Hi I've had breast cancer had lumpectomy and reconstruction. Having radiotherapy in a weeks time,feeling very nervous,any helpful tips after having radiotherapy please
I had a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy just before Christmas last year. I wore trousers and a blouse to make it easy to undress, went into the changing room, removed my bra and top and put on a gown. From there, I was taken into the treatment room and it was explained to me what would be done. I had to lie down with my arms above my head. and the radiographers moved me into the right position. Once the treatment starts, they leave and you hear them over a speaker telling you to hold your breath.During this time, you should remain still. It really doesn't take very long.
I felt a little sick afterwards, although I wasn't actually sick. I took a small plastic box with a lid with me, just in case I was sick on the drive home, but didn't need it. I was told to moisturise my breast ahead of the treament and that helped with the aftereffects. My breast looked quite red afterwards and I'm very fair-skinned. I had some peeling and soreness. Again, moisturising helped a lot with it. I also used a fragrance free shower gel and hair shampoo so there was no perfume to aggravate my skin. I had a nap when I got home after treatment, because I felt very tired, and that helped. If you can have someone take you for your treatment, that would be a good idea. If you're anxious about anything, speak to someone about it. It's better than worrying and not everyone has the same experience.
I hope that's helped. Feel free to ask any questions and good luck with your treatment.
Thank you this is really helpful thank you.i will do as you suggested great advice and has helped regarding my nerves and anxiety about having radiotherapy,yes I think I will do the same regarding what to wear,I will take all helpful tips you have given after aswell,thank you .shelly
Hi again Could I ask how was your appetite during and after treatment,and the tiredness after treatment please,I'm hoping to return to work after. And need to have some idea what to expect and if possible to go back to work a few weeks after.thank you shelly
Hi Shelly, I was pretty tired immediately after the treatment but the nap helped and I was able to do things afterwards. I think I slept for about half an hour to an hour and felt normal after that. My appetite wasn't great but I tried to eat stuff that was good for me. My daughter got in lots of fresh stuff to cook for me and I drank quite a lot of water too. I am 70 years old and I had a stroke in 2023 that caused some mobility problems so I wasn't in the best of health anyway.
I forgot to mention in my reply but there was a Maggies at the hospital - you can read about their centres here - https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/ - and, if you alone and feeling nervous, you can talk to people there. Every staff member, from receptionis to those doing the treatment, was kind, calm and very approachable at the hospital I attended. They really are there to help you and make you feel less anxious.
I forgot to mention in my reply but there was a Maggies at the hospital - you can read about their centres here - https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/ - and, if you alone and feeling nervous, you can talk to people there. Every staff member, from receptionis to those doing the treatment, was kind, calm and very approachable at the hospital I attended. They really are there to help you and make you feel less anxious.
