Post Radiation Recovery

Thanks Prismay. I've decided to take a full 5 weeks off work post Radiation, which I'm on now.  I've also booked a week to the  Sunshine Coast just for me. Yes I agree,  my self confidence is pretty low too  as is my resilience. 

Yes I think we all under estimate the emotional toll that  a breast cancer diagnosis takes .
I liken it to grieving a death - the death of your formerly bullet proof self.
I had a couple of sessions with a psychologist who  specialised  in cancer related distress and that was helpful.
The best advice she gave me was it’s ok and normal to cry - I cried an awful lot in the first few weeks often at completely random times so I was lucky I could take 6 weeks off work ( was semi retired anyway) and then eased myself back in - it was during covid so I worked from home  which also helped .
Have a listen to the podcasts on this website by Dr Charlotte Tottman a clinical psychologist who herself got breast cancer - they are really good .
Take care 🌺

I had my radiation a few years ago but I didn’t work during my treatment and for a few weeks after. I was the Manager at work and felt really vulnerable about going back to work and feeling in control of my emotions. I had wound breakdown as well. I went back on light duties and part-time for a month or so then took 6 weeks long service. My husband and I went away on a road trip to reconnect and fir me to heal and then I went back to work with a clearer head. I was fortunate to be able to do that I I didn’t fully appreciate the way that BC affected my confidence.  

Julez I finished 25 rad sessions last Wed.

Put the strata, or whatever you choose to use, up to collar bone to under your arm pit. After about 10 sessions for me I could tell where the rad was treating so just put there.

 My routine since day 1 of rad:
Strata first thing in am
Strata immediately after rad ie in change room
Strata before bed.
Shower gel: only used  and still do  the QV wash.
At times I felt a bit dry so used some QV in between Strata. 

Post rad:
Same as above but I needed to apply once or twice during the night as I developed a small burn area under arm near lymph node scar which was quite sore and uncomfortable for 3 days. This started about 3 days after finishing rad.I am now 7 days post finishing and can tell my skin is healing.  

I did get a bit pink and tender, especially by the end of the week.
I am on to my second 50g tube of Strata.  If I need more I'll just use QV or similar.
I hope this helps. 

Yes I was told to apply it before each treatment ( at least an hour before ).

Did they say you could put it on BEFORE the session, @Julez1958?  I was told, only after!

Hi I applied the strata xrt cream about an hour before search session  and then I washed it off before bedtime and moisturised with moo goo , but any good moisturiser will do .

Thanks @Julez1958 I have also ordered the strata xrt cream but am not sure when it will arrive. I’ve also been told the QV range is good to use so have that too. Thanks for your reply and I hope all is going well for you 🩷

Hi @Perth_girl77
I had a mastectomy and then radiotherapy ( due to the size of my tumour).
I had 28 sessions and even though the clinic where I wen had Mepitel ( the gold standard to prevent skin reactions) I couldn’t use it as following stage one of my reconstruction had a weird skin fold. I used strata xrt cream which I had to send away to the USA for and it was quite expensive but it did the trick and my skin held out .
I also got quite fatigued in the last week and for a couple of weeks after .
All the best 🌺

Thanks @arpie - I just posted in there too :smile:
 
The nurses have given me some cream options and I have already stocked up so will be on it from day one, post treatment...really wish I didn't have to do any of this, but pushing through...