Radiation Treatment
Hi Ladies, I have just completed my first four treatments of radiation and it's home for the weekend. I was an absolute mess on the first day. I think you ladies refer to it as a meltdown! Lack of sleep, uncertainty and the fact the radiation therapist called me in, got me in a gown told me where to sit, in between 3 blokes obviously waiting for their prostrate treatment (guessing due to the theatre scrub pants they were wearing) and them promptly told me I would have to wait cause she had called me out of turn. Well the tears ran and I struggled not to make a noise. I felt so vulnerable I came close to changing and walking back out! 1/2 hour later she took me in. I was a mess. Thank goodness the other woman helping to do the marking and measuring was so lovely. It only takes 15 mins in that room all up but it was the longest 15 mins of my life. I climbed off that table, nearly ran to the change room, had a bit of a cry, changed and walked out past where my husband was waiting and went out to the car and burst into tears. Now looking back after four days of treatment I feel so silly the way I felt. If only that stupid person who had called me in had been a bit more careful and sympathetic It would have been so much easier. I haven't had that one again yet, and the other male and female therapist have been lovely. Guess three out of four ain't bad!
24 hours after the first treatment I already had a patch of redness the size of the palm of my hand. Bummer! Didn't think it happened so quickly! Had been putting on Moo goo udder cream before treatment started so was a little disappointed. Saw the nurse after second treatment and she recommended I change to Calendula of which there are too brands. One that smells like yeast and the other like apricots. Needless to say I went for apricots and I think it may have reduced the redness a little. She was good and showed me a picture of where I was being radiated, it's amazing the areas it covers! So the the scar area from surgery is warm and red but not too uncomfortable along with under my arm that I will have to watch in the warm weather. Does anyone have a good suggestions for keeping the area under your arm dry and friction free other than not getting too hot as they suggested?
Saw the radiation oncologist yesterday after treatment. I have had a large swelling that I could cup my hand over for some time and that is where the burn is mostly and it's was quite tender to put cream on. She checked and drained 35mls of fluid out of it and that feels more comfortable today. She also prescribed some mild sleeping tablets to take alternate nights or as needed of which I took last night and I feel like a new girl today! She also said you can use whatever cream you want it shouldn't make a difference. So will alternate with the Moo goo and Calendula as the Moo goo seems more moisturising.
All in all, the week has ended not too badly, only five and a bit to go!
My thoughts go out to all those women that are heading in for their first treatment. Hope it is a positive one for you as I'm sure there are lots of great understanding radiation therapists out there that can make that first time so much easier for the not so brave. Regards to all, Maria
