So I’ve already done a bit about chemotherapy and what to expect, and as we all know treatment dosen’t just stop at chemo, another hurdle to jump is radiation treatment, I probably don’t speak about it so much as I was very lucky and flew through the treatment and I really didn’t find it too much of a hardship with the exception of the daily trip to hospital, also on the flip side my little love story began for me in the Radiation waiting room – I can tell you all about that another time !!!! So I am going to explain my experience as I can only speak for myself and how I felt and what I personally know about the treatment. We all react differently to treatment and my experience may not mirror yours however I am sure there is all things about it that we will have in common.
Firstly I met with my radiologist who explained the treatment process to me and gave me literature about the treatment, during this time I always refer to myself as being in Fight Mode (*from the time I was diagnosed until the time I completed my last radiation treatment) I retained very little information and found my own way to deal with things, I also researched what worked best for me to make each step of the journey easier.
I was a little daunted at the thoughts of the treatment but maybe that was just the name it had. I was given 26 sessions over approx 6 weeks, I had already had chemo and surgery so I was well used to hospital visits and I was determined to sail through this step. Before the treatment started I had an appointment with nurses in radio department. I had to get my body scanned and measurements taken so the precise points that the radiation would enter my body was accurate, I was marked with Indian ink(I still have the dots and I’m not too fond of them) so that my radiation sessions would be quick and accurate. That was my longest appointment associated to Radiotherapy.
The appointments for the treatment itself was usually 20 mins max from the time you enter the hospital until you leave, most of that is taken up positioning you so that the laser matches up to the ink markings. The actual treatment is about 30 seconds, there is no sensation but you do have to lie steady in a certain position, this can be uncomfortable especially if you have had surgery and after lymph node removal your arm can be quite tender and stiff. Some people experience fatigue but I’m not sure if that is just after all the months of other treatments and the reality of what you have been through hits you or if its the repetitive visits to the hospital rather than the actual treatment itself. I was so lucky I could continue to exercise during treatment and tiredness wasn’t a issue I was actually quite hyped throughout this treatment and even had difficulty sleeping. I did feel a bit low about 2-3 weeks into treatment but I think that was just a bit of a realisation of what I had been through.
My advice, you must make an extra effort to mind your skin as you may have a area of redness like sunburn, do not wear deodorant, no shaving armpits ekkkk, no tan, no perfume, I only used aqueous lotion, e45 , e45 shower gel. I kept the area well moisturised and wore loose clothing. When possible I didn’t wear a bra and when necessary wear a bra that is wirefree, Dunnes Stores sell great ones for 10 euro very plain and comfy. Eat well, drink lots of water, listen to your body rest don’t give yourself a hard time everything you feel is normal and if you are fearful or need to talk just pm the page that’s what I’m here for.
#breastcancer #radiotherapy #hope #health #positivity
