My radiotherapy commences tomorrow, working-out, diet and nutrition during treatment

I'm feeling absolutely fantastic. Bouncing along with my workouts which I really enjoy, but I am truly looking forward to moving into a different workout out program once my treatment program is complete.

My first radiotherapy session is tomorrow which will be for 5 days a week for 5 weeks. I intend to workout throughout my treatment. I know that fatigue can be a big problem in the last few weeks of treatment. My oncologist tells me that I should keep working out and also walking my dogs and to not give up if I feel fatigued. If I tire, I will either use lighter weights or break the module of circuits down and do two sets every day (rather than 4 sets every other day).

I shall also continue to eat a nutrient dense diet as I have been doing as it is vital to replenish and energise my body during radiotherapy as I shall continue with lifting weights. I shall increase my calories to around 2000+ a day and I will also increase my protein intake as it is the building material for the body, by eating more low fat meats, chicken, fish, eggs, low fat dairy products, legumes and nuts. Carbohydrates are also important as these are the body's primary source of fuel and I will need plenty of energy to sustain my body during my treatment due to my intense workouts. I shall increase my healthy carbs, such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruit which are rich in essential nutrients, antioxidants and dietary fibre. It really isn't that different to the diet I have eaten throughout my breast cancer journey - I can just eat more of the good stuff.

I am almost fully recovered from my lumpectomy and re-excision. My breast looks almost normal. Due to the re-excision to get clear margins I now have a larger dent in the top right quadrant of my breast. It isn't really noticeable when wearing a bra or in a bathing costume but is noticeable when bare breasted. (Only my husband sees me bare breasted and he's more than happy with the my new look :rolleyes: ) I am also getting to know my breasts and now do a breast check every week getting to know my scar tissue and any natural lumps and bumps in my breasts.

I move forward into my 5 weeks of radiation with a smile on my face. Whatever happens, happens. If my breast shrinks or grows larger, if I suffer from burns or weeping skin, etc. etc. which might be painful but is nothing that can't be lived with. Even though I tan easily, I have sensitive skin (Pears soap and sorbolene moisturiser create a skin rash). I shall have to take very good care of my breast during treatment. I have found a radiation cream (suggested by my breast care nurse) I can use that works (have been using it for these past few weeks) without a reaction as well as a natural Olive Oil Soap. I have also bought myself a couple of comfortable cotton Amoena Radiation bras. When I am home I shall go bra less (horrors of horrors) which I think will also help.

I shall keep my fingers crossed that I will not fall into that 2-3% of people who will suffer from future heart and lung problems as well as lymphedema (even though my underarm is not being targeted (I had no lymph nodes removed) my underarm can still be affected from the radiation which shears off from the area being treated!) Much as I hate the thought of having radiotherapy it is something that I would not avoid as it reduces my chance of the cancer returning.

I feel extremely blessed that I have not needed chemo or hormone therapy. I also count my blessings that my cancer was found early and is still in-situ. I'm truly looking forward to getting back on-board with my normal lifestyle and moving forward with my exercise program and getting back to the best I can be health wise once my treatment program has ended.

This is definitely one person who will be celebrating the end of treatment by dancing on the spot in 5 weeks!