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Janiot's avatar
Janiot
Member
10 years ago

Met Radiation Oncologist - 10 September 2015

Only 2 1/2 weeks since my last blog. 

My case was taken to a multidisciplinary meeting last week and they all concurred that I would not benefit from Chemotherapy but because my tumour was 8 cm and the margin at the nipple was less than 1 mm, (still grade II) I would benefit from radiotherapy to reduce risk of local reoccurrence. 

Still having a slight post reconstruction complication, in that I have had a Seroma drained (50-70mls) weekly in the last two weeks and surgeon would now like me to wait another week before being drained for third time- appt for drainage on 9 September booked. Not painful as still no sensation to skin in that area??

Sean & I met my radiation oncologist today. Bottom line is that treatment cannot start until the Seroma resolves. Hopefully within the next 2 weeks as they don't want to delay too long. 

I will have 28 sessions to breast and then a boost to the nipple region over a further 5 sessions - so 33 sessions total over 7-8 weeks.

I'm going back to work on Sunday - 3 nights/ week so hope I won't be too tired. Going to be difficult to identify whether I'm tired due to still recovering from surgery, night duty, effects of menopause (which have returned with avengence since I had to stop HRT??) or radiation therapy ??

Meanwhile I joined a local walking group last Thursday ( we are members of 2 bushwalking groups but I'm not up to 10-20 km walks at present). This group has local walks on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,  Friday and Sunday -mainly 2 hours in duration (shorter Tuesday & Thursday)-I have tried them all and managed OK so hope to continue through radiotherapy treatment - on my days off??

I do plan to take more leave about 3 weeks into my treatment ??

As my brother is fond of saying "onwards and upwards" !!

2 Replies

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Janiot, it's good to hear that you've got a plan to move forward with. Hopefully it won't be long before the seroma settles down. I had one too after my mastectomy and it took a couple of goes to drain it before I started treatment. Like you, there was no pain as everything was pretty numb for quite some time.

    I had radiotherapy (25 sessions) following chemo and Herceptin and it can certainly be very tiring, particularly towards the end as the effects are cumulative but hopefully you'll be able to keep up most/some of your walking as it does make you feel a bit better just getting out and getting some fresh air. 

    Like Tracey said, get hold of some Moo Goo, it is great stuff and very soothing on your skin. Take care and keep us posted on your progress, Jane xx

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Not applicable
    10 years ago

    Hi Janoit, wow you do have a lot going on. I had a large seroma post op that took a few weeks of persistence to clear. Be patient, as it will happen in its own time. I'm just doing rads, now have 5 more boosts to do and then I'm on arimidex for 5 years. The girls in the network have recommended a product called Moo Goo. It's a cream that you put on 3 to 4 times a day, and it will keep your skin during rads. They have a few creams, so buy the Udder Cream, it's great. Best of luck, I understand how frustrating the seroma time is, but it will improve. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ????