Preparing for radiotherapy

Dear Georgie,

That is really really really helpful.  I am not worried about the actual zapping - I'm more than happy to take my clothes off in front of anyone and have no problem being prodded and poked.  (In fact, if I really want my kids to go to bed I just start undressing in front of them - works like a charm every time!).

I have been stressing about my skin, though, and your advice sounds really good.  Thanks also for the tip about not 2 hours before the treatment.

At this point I guess I just have to go with it!

I have already got everyone on notice that the cooking/laundry thing is going to come to a screaming halt.  I have 3 theoretical adults at home (16, 20 and 23) as well as a gorgeous hubby, so I've just decided that stuff can be their problem until I feel up to it again. (Who knows, I may choose never to feel up to it again!).

Trying to keep my brave face on today, cheers, Esther

Hi Esther

An unfortunate welcome to this site but please use it as much as you wish as there are plenty of us ladies that are travelling the same road as yourself and you will find tonnes of support from the lovely ladies here.

I am currently having radiation after surgery of a 30mm tumor and like you am a ++-  and consider myself to be very lucky.

I have had 11 radiation treaments or zappings as I also call them with 19 treatments to go.  I was also very apprehensive about treatment and the affects on my skin and energy levels as I am working while having treatment.  To answer your question about preparing your skin I started applying the Vitamin E cream that was recommended by the radiation nurse a week before the treaments started, 4 times a day, after my shower in the morning, around lunchtime, directly after treatment- I have a small tube I keep in my gown bag, and last thing at night before bed. The radiation nurse did say not to apply the cream for 2 hours prior to treatment and as I have my zappings at 4pm lunch time is the best for me. I did this to get myself into the routine of it and I'm not sure if there had been any real benefit but so far my boob is a bit pink and I have had no drying or splitting of my skin.  The treatments themselves are over very quickly and I fine I spend more time parking - undressing and dressing than anything else.  I do find myself yawning a little when I drive home and I am tired later in the day but I find if I rest for 20-30 minutes my energy level comes back a little.  I hope this helps and you luck with your treatments.

Stay in touch Georgie

Dear Cheryl and Jo,

Thanks for your thoughts.  I will do the radiation because this is a numbers game and having talked through the odds with my surgeon and the radiation oncologist, I get that it is a good idea.

I have always had very reactive skin - I burn easily and flush easily.  I rarely have facials because even if I warn the lass doing it that I have reactive skin and they then use their "sensitive skin" stuff on me, I always come out very very red.  So, I am worried about the burning I met end up with from the radiation.

Planning session is Wednesday 18 July and zapping starts Monday 23 July.  I was wondering, do you think it would be a good idea to start with the sorbolene BEOFRE they start zapping me?  I have a tub a friend gave me that her mum had left over after her radiation.

Thanks for your feedback.

Esther

Dear Cheryl and Jo,

Thanks for your thoughts.  I will do the radiation because this is a numbers game and having talked through the odds with my surgeon and the radiation oncologist, I get that it is a good idea.

I have always had very reactive skin - I burn easily and flush easily.  I rarely have facials because even if I warn the lass doing it that I have reactive skin and they then use their "sensitive skin" stuff on me, I always come out very very red.  So, I am worried about the burning I met end up with from the radiation.

Planning session is Wednesday 18 July and zapping starts Monday 23 July.  I was wondering, do you think it would be a good idea to start with the sorbolene BEOFRE they start zapping me?  I have a tub a friend gave me that her mum had left over after her radiation.

Thanks for your feedback.

Esther

All I can add is you should expect some fatigue, slight nausea and redness to burning which is treated with specific creams if it arises but otherwise it was easy.

Hi Esther, Sorry you have had to travel down this BC road but at least treatment will be slowing down soon. I also had the same BC as you but mine was Grade 2 and size was 2cm.  I had radiation in Nov-Dec last year and yes it can be quite daunting before you have it but don’t be too scared as it is not as bad as we think.It dosnt hurt and it is real quick. 

  You will have an appointment for the mapping session under CT scanning . They mark the area with tiny little marks tattooed on you. The actual radiation sessions i found were more embarrassing than anything else. I really never came to terms with being half naked walking over to a table and laying there for a few minutes every day in front of different strangers every day. But hey! if that what it takes to save our lives then so be it. Make sure you lather up everyday as your skin goes through a lot. If you burn then make sure you tell the nurses as they have some great creams to help.

I suffered from some shortness of breath straight after each session and also from fatigue.  Just remember to listen to your body and go with it. If you need to sleep then do it.  Tamoxifen started doing its job at about 3 weeks after starting. The hot flushes are just the worst and come on in force.  Remember if they are too strong and frequent you can get medication to help ease them. It also caused some joint aching  but the flushes are still the worst.  Good luck with the rest of your treatment and take care and listen to your body 

All the best Cheers Jo xx