Hi everyone, had an appointment with my surgeon today, and it was really good feedback. She said that I'm healing well and to come back in October. Then I had an appointment with my radiation oncologist 3 weeks after chemo finished. OMG, he explained that because there were 5 lymph nodes with cancer after my auxiliary clearance that my radiation will be not only to my mastectomy wound, but will also need treatment to my neck and collarbone. Not what I expected. The good news is that it reduces my risk for cancer recurrence from 30 percent down to 5 percent. Well worth it. So it all starts next Tuesday, because I'm an old menopausal bird, I only need 21 treatments. So then I was sent to the radiation department for a planning appointment, where I was marked with texts, and tattooed like a map. Ok, so now I'm an old tattooed bird ready for a very hectic few weeks. Luckily, my lovely hubby will be with me every step of the way. My daughter and son live in Melbourne, 5 hours drive from home, so it will be great to spend dome time with them. Just sharing, I'm just a bit nervous, with a few mixed emotions. Bring it on! The sooner it starts, the sooner it finishes, hugs to you all, Trace ??????

Hi Tracey B, it's a hard journey bu your on your last lap.Remember to use lots of the moisturizer the radiology staff give you I used to put mine on in the changing room straight after my treatment it's such a breeze compared to chemo so go girl nearly done XXXX

Thanks Scotty, it's really good to come to this site to share experiences. I will moisturise as you said straight after treatment . I've purchased some moo goo udder cream, so will see how it goes. Thanks for the motivation. I really appreciate it, trace ????

Hi Tracey it is always good to keep moving forward.Good luck with your radiationxxx

Hi Tracey, Keep going girl. You can do this! I've got one more chemo due in 2 weeks. Seeing radiation oncologist for planning next week (so it's good to know what lies ahead). All the best with the radiation treatment. Keep us posted. Karen xx

Thanks Rowdy, it certainly is a different experience to be tattooed and mapped with texts pens. I know that I'm in good hands, and it is a shift forward. By the end of spring the treatment phase will be over. Rock on Summer ????

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18 Replies

Rosemaryc
Member
11 years ago
Hi Tracey,

That will be great. I am a bit worried what radiation will do to my surgery wounds that are still healing. Fingers crossed they don't "split". Scary.
kazza4450
Member
11 years ago
Thanks Scotty ??
scotty
Member
11 years ago
Hi Kazza, I'm really claustrophobic too and there is nothing to worry about with the radiation machine it's a good bit away just think this is your last lap of treatment HOORAY I say LOL xxxx
Anonymous
Not applicable
11 years ago
Hi Rosemary, sounds like we need to check on each other from time to time. Do you want to send each other a message from time to time, as support for each other ? This network is awesome for that, Trace ????
Anonymous
Not applicable
11 years ago
Thanks Kezzab, you always send encouraging thoughts, cuddles back at you, Trace ????
Rosemaryc
Member
11 years ago
Hi Tracey

i am glad to see your post as like you I will be starting radiation too. I will get my mapping and tattoo next week. By the sound of it, mine will be same as yours. I had my masceptomy and TRAM flap reconstruction 4 weeks ago and am worried the impact after radiation. I hope there's no much pain.

Good of luck with yours
KezzaB
Member
11 years ago
hey Trace you will be surprised how fast 21 sessions go ?? almost there awesome! towards the end of the burn is rather tender get prescription Falsamine cream Awesome pack it on hugs love n light Trace
kazza4450
Member
11 years ago
Thanks Trace. As you can probably tell I get claustrophobic, lol. Hoping its not too stressful. Got my 4 cycles of chemo first. Meeting with radiology next week to discuss my plan with them following chemo xx
Anonymous
Not applicable
11 years ago
Hi Kazza, they did a cat scan yesterday, so don't know until next Tuesday what sort of machine they use for the radiotherapy. The technicians used sticky type tape with metal markers, and then used a text a to mark under my armpit and around the wound. They lined up my sternal notch with texta arrow (looked like this way up lol) then they did little pin pricks and they were the tattoo markers that help them be accurate when directing the Rays. I guess I'll know more on Tuesday about how close the machine gets to your face. Will let you know next week, Trace ??
kazza4450
Member
11 years ago
On the homstretch Tracy ??Will pray all goes well. Is the marking etc a hard thing to do as in claustrophobic and also for anyone who has done the radiation does the machine sit inches away or much further back. Cheers, Karen ??