Newby!

Hi all. I'm 52, live in the North West, and since the beginning of September I've had two WLEs to remove DCIS in my right breast. Yesterday, I attended The Christie at Salford Royal for my Radiotherapy planning appointment and now sport two micro tattoos! My 15 treatments start next Wednesday. Feeling rather anxious after a generally positive couple of months. The staff were lovely and friendly, but I guess it's because I was just about starting to feel like myself again and now that's all about to change. Any words of support would be greatly appreciated! X

  • Hi Jannette,

    Welcome to this great comunittee. I had 37 radiotherapy treatments for prostate cancer. I would just say, towards the end of your treatment, you may feel a bit tired. The staff told me if I felt tired when I got home, to go and have a lie down for a few minutes. I did as they suggested (honestly ) and it worked  for I was fine afterwards. The treatment itself was no problem and I feel sure you will be fine.

    Please let us know how you get on.

    Wishing you all the best, Brian

  • Hi Jannette, I am very new to the forum myself, only finding it a few days ago. There seems so many super people on here that I am sure you will get some good advice. I myself never had radiotherapy for my cancer, but there were days when you just have to do what your body asks you to do, take the good days and make the most of them and if you feel a bit tired have a duvet day and stay warm. I was given this advice. I hope your treatment goes well xx

     

     

  • Hi Jannette, having had bilateral WLE's in March I then had radiotherapy in May/June so can totally understand your anxiety although I can honestly say that the anticipation of the treatment was more stressful than the sessions themselves so once you get started, you'll be fine. The first day will take longer than the rest as they take still images first before they start but even so it is over very quickly and all the staff are very friendly and helpful and you will get to know and chat to others as you go through the weeks. I had a daily round trip of  70+ mile to get to the hospital but found that I could easily manage it and, being a morning person, had chosen to have the treatments first thing so I could get it out of the way early. We all react differently but I would say that you will start to feel more tired towards the end of the treatments but just let yourself rest as and when you need to. I usually slept for a couple of hours once I got home.The sunburn effect started at the beginning of the third week for me but I sloshed on various creams etc and wore loose light soft cotton t-shirts which also helped. I took another three weeks off work after the treatment and am still dealing with some side effects now but this is because I had both sides treated at the same time so had double the dose in effect. As I say, we all react differently and some sail through it with no issues at all so I hope you are one of them and I wish you all the best for next Wednesday. Take care  Sue x