Radiotherapy 1 of 15

Radiotherapy 1 of 15

Day 1 of radiotherapy, we knew it was going to be the longest day, we left home at 10am and got back home about 4pm. I had to go in a simulator machine to check the measurements were still OK that I had done in my CT scan. Also the time in the room for radiotherapy was a bit longer today as they had to do some measurements and x-rays.

The worst part for me was laying there for so long not able to move, in one position with your arms above your head, bad enough normally but very difficult with my pain condition fibromyalgia.

They are using what they call a wax strip across my scar every other day, they said think of it as an extra layer of skin. I'm still very numb under my right armpit and in my skin across my chest, they stick the wax on with plaster, when they removed it, I jumped a mile, wonder if I have some feeling coming back, one can hope!

1 down 14 to go!

 

 

Implant deflation & Radiotherapy

Yesterday I went to see Mr P my surgeon, thinking I was having my right implant deflated. After he found out Oncology had already done my planning appointment and tattoos ready for radiotherapy he decided not to. He said there was no evidence that deflating would help save my implant, he just thought it would be worth a try. I'm to keep an eye on the implant, scars and skin during radiotherapy treatment and if needed I can have it deflated any time. Radiotherapy can cause scarring and hardening of the implant, leading to a less natural look. So fingers crossed my implant survives this. Worst case scenario is I get capsular contracture and have to have my implant removed and wait 6-12 months before we can re-try reconstruction again.

I am having radiotherapy after mastectomy because my tumour was over 5cm in size and it aims to destroy any cancer cells that may be left behind in the breast area after surgery. The tattoos I've had are 3 little black dots which they use to line up the machine that will be giving the radiation as Radiotherapy also affects healthy tissue in the area being treated. However, this is generally able to recover and repair itself. It’s given in such a way that it has the greatest effect on the cancer cells while limiting the damage to normal healthy tissue.

My finger nails are almost grown back but I've now lost my first toe nail and look like I'll be losing a few more (picture below for the less queasy of you), hopefully it won't be too painful with winter coming as I don't fancy flip flops in cold weather! I was confused as to why this was happening now and found out from Oncology that finger nails take about 3-6 months to regrow and toe nails take 12-18 months to regrow. Cancer the gift that keeps on giving!

On a good note I'm getting stronger daily, I'm now walking 2 miles before I need to sit down which is great. I'm also driving short distances and today managed the 18 mile drive to work which I was well chuffed about, I'm a little sore but no pain no gain! It was lovely to see everyone at work again, felt like I'd never been away haha! I'm going to start getting out on my bicycle too at the weekend. But first I have my first Radiotherapy tomorrow to get through then every day for the next three weeks, wish me luck. xx

Radiotherapy side effects:
https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-treatment-breast-cancer/side-effects/side-effects-radiotherapy


Right side tattoo (black dot on the right)

Left side tattoo (black dot top right)

Middle tattoo

Toe nails

Radiotherapy tattoos

Well today I've been to see a temporary Oncologist in the Oncology department and had a CT scan and 4 little tattoos ready for Radiotherapy, which starts in 2 weeks. I will be having it every day for 3 weeks. Yes sure I can afford that! 66 mile round trip every day plus parking. The CT was ok, just hurt to hold my arms above my head for ten minutes.

Radiotherapy is a treatment for cancer that uses carefully measured and controlled high energy x-rays. Iit aims to destroy any cancer cells that may be left behind in the breast area after surgery.

The Oncologist said that radiotherapy would improve my chances of cancer not re-occurring in the breast from 20% to 5%, so makes sense really to have it. He is a different Oncologist from the one in my MDT (multidisciplinary team) meeting too, so that's two saying I should have it. I'm just so annoyed after my old Oncologist of 6 months said I didn't need it. But it's 2 against 1 now and now it's been mentioned I will have to have it at those odds. They say if your tumour was over 5cm radiotherapy is a must.

