Radiation, driving and fatigue
I was hoping to hear about any experiences of driving and fatigue while undergoing radiation. I've been told to be aware of fatigue. The radiation oncologist and nurses have raised concerns and eyebrows when I've told them it's a one hour drive door to door, so two hour round trip x 15 sessions. I'm also maintaining hope that I can continue working part time in an outdoors job where lately I'm doing 14k+ steps a day. Ultimately I'm going to see how it goes. I'm not going to break myself. If I get too tired then I have backup people to help with the driving (public transport isn't an option around here), reduce my activity at work or take leave, or get accommodation near the hospital for some of the sessions. I'm wondering if some people have got through radiation without fatigue? Or if fatigue has occurred has it affected driving? And how fast the fatigue appears - might you have been okay one morning and zonked in the afternoon?51Views0likes8CommentsRadiation post DIEP
Hello all, I am exactly 4 weeks post double mastectomy and DIEP (including complete node clearance) which I had after 6 months of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. I had TNBC in my right breast with 3 nodes involved on the same side. My pathology report said I had clear margins and a complete pathological response š I have now been given the option of skipping radiation if I want to. A new study (B-51 study) published last year found that patients with complete pathological response to chemotherapy and a double mastectomy donāt benefit from radiation therapy. My question is has anyone skipped radiation or was given the opportunity to skip it and chose not to? Also, has anyone with a double mastectomy and DIEP done radiation and what were the side effects on the breast? Lastly, has anyone received radiation in the neck region and what were the side effects like? Difficulty swallowing? My radiation specialist suggested if I choose to go ahead with radiation she would recommend the sub-clavicle nodes in the neck (along with breast and armpit) as theyāre the only nodes I have not checked surgically. Would be keen to hear anyoneās opinion or lived experience. Thanks š14Views0likes1CommentPostāSurgery Fluid Leak on One Side
Iām 48 and one week postābilateral wide excision with rightāside axillary clearance for invasive lobular breast cancer on R) side. I still have one drain on the right, but my left breast (which has no drain) is leaking a large amount of serous fluid. Itās very uncomfortable, and the nurse has now placed a wound drainage bag post second visit to hospital and discussion with the surgeon. Has anyone else experienced this after surgery, and how long did the leaking last for you?55Views0likes2CommentsRadiotherapy and exercise
Hello everyone - After a DCIS diagnosis and lumpectomy with a re-excision I now have clear margins and, although I could have refused radiotherapy, I have opted in as it is still standard treatment. And I wasnāt prepared āto roll the diceā as my surgeon put it. I will have about a three-quarter hour train commute and a 10 minute walk each way from the train station. So all up I reckon itās going to be three and a half or so hours each day. I have heard that exercise helps combat the fatigue. My question is - yoga? Iāve found a fabulous YouTube yoga by Lisa Moore which is about thirty minutes, gentle stretches etc. Walking I could definitely do in fine weather. I also have a rowing machine at home that I enjoy. Have people kept up resistance training while going through radio? I work four days a week but I can be fairly flexible about hours. Any survival tips welcome!405Views3likes17CommentsTaxol side effects
Hi all, Iām starting paclitaxel chemotherapy this week (once a week for 6 weeks). Iām wanting some insight into how I might feel. Itās a busy time of year and Iām a single mum. We have dance concerts and holidays booked. Is it like a hangover? Or more like a bad flu where Iāll struggle to get out of bed. What are the main things I will struggle with? I am going to do ice and to try avoid neuropathy and hair loss. Many thanks for your insights šš½179Views1like7CommentsGiredestrant - SERD
Hello there, Reading the news coming out of the San Ontonio Breast Cancer Symposium this year (happening right now) and there is a very positive, yet early, study on a new SERD on Early stage BC in the Lidera trial. Does anyone know about this or is part of the trial? It seems that there was recruitment in Victoria? Keen to hear.81Views1like1CommentšHave you checked the compatibility of your breast cancer treatment and dietary supplements?
Wellness isnāt just about exercise and healthy meals - itās also about the little choices we make every day, like whether to take dietary supplements. Many of us use supplements to support our health, but did you know they can sometimes interact with other treatments? If youāre on hormonal therapy for breast cancer, itās worth having a quick conversation with your healthcare team before adding new supplements, or checking in with your GP if you are currently taking any. This isnāt about avoiding them altogether, itās about making sure everything works together for your best health. Simple tips to keep in mind: ā Check in with your healthcare team before starting something new. ā Remember that ānaturalā doesnāt always mean risk-free. ā Stay informed so your wellness plan supports your goals. Want to learn more? This article explains how supplements can interact with hormonal therapy: š Supplement Interactions With Hormonal Therapy Your breast cancer journey will be unique, and awareness is an important part of your empowerment š64Views1like0CommentsMy armpits feel like they are coated with ADHESIVE!
Hello, I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal two weeks ago . The last few days the most annoying side effect, my armpits feel quite sticky. I have regularly cleaned, tried using and not using deodorant and even moisturising cream. None of which has worked. Did anyone experience this? if so how can I get rid of it?494Views1like16CommentsRadiotherapy side effects
Hello I began chemotherapy in April this year for triple negative breast cancer and 2 weeks ago I finished 13 cycles of chemo. I now can have a lumpectomy followed by 3 weeks of radiotherapy. Due to some side effects of radiotherapy, I was looking at my options of removing the whole breast which I then could avoid radiotherapy as both options have the same survival rate. I have had sarcoid of the lungs in past and lot of severe gerd pain which Iām on medication for recently due to chemo. Has anyone got any experience with longterm side effects from radiotherapy they could share? Thank you241Views1like1CommentStarting Radiation
Hi All, Tomorrow I will starting my first of 15 rounds of Radiation. What recommendations for creams post treatmen for skin burn. I was given samples of QV cream and LaRoche-Posay Lipikar baume and Cicaplast Baume B5. I already have Dermaveen and Sorbolene Cream at home. Thanks All280Views1like4Comments