Hi Janet, I’m a breast lass and worked through 15 sessions of radiotherapy. Did get a little tired near the end but managed it. I actually felt more fatigue about a week after finishing. Everybody is different, just listen to your body . Wishing you luck with it x nicky x

I have had 35 sessions one more to go. So over 8 weeks. I have been so sick from Radiotherapy for throat cancer I can't eat and have pain constantly for 8 weeks now. My skin is very badly burnt and I've lost my hair up the back of my neck. It will be a long time before I can think about work again. It depends on the type od cancer but I think there is a lot of misinformation and dishonesty  around radiotherapy. I was told I would not loose hair and would be fine with pain meds. This is not the case. Read all the information about the particular cancer you have and read the side effects. I got all of them and more. Wish you the best of luck. 

Thanks Nicky,  I should have mentioned it was breast cancer. Did you work while having it?

Hi yes I worked in the morning then went home after my session. I have 2 kids so was up and about doing the school run so just plodded on. The traveling to and from the hospital was a pain but I am fortunate to not live to far away. Everybody is different so take one day at a time. I did burn a bit (I have ginger skin) but they gave me cream to use and it healed in a few days. For me this was the easy bit of treatment but I think that’s because I knew the end was in sight. You’ve got this xxx

Hello,

         l had thirty sessions pre op along with chemo, with weekends off. Mine were at 3-30 so l worked until 2-30,got home eat a meal and collapsed into bed.l was like a zombie as l dragged myself to the bus for work in the morning but never underestimate the power of dogged determination to overcome pure exhaustion for a few hours at least.l  was housed in accommodation at the mainland hospital during the week since l live on an scottish island ,flying home at weekends.,and found unpaid work helping out on a local livestock farm to help keep me from going insane., so no pressure. The Bus picked me up at the hospital and dropped me outside the farm, so this was a great help. l can imagine how tiring the alternatives would have been. My overriding memory is one of exhaustion, not tiredness.

           Good luck and l hope you are one of those who can sail through,

                                                                                                                   David

Hi David 

Thanks very much for that. I'm thinking about your story because I've had to manage heatlh things with 3 people in my family who have had disabilities, most of them rare ones. It's true - you work, you eat, you sleep, you plod. That sounds depressing, but I recently went through the family photos and they were all about having fun! I've always said to my daughter that persistence is the great under-rated talent. If you can persist, you've got it cracked. And finding the things you can do throughout ... the work on the farm etc exactly what we try to find. It's all a workaround isn't it. Thanks! Janet

Hello Janet,

i have breast cancer and have just today completed 10 (of 15) radiotherapy sessions. 

So far a very slight light pink colour on my breast has appeared but no pain. Not particularly tired either. So far so good. 

I am 67 so I don’t need to worry about work. I live about 16 miles from the hospital so the daily trudge is a nuisance but my husband always  drives me so I am very lucky with that. 

Overall I would say this had been easy for me so far. No traumas! I was nervous about what it would be  like but  its been fine. Hope yours turns out to be similar. 

Staff at the hospital have been tops too. You will have a weekly review about how you are doing/feeling etc. too which is helpful. 

Go well!!

Sending positive vibes. 

Kebbs x 

Hello Kebb

That's really helpful. I'm  not sure what my diagnosis will be and hoping that there won't be any treatment beyond radiotherapy. I'm the same age as you and recently reduced my hours at work (phasing into retirement) so will see how I get on. I hope the rest of your treatment continues to go well!

Cheers

Janet

Hi Janet,

I forgot to say I mousturise  my treated area twice a day with Nivea. So far my skin has  been fine but it is a little pinkish today. I have bought Aveeno body wash and moisteriser for next week. Not sure this was strictly necessary but everyone says it’s the best. (Nivea (dark blue tub) has been fab though!) 

Go well,

Kebb