I started walking 1/2 a mile a day over the weekend and I'm now managing 3/4 of a mile, I'll soon be running round the park hehe! I also managed to get out to the pub on Saturday for a couple which was lovely. Hoping the little walks will help with sleep too. Thought yesterday's reflexology would help me sleep, managed to sleep from 23:00-3:45 but that might have been the bottle of beer too...maybe try more beer next time haha! Have a good week everyone. xx




Saturday's walk

Puppy cuddles

A few beers to help me sleep



I'm out at the local

Monday's walk

Selfie with my babies

Tuesday's walk

A month after double mastectomy

Back from hospital and Mr P is happy with my progress so far, even though I'm still sore, lumpy, bumpy, hard and itchy. It's all normal and only a month after surgery after all. I'm doing all the right things to help my healing and will continue to do so. Physio, moisturise, massage, physio, moisturise massage, physio, moisturise massage!

I'm still not able to drive but hoping to in the next few weeks, he said 4-6 weeks after surgery before I'd be able to. The 66 mile car journey has took it's toll on me, my chest is hard and painful and I am so tired, doing a bit of work then I'll rest.

Have to wait now to see my new oncologist next Wednesday to discuss radiotherapy.

I have my normal therapy through Coping with Cancer once a week, which is so beneficial to me. I can also now start my 6 free sessions of complementary therapies which can involve massage, reiki, reflexology, I'm thinking massage hehe!

Some pictures of hair growth as at yesterday, it's coming on fast now, same as my legs and armpits. Eyelashes are thick stubble, still only on my top lid and I have a few tiny bits on my eyebrows and down below, so looks like I need to buy shaving products again. Electric shaver only for my armpits though due to the lymph node surgery I had.

Have a good week everyone xx

Hair after chemo

No changes to report until I see my surgeon Wednesday and my oncologist next Wednesday. A few pictures below of how my hair is growing, still peach fuzz, light on the top and sides, dark at the back, think I'm going to be Cruella De Vil as it looks black and white to me hahaha!

Just thought I'd show you a few pictures after the nice weekend I've had. Sitting round the fire pit in the garden on warmer evenings, Tea parties at Claire's, Viv's and Hambleton Bakery, they all raised money for Cancer. I have another two Tea parties in the diary this month. I even managed to get to see some friends in a local show, I struggled to sit for long even with all my pillows, and even though I was in pain I stayed till the end and watched the whole show. Thank you to all my friends and family for driving me every where.

I'm shocked at how tired I get after anything I do, even if it's only an hour. You think I'd sleep better for it! I'm so looking forward to getting my fitness back, walking the dogs, cycling, dancing and driving again. But it's been so nice to finally get out of my house and not go to the hospital.

Flowers from Jan & Nige xx

Flowers from RMT xx

 

 

Fire pit times in the garden

Beer to celebrate being Cancer free :-D

Peach fuzz

Hambleton Bakery Tea Party cakes

Candle from Heather & Johnny xx

Day 32 post double mastectomy

I had visitors every day running up to the bank holiday weekend and a lovely surprise visit from family last Sunday. Had a quiet week last week but luckily I was busy with month end for work.

I'm Day 32 post surgery and my chest is still very painful in places as well as lumpy, hard, hot, itchy. Roll on Day 50 when they'll hopefully be healed. I still can't sleep on my side, I try everyday but still too painful. I still can't drive either which is so annoying, having to rely on others is so hard. You take for granted just being able to jump in your car and drive somewhere.

Struggling with sleep too, I've even started sleeping pills to try and sort myself out. Had one a night the last two nights and still woke up early, but at least I got 4 hours each night. Going to try two pills tonight, fingers crossed for 7-8 hours.

I'm back to see my surgeon on Wednesday for a check up and hopefully plan my chest inflation. Also had my letter today for an appointment with my new oncologist which isn't till the 16th September, so it will be 3 weeks since knowing they wanted me to have radiotherapy before I get to discuss it in detail. More waiting....I hate waiting grrr!

I still see my therapist once a week, nobody should be ashamed to do this, it's really good to be able to talk to a neutral person and basically of load. I do wonder how they cope with everyone else's worries. I suppose it takes a certain kind of person. I know I couldn't do that job. Or do you think they have therapists and their therapists have therapists lol.

September is the month of cancer related tea parties, I've already been to two and have another three to go to, which is great now I'm up to getting out and about. It's late and I'm just waffling now so I'll say good night. Xx