Hi Mickey... I got off very lightly - just two weeks - presumably because I have very little breast tissue left to treat... I moisturised 2 or 3 times a day before treatment started, then during and I'm still moisturising after showering but not quite as obsessively as before. It was only the left because it was that side that had all the cancer, and it was scattered across a large area. The other side was pre-cancerous tissue changes over a much smaller area, so mx on that side was more a preventative measure. I'm also now on a tamoxifen/ zoladex hormone cocktail. 

When do you start treatment? I hope it's a smooth process for you. I worried about fatigue, but I found that doing some daily exercise through the treatment helped to keep energy levels up somehow... sounds counterintuitive but it worked for me

Also I was told the type of moisturiser matters I used e45 but then one day I got cocky and went for Nivea instead because I prefer the smell... got told off by the radio nurses who said that Nivea is a bit oily and can irritate the skin. They told me to stick with e45

Hi there, 

interesting - I hadn't thought about not having much tissue left after masectomy - you've got me thinking now - maybe BCN just quoting standard amount of 15 days + possible booster sessions around unclear margins ... maybe wheh I get to see Oncologist he may have a different view - thank you for that... 

How long did you wait post surgery for the radiotherapy? I'm currently only two weeks into using bio oil on my breast abs other scars, so just wondering how long before radiotherapy did you start moisturising with E45 3 times daily? 

Thanks for explaining, I'm sorry to hear that, but I guess the positive is it was all done in one op. I try not to think what would happen if I got dcis or invasive cancer in my other breast now - again, I'm pushing that thought away . 

I'm not sure when I'll start because it wasn't planned I'm guessing I'm further behind in the queue and way things are going with waiting lists, I'm not sure.  Positively though, I have already had my first apt to discuss with an Oncologist on 14/02 (happy valentines ). At least the ball is rolling. 

Thanks for the tip re the E45, I'm a bit of a sensitive Nivea fan myself . 
 

Did you start your cocktail before radiotherapy ? How are you finding it? 
 

Virtual hugs Mickey xx ️

Yes I think the number of days is vague at the start - I heard a few different versions before they gave me a definitive. Doesn't mean it won't end up being 15 days but equally until they tell you with certainty I don't think anything is set... I didn't start radio for nearly 3 months because I had delayed healing and they wouldn't start till everything was fully healed.

My dressings nurse had me alternate Nivea and e45 from the start (as soon as I was no longer spreading medical grade honey everywhere which is how I started)... I had bought a big bottle of bio oil but she told me to use cream instead to begin with... but that was probably in my case because of the delayed healing.

I started the tamoxifen before radiotherapy and the zoladex during... I'm not having any problems so far but it's early days I guess... two months in to tamoxifen and so far only one injection of zoladex... I'm bracing myself for all the side effects... nothing so far... but I think it builds over time

i feel your pain with the valentines appt... I had a bone scan on my birthday :))) At least it's a date to focus on and it means things are moving.... you're so right about pushing the thoughts of recurrence away... we have to I think or we may as well give up now... positive thinking is part of the recovery processs, isn't it...

I'm very lucky in having a work colleague, also a good friend, who had her breast cancer op and radiotherapy 7 years ago now with no problems at all... she regularly forgets she even had breast cancer

lets hope that's us 7 years from now!!

Fingers crossed it goes well for you. take care xx 

Morning and Happy Sunday, lovely blue skies today.  Thanks again for your response. I'm guessing by the time I get to start Radiotherapy, I will probably be three months post op also. It's almost 7 weeks and will be 9 by the time I meet the Oncologist. Timescales do seem to be delayed even more by covid these last few months. That's fine though, as you say, extra healing time (although I've been very lucky in that respect). 

it's funny how they all seem to make different decisions around when to start people on hormone therapy.  I'm really pleased you've been ok on it so far and long may that last - like menopause, some people fly through it with little side effects - fingers crossed. 

Bone scan on your Birthday, I hope you had a birthday treat after to make up for it. Oh yes, I'd forgotten I'll need that too.   Yes, you're absolutely right positive thinking is part of the recovery process. Sometimes it just takes a while to process your feelings and get back on track and that's fine too. 

That's good that you have a work colleague with a positive experience, definitely must help you keep on track. Yep, let's hope that is us in 7 years time, although I'll never forget this journey and the kindness of people who have helped us through. Thank you for being one of them. 

Take care of you - virtual hugs Mickey xx ️

Good luck for your appointment tomorrow Mickey - hope you get a positive outcome x