Back on deck!!!!

Hi Mandy,

I love this website and the support and knowledge I gather from everyone. Its like a pot of gold. I hope you find the same help and encouragement from all the people willing to share there journeys.

TAke care and let us know how you are going.

Chrissy d:)  xoxox

Leonie, I really appreciate you taking the time to share this with me. I will do exactly what you have done & hope for good resuts. I didn't know if the radiotherapy would wear me out or not, so it's good to be prepared. I'll pass on the side affects thankyou!  At least it will be May when I begin my treatment, so I won't have to battle with the heat while smothered in cream. I'll be having the treatment in Townsville & staying with my daughter. It will be great spending time with her & I now know not to plan too much for later in the treatment.

Good luck with your last week of radiation treatment & have a lovely time with your husband at Woodgate. Wendyxox

Hi Wendy,  Thanks for the info.  I will chase this up when I get back to Rockhampton prior to chemo treatment.  When I had radiation 4 years ago I was told by a friend to put cold packs on the area as soon as I returned home from the treatment each day.  I used to put a wet face washer in the freezer before I set off  for treatment each day.  I always came straight "Home" (in Brisbane for treatment), put the cold washer on the area then smothered myself in moistureiser (Natural Instinct - natural body lotion). (I found the Aqueous cream that was supplied - too thick.)  This worked for me.  I had no problem with my skin (only the breast and a small area in the armpit was treated).  The only thing - one brown breast and one very white one - My New Year's Eve party trick!!!!.   Bear in mind the area of radiation had seen very little sun previously in its life.  This time, radiation is from under my neck down to the breastbone, under the armpit, up over the shoulder and across my shoulder blade.  A small part of the previously treated area is getting "another hit".  My neck area and my back have had lots of sun in my past life so these are the areas that are giving me some bother this time.  I have used the same regime (at least 3 times a day with a bit of a variance of using Aloe Vera gel/Aloe Vera plant before I use the moisturiser)  I have actually found the Aqueous cream much better this time and it doesn't "curdle" as much as the other cream when it connects with the Aloe Vera.   Don't be afraid to ask for more Aqueous cream if you are being treated where it is supplied.  (they think I am eating it!!!)  I feel that I slither into my clothes and also into bed each night.  This is my last week of radiation treatment and my immune system has been greatly impaired - throat infection and diahhorea.   The trick is to lead a very basic life whilst having treatment.  I have found that any extras are just too much.  (in the first weeks you can get away with a bit)  It is really important to sleep well, eat healthily and think of yourself.  I thought that I had learnt my lesson from last time but oh no didn't quite "take it easy" all the time.  I found that I was extremely tired last time once I got home to Rockhampton so this time my husband and I are taking our time driving back by having a little holiday at Woodgate.  Hope this is helpful to you - radiation is easy so long as you take really good care of the treated area and also put yourself first.XLeonie

Hi Leonie, my physio suggested that I give reflexology a go after I commented on my side affects from my first chemo (pain, mouth ulcers, sore throat, skin rash, constipation, lethargy & tiredness). I had reflexology treatment the day before my 2nd & 3rd chemo & only had a slight rash, lethargy & tiredness after. No other side affects & am feeling pretty good. I only lost about 70% of my hair as well, but that may be because for the 1st & 2nd chemo I wore the ice pack on my head during the chemo treatment (give it a go & you too can look just like a smurf). Love the fact that I haven't had to shave under my arms or my legs for a couple of months. At least that's one bonus. I finish my chemo in April & begin radiotherapy in mid May. Any info you can share with me about that would be appreciated. Give the reflexology a try as it could make a difference!

Hi Wendy

Tell me more.  I will do anything to stop being sick from chemo - should start mid April as I'm nearly finished my radiation therapy.  I really hate taking drugs - so if I can do something else ie reflexology I am very interested.XLeonie

Hey Chrissy, good to see you back!  Who knew going back to work could be exciting? ;)

Hey Chrissy, good to see you back!  Who knew going back to work could be exciting? ;)

HI Loretta,

I'll be thinking of you while i get the next lot. Luck you, not having to have herceptin. Jealous!!!!! 

I see my Oncologist today, so i will be hitting her with a gazillion questions as usual. She is a sweety.

Take Care

Chrissy D :) xoxo

Hi Leonie, wow doesnt time fly when we are all having fun with treatments. I'll be thinking of you while i get NO 5. MY FEC treatments were a breeze. You will be fine..coz you're tough...we all are tougher than we think. Its amazing how much strength we find to cope. And when we think we cant go on...we read all about how amzing other girls are with there treatments and we find more strength to continue on.

Fight like a girl !!!!

Love Chirssy :) xoxox

Thank you girls for your support. Yeah I went to work...my onco said I could if I felt well enough. I just sit and play on the computer but it gets me out of the house and socializing. It does me good and i look forward to it. I only stay for about 4 hours then toddle off home for a nanny nap.

I'm glad my updates are acutally helping other people.

Tiny steps girls.

Love Chrissy D:) xoxoxo