December 2018 Radiotherapy

[NarniaGirl]

Yes I've had back pain - those 'beds' are rock hard! I was also told to put cream on my back because sometimes the radiotherapy comes through, especially if you're having your collarbone treated.

[katiepoo]

Helena,
I’ve kept my fluid intake up. I was on antibiotics last week so thought it was those causing nausea. It feels like hearburn/reflux, so I’ve found some meds at home for that and will try.
I’m seeing oncologist on 28th so will mention it.

[ladybowler]

katiepoo

The nausea is  possibly due to tiredness post rads but it might be worth giving your rads team a call and ask them, the other thing I am wondering is are you taking in enough fluids in the day.  It is easy to make sure you do this whilst undergoing rads and then fall back into not doing it post rads

Helena xxx

[katiepoo]

G2G2,
I never actually found a lump. I had routine screening.... so hence my worry🙄

Has anyone felt nauseated post rads?
I think it might be associated with the tiredness, but I’m feeling really nauseated...

[G2G2]

Worried about checking other breast makes absolute sense, but you found the first lump and dealt with it. You just have to do the same again. Keep checking and have a good Christmas. I am having therapy until 9th Jan.

[kathyx]

I don't think I nearly dropped off due to fatigue hitting, I was just comfortable and having a pleasant day dream!

It's nice to have the weekend off and then just one day back before another day off. Because of the holidays and my planning day I've ended up have 4 x 4 day weeks rather than 3 x 5 days, which seems to me like an improvement.

[katiepoo]

I finished my 15 rads yesterday. Got a bit emotional I have to say.
Thankfully all my appointments were on time, so no hanging around....
The fatigue started to hit me this week early evening, with a strange feeling of tightness in my throat, chest and then a “ i need to sit down” feeling.
Went back to work last Tuesday on a phased return. (I’m a nurse)
I’m actually scared of checking my other boob,if that makes sense🙄

[Belmont Rosie]

Yes, and for the first week they also tried to make me do this horrid deep-breath-and-hold exercise which I couldn’t do... incredibly stressful! Try asking them to just the angle of the rad bed for you? A slight variation might be enough...

[Belmont Rosie]

Try Sainsbury’s Source of Nature day or night cream - I found soothing although the itchy spots just take time to go. Remember the radio goes on microwaving us for 2 weeks after the final session!

[Belmont Rosie]

Hi Kathyx, I found I wasn’t tired (just fed up with long waits in hospital) right through my 15 rads, but now a week later I feel fine in the morning but have noticed my stamina is less than usual in the run up to Christmas... by teatime, I just have to sit down and read a book! And am going to bed earlier than usual... but otherwise much enjoying not being in the hospital every day!

i have a kind of prickly heat rash on my chest, neck and back of shoulder which is fine during the day but can be irritating enough to keep me awake at night. Using Sainsbury’s Source of Nature paraben-free cream to cool it down... doesn’t sort it (I guess that’s just a matter of time) but eases the itchiness...

Have a great Christmas all!

[kathyx]

I have to admit I haven't - I nearly nodded off today. Do you think they may have the knee support in the wrong place for you?

[Linda Corinne]

Anyone experienced back pain lying on the hard rad bed? I took paracetamol 25 mins before my appointment which was a few mins late so came out 20 mins after time it was booked so they should have worked. My back was pink where it hurt. Thanks.

[kathyx]

I've now had my first three so a fifth of the way through!

What I'm looking forward to tomorrow (and I say this at the risk of scandalising younger members who tend to think a minimum of a shower a day is compulsory) is just getting up and getting dressed without having a shower. Getting wet on cold winter mornings really isn't my thing!

[Janie123]

Hi Linda,

I am finding it really easy so far thank you. Using the biofine and drinking lots of water, and no ill-effects so far! I am not working yet, but will start again on 2nd January, mornings only, til the last radiotherapy on 10th January, then full-time, all being well. I don't feel tired yet, but we shall see!

Best wishes

Jane xxx

[Linda Corinne]

I started 20 sessions on Monday. I still find it a strange experience. It has been fine so far. I just need to allow lots of time and wash.in cooler water than normal if possible but am cold first thing so finding that hard. I have been moisturizing 3 times a day first thing after dads and last thing. How is everyone getting on? How are you finding it Jane? I am working full time and just going home after my afternoon appointments. x

[kathyx]

Well, they phoned yesterday to confirm today's appointment so off I go!

[NarniaGirl]

Bah! That's all you need! Our machine broke last week too but it was fixed by the afternoon, apparently it's not that uncommon!

[kathyx]

Well, that was something of a damp squib as I got there only to find that the machine wasn't working! Apparently they'll phone tonight if it's still out tomorrow so just have to wait and see. Hey ho!

[NarniaGirl]

Hi again Kathyx I know what you mean about having to stay still! I was told the planning session is the hardest/longest session for staying still and keeping the position, so hopefully it'll be easier for you next time. About those blooming marks - they told me not to scrub them off, it's ok if they stay on a bit, they won't start thinking I can't have had a shower!! I also have a mark covered by tape near my neck which can stay on as long as it doesn't fall off, which means they don't have to keep doing so many x-rays to check the position, but that's because I'm having my collarbone done too, which might not be relevant for you. Also, you might be pleased to know the sessions get quicker later on. In the early days they have to do lots more checks for alignment by taking pics, but when they know they're getting it spot on, they don't have to take the pics, so that makes things quicker too. They said if I kept doing the exercises gently that might help the arm ache. Hope that's helpful. It was v helpful hearing from you yesterday, so thank you!

[kathyx]

Well done - nearly there!

I found that none of my bras was 100% cotton (one's 95%) but I've ordered another which should arrive in a few days, Christmas post permitted. I tend to go without a bra in the summer anyway so I expect I'll do that most of the time now as I don't plan to be going anywhere much in the next few weeks.

The planning/dry run session went well, although difficult to stay still for over half an hour, particularly with the machines orbiting round me like some kind of strange planetarium visit! They very kindly told me I could wash off all the markings they'd made, which was a hint that I hadn't done a very good job of washing off the last lot!