cancer robbed me of my previous birthday. I had just had my 46th birthday two days before I discovered 'Norbit" my lump. So I felt like I had to do this to end the cycle of pain and discomfort I had felt for 7 months, and to finally say "My God thank you for being finally over." And also to say thanks to all the staff for their kindness and support throughout the radiotherapy. It was like closing a very long chapter in my life's story, and I now I felt like I could do anything. So I bought a 7 days a week busy newsagency in Northern Brisbane. I loved doing it so much but had to sell recently due to my autoimmune disease I have had for about 8 years now.  You feel like 'Wonder Woman' when it is all over though, which is the best feeling!!!

Best of luck with your cancer journey huny, take care XXX Mia.