well, second surgery completed with clear margins, radiation to start next week and beginning to understand this experience without feeling like it completely defines me. Still having frequent 'melt downs' usually in the shower but am allowing myself those moments and coming to terms with that without feeling guilty. Part 2 of this journey is just beginning.
Hello ladies
l'm a little behind you all - started first of 33 treatments today- have Moogoo but was a little frustrated that could not use Mepitel film- apparently not yet approved in Canberra because they already have two breast cancer trials in progress!! That has got to be the daftest thing I have heard of .. Apparently no consumer on their ethics committee..
Jan
Hi Maria, my experience went as well as it could I guess. The staff are all lovely and I have had no skin reactions at all..... Yet! The first day was terrifying but 4 down and I wonder what the fuss was about. I'm loving the Moogoo cream so far. I hope things settle for you ( I was going to say improve but we both know that's a little while off ?? for both of us). Keep me posted and good luck xx Donna
Hi Donna,
Just wondering how you got on with your radio?
I started my radio on the 6th too and got off to a rough start but feeling much happier now I know what I am in for over the 30 treatments. Getting used of the routine and the staff makes it a bit easier. I also saw the machine as a monster for what it was doing to me at the beginning but I know it is for the good and it's not the machine it is the realization of what I am being treated for that was upsetting me. Although the physical side of it may get more uncomfortable I think mentally I will feel better. I was using the Moo goo before and the first day after but the spot on my breast where I had surgery was red and quite hot after 24 hours. The nurse suggested I swap to the Calendula cream, the apricot smelling one and it seems to be a little better. My radio oncologist said it shouldn't make a difference so I will alternate them and see how I go. Hope you are coping ok.
Regards Maria
Best wishes for today Donna. It's a great idea if your friend want to go with you as I'm sure she'll give you a lot of support and understanding. Jane xx
Evening Donna, same here my cupboards have never been so tidy and cleaned out! Think I have been putting off packing my bags ready to head to the city hoping someone will ring and say I don't need to go. All the best and and too bad what everyone else thinks. Regards Maria
Hi Maria, starting radio tomorrow too and am prepared with the udder cream. Good luck with it all ??. Regards Donna
I have been lucky enough to get hold of 4 tubes of moo goo and have started using it in preparation for my radiotherapy which starts tomorrow - 6th October. Luckily I only live 20mins away and intend to drive myself every day although a friend has offered to drive me, she has recently finished radiation herself so it's good to share my fears and anxieties.
i have been keeping myself busy and focusing on other things, the oven has never been so clean! My meltdowns still happen when I'm in the shower or stuck in traffic, so if anyone is sat in traffic and sees the person next to them balling their eyes out, it's OK, she's just dealing with it in her way.
Hi Donna, Glad you now how clear margins and hope you are recovering well from your second operation. It takes time. My meltdowns usually happen on the trip back to the city when you have time to think. Now I am mostly healed I am busy getting ready to head to the city for 6 weeks but coming home on the weekends. I start my radio on Tuesday 6th so and see a few ladies have recommended Moo Goo udder cream. I have started using it once a day and it's really nice. Calendula cream was what the radiation team recommended so might get some of that too although some say its not nice smelling. All the best when you start and see how we go. Regards Maria
Hi Donnaf, good to hear your second surgery went well with clear margins - woo hoo!
It does take a while to process all the stuff that happens with bc and I'd find I'd have a mini meltdown in unexpected moments, usually when things weren't quite as frantic and my mind started focussing on what's happened - so can understand the shower meltdowns!
Best of luck starting radiation therapy next week. If you can get hold of some Moo Goo udder cream that'd be good - it is a lovely soothing cream that can help prepare and treat your skin while you're having treatment. The nurses at the radiation oncology units are wonderful, approachable people who are keen to support you, so if you're worried about anything make sure you have a chat with them. Best wishes, Jane xx
