Hi everyone, I finished my 30 radiation treatments on Monday night and what a relief. Came through it alright, just a bit of broken skin under the breast which is caused by friction, but that is all manageble. I was quite emotional when I got home, I think because the treatment started very shortly after chemo, I'd never had a break from the hospital. The Royal in Brisbane have been terrific all through my illness but the radiation department was the best, so lovely and no long waits like it was for chemo. In 30 days I start my hormone tablets, told my GP I was dreading that because of the side effects, but as he pointed out, I've done everything else, I should cope ok with these. I feel now that I can start to recover and work my way towards my new normal. My partner is also on the mend from his heart problems, so I feel the worst is behind us. This network has been so valuable to me, I know I posted some negative blogs because I had such a hard time on chemo, but when I look back I'm amazed that I finished it considering I have depression and anxiety and my partners health took a hit in the middle of my treatment. There were days when I thought I would never feel good again, it was then that I would read the other ladie's blogs, other who have been down the path and came through, and that would encourage me to carry on. I have my mammogram and ultrasound in July, then see the surgeon. I guess that will be a nervous time, but I am actually confident that the results will be fine. It's true we all do what we can to get through this 'journey' in our own way. The best advice is and always will be 'one day at a time'. Hope everyone is doing well and to those that aren't, it does get better. Take care, Hazel xx

Hazel,after everything you had to contend with along the way,you have done it!You are a great inspiration to other ladies that might be doing it a bit hard,because you had so many things against you,but you kept on going!!!! :) As Deanne said,don't worry about the Tamoxifen too much.I have been taking it for about 3 months now,and the worst thing for me are the hot flushes.I had them before BC anyway, so who knows how much can be attributed to Tamoxifen.Good luck with your mammogram and ultrasound in July.I will have my first one soon too,and like you I feel confident that all will be well.Nice to hear from you Hazel,and stay in touch:) xoxRobyn

Hi Hazel Great to see you coming out the other side so positively! You've been here since I first joined and I'm glad to see you're OK. I'm being inspired by your achievement as I'm still finishing chemo and looking forward to radiotherapy. Cheers, Meg xxx

Congratulations Hazel, that's a huge milestone. I wish you all the best and hope that you continue to improve... Hugs Chris

I forgot to mention that I wasn't prescribed Tamoxifen, the oncologist gave me Anastrozole because she is treating me as post menopausal. Of all the side effects that can happen, I'm concerned about vaginal spotting. I will ask, if it happens, how long will it go for so I don't panic about the spotting being from another cause. Not as important is the chance of hair thinning, but how cruel is that? Just as I'm starting to see some regrowth. Realistically, of course if it lessens our chance of reoccurance, that's a good thing. I appreciate your feedback and advice, take care, Hazel xx

Finished Radiation | BCNA Online Network

15 Replies

Christine_Marie
Member
12 years ago
congratulations ....Really happy to hear you have finished radiation...you have had some really hard times during your treatments, I'm glad that you & hubby can now enjoy some less stressful times together.. Good luck with the next part of your journey, Iv just started Tamoxifen & I'm having a little trouble getting used to it.. I guess it takes time... Take care Hazel... Christine :)xox
Linda27
Member
12 years ago
So glad to hear that your treatment is done and dusted. Feels a bit surreal doesn't it?

Don't stress about the side effects of the hormone tablets unless they happen, remember one day at a time or maybe one side effect at a time.

Take care

Linda
gypsy
Member
12 years ago
Sounds all very positive, hope the hormone therapy is not too hard on you. Let us know how you go as I'm following in your footsteps. x
gypsy
Member
12 years ago
Sounds all very positive, hope the hormone therapy is not too hard on you. Let us know how you go as I'm following in your footsteps. x
Deanne
Member
12 years ago
There are some advantages to the hair thinning (tamoxifen can cause this too). I find body hair is thinner so you don't have to shave the legs or underarms very much! I also find the eyebrows very easy to maintain! I keep thinking of all the money I am saving at the hairdressers. I have only had one haircut in the last 12 months and at the rate it is going it will be a little while to the next one. I am missing my very thick shoulder length hair now the weather is getting cooler though! Hopefully your hair will get a chance to grow before the Anastrozole slows it down. Xxxx
Hazel_M
Member
12 years ago
Sorry to hear you have a cold. My breast is fairly sore with a few raw bits underneath. They did tell me that it could get worse for a couple of weeks after treatment finishes. I'm putting on the zinc cream they gave me, should be healed soon. I hope the time travels fast for you, then you be able to relax. I start my hormone tablets in June, not Tamoxifen but another one. I've stopped myself worrying now and will wait and see what and if I get any side effects. I, too, have a lot of questions to ask the oncologist in a couple of weeks. Thanks for your kind wishes,

Hazel xx
Hazel_M
Member
12 years ago
I did have a few troubles, but feel that I am out the other end now. Take care,

Hazel xx
Hazel_M
Member
12 years ago
Finishing chemo is an achievement, I'm sure you'll find radiation a breeze. Thanx for replying, take care,

Hazel xx
Hazel_M
Member
12 years ago
You're right, it's a big milestone, thanx for your good wishes,

Hazel xx
Hazel_M
Member
12 years ago
Your time will come too:) It's high time I showed some positivity, take care,

Hazel xx