Forum Discussion
Radiation Planning
Hi Ladies, I haven't posted for two weeks and have since found out I am HER2 - and ER + so it's onto the radiotherapy and then Tamoxifen. I found I was feeling really quite bright up to a week ago and have been a bit teary and very tired if I spend the day out. I wondered if it's because your body goes into auto pilot with shock of finding out you have cancer and now the reality has set in even thought the outlook once treatment is completed is very good. Did anyone else find this? Yesterday we headed back to the city for our visit with the Radiation Oncologist and found I have to have 30 treatments over a 6 week period. First five weeks to the whole breast area and then 1 week of boost dose to the lumpectomy site. Guessing this is how it's normally done. The new receptionist made a mistake and I was very lucky to be fitted in for the simulation after my appointment so we didn't have to make another trip down later in the week. I've been drawn, quartered, CT scanned and tattooed ready for the cooking pot in about 2 weeks! I have looked at other blogs regarding radiation treatment and a lot of you mention Moo goo being very good. Calendula cream was recommended by the radiation therapist. Is one better than another? Off now to think about what I am going to do in the city while I have my treatment, guiltless time spent patch working and scrapbooking I think!
12 Replies
Hi Ann
Hope it stays all good for you for the rest of your treatment. I was told the tiredness etc kicks in about the 3 week mark. Guess I will just have to make the most of the the first few weeks and I might get more done than I thought. I will ask when I go in for my first treatment as I was told the whole breast and now I'm guessing that means all the breast tissues not just the bit that fits in the cup of your bras!
Best wishes Maria
Hi Catscrapcats,
I've had 11 out of 19 radiation treatments so far. I've been using the sorbolene cream provided by the Cancer Treatment Centre and Moo Goo. I started using them on my first day of treatment and slather it on from collar bone to navel 3 or 4 times a day, especially after treatment and after showering. So far I haven't had any negative reaction (redness, itching, etc). I haven't been overly tired either, so fingers crossed that this continues.
Best wishes for your treatment,
Ann
Hi Gillian, thanks for the information, Will it affect my collar bone area if it is just the breast area that is being radiated or did you have lymph nodes near there being radiated as well. The staff haven't told me about using it before treatment only on here several women have suggested they did and it helped. Hopefully I will be able to get the Moo Goo Udder Cream tomorrow and start using it. Was you radio just over four weeks from your surgery? I am finding my breast and under my arm still a bit sore inside so hope the radio doesn't make it worse. Time will tell and I'll deal with it. Maria
I had the same radiation treatment, finished a month ago. I started the Moo Goo a couple of weeks before treatment, and I also got a tube of lanolin that I used as well.
My skin held up very well, except for a small patch under the collar bone which peeled a bit - probably because I sometimes missed it with the creams. So, feel free to slather on the moisturisers, and go above and below the collar bone.
My doc suggested using the lanolin in the shower as well as using it as a cream.
I was a bit tired, which grew over the weeks, but I was able to drive myself every day. I tried to walk every day, and even had a bike ride sometimes.
Gillian
Thanks Tracey, appropriate name for the cream!
Hi Janiot, yes keep in touch and see how it all goes. As Moo Goo is a natural product and I have a friend who sells it for various other ailments, I was very interested as I read on here that some of the ladies had good results using it. Will get some and see how I go. Good luck with you treatment and hope you get on ok. Would be a pity if you lose your implant after all that time. Maria
Thanks Tracey, will keep that in mind about the aloe vera gel, thats what the kids used to use at the beach if they got a bit pink.
Thanks for that Berrie.
Hello - I have my Rad planning appointment tomorrow..... Tattoos etc.
I've been told I will need 33 sessions over 7-8 weeks -(28 to chest and last 5 a boost to the nipple region), as I had a nipple preserving mastectomy and reconstruction with implant (on 14th August) but the nipple margin was less than desirable.
I read with interest the creams suggested- I've also read that as I have no breast tissue, damage to my skin will be greater.
My biggest worry is that I may lose my implant even 6-12 months after treatment has finished but then I chastise my self and remind myself to take one day at a time ??
We'll have to compare our progress together!
all my best wishes to you
Jan
