Last radiotherapy

I celebrated on the evening of my last day of radiotherapy with Cava, drinks and a curry as that was my last day of active treatment, but I've still got a few inflations to go on my implants, a nipple reconstruction and areola tattooing. I've had lots of lovely flowers, plants, alcohol and my partner did a portrait drawing of me, which was a lovely surprise.

It's been nearly a week since my last radiotherapy and it seems my Oncologist was right, I'm so tired now it's unreal and my skin is getting redder and the certain areas of my chest are sore. It is the area that wasn't covered by the wax strip they used to protect my scar, so I'm glad they used that every other day, I can't imagine being this sore on my scar!

My doctor has now changed me from sleeping pills to a low dose of amitriptyline, as this is non addictive and I have been getting 7 hours medicated sleep every night and this weekend I've even managed a bit extra on Saturday after no sleep on Friday due to the pain after sitting for those few hours. I was in pain all weekend due to a few hours out to be the guest of honour at my friends new show, Cabaresque for Cancer, but it was worth it. It was an amazing night, with lots of laughter and a few tears. I hope to post again with a few pictures once they're available. Thank you again Lucy and friends for a wonderful evening, it was just what the doctor ordered after a tough year. xxx

My doctor prescribed me a low dose of Citalopram a few months ago, for the hot flushes I'm getting hourly due to chemotherapy stopping my ovaries working temporarily and giving me a phantom menopause! I wanted to try everything I could before going onto another pill as I hate medication, another reason why this year has been tough. I tried the Lady Care Magnet from Boots, it said to give it a month, I gave it 6 weeks, it made no difference to me whatsoever. I bought a spray called Physicool, while it helped make them shorter it did not stop them. I can't take any herbal remedies suggested for hot flushes as they all produce plant Oestrogens and as my Cancer was Oestrogen positive I'm not allowed them, HRT is just the same. So I finally gave in and started Citalopram last week and I now only have 3-4 hot flushes a day, mainly in the evening, instead of 1 every hour, which is such a relief.

For Rutland in Rutland is a local charity based with the CAB, they have helped me so much during the last year. I wouldn't have been able to make the 50+ hospital trips to beat Cancer if it wasn't for them. They've helped me so much with transport costs and parking. You would think working from home I would have saved money on Petrol but no, petrol cost more and my heating bill more than double due to being at home. So I'd like to raise enough to give them back what they helped me with and more, so this wonderful team can help more people like me.
https://www.justgiving.com/Amanda-Bills/

Last day of active treatment drinks

Thank you Angie & Frank for the bubbles xx

Thank you Jan & Nige for my beautiful flowers and drink xx

 

My surprise drawing my partner did for me, love it. xx

Thank you Mom & Dad for my beautiful Orchid xxx

Thank you Lucy & Bonnie for my Beautiful flowers xxx



 

Radiotherapy 15 of 15

Radiotherapy 15 of 15 - My last day of active treatment

Well the day has finally arrived and I've had my last Radiotherapy, I skipped out of the room with joy. I'm utterly exhausted and my skin is red, but so far it's not sore, hopefully I'll be one of the lucky ones there...will make a change for me eh! No more hospital until 9th November, I can get some sort of normality back in my life! I can start phasing back into working at the office too instead of working from home. I will get to speak to people again that talk back, unlike my dogs hehe.

I didn't manage any walks last week but I did a couple at the weekend and managed 3 miles on Saturday which I was well chuffed with. Anyway must dash I want my celebratory curry and drinks.

My walk on Saturday

 

Radiotherapy 9 of 15

Radiotherapy 9 of 15

I've just passed the half way mark and can't believe how exhausted I am already, the lethargy reminds me too much of my chemotherapy days! My skin is starting to look a little red too, fingers crossed it doesn't get much worse. My Breast Care Nurse said it will be at it's worse 10-14 days after my last radiotherapy treatment. The good news is it will go away eventually, the bad news is I have to wear factor 50 in any sun for 1-2 years, so no topless bathing for me with my new puppies! Oh well only 6 more 66 mile round trips to go, well until 9th November. When all being well I get my first implant inflation, fingers crossed.

I did manage to beat my 1.7 mile walk but not by much, but I managed 2 miles. Hopefully I'll manage more once I'm recovered from Radiotherapy. Today is the first day I've not managed a walk since starting Radiotherapy sadly.

I've been in a few local papers this last week for the show my friend Lucy is putting on called Cabaresque for Cancer, so looking forward to seeing it, just hope the fatigue doesn't get any worse. Links to newspaper article and where to get tickets below.

http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/local/burlesque-show-to-bring-smiles-after-hard-year-1-7002944

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/316340

Me and my Radiotherapy Machine Day 6

In the paper again!

Hospital selfie Day 7



Out on a 1.7 mile walk

In the paper again!

Thank you Mandy for my card and gift xx

Out on a 1.6 mile walk
 

Rutland Water Dam

Radiotherapy 5 of 15

Radiotherapy 5 of 15

Well I'm a 1/3 of the way through Radiotherapy and not doing too bad. I'm very tired and I ache all over, but that is partly down to my pain condition (Fibromyalgia) I think. My skin can go red/purple with the radiation, and look like sunburn and today I can see a slight difference in skin tone, I'd say it's a bit pink, fingers crossed it doesn't get any worse. The 66 mile round trip is taking it's toll on me, I've not been this tired since chemotherapy, just glad I don't feel as ill as I did back then! I'm getting shooting pains and twinges in my chest but I'm told that's the nerve endings repairing.

Only 2 weeks to go and radiotherapy will be over! Then just one little operation to go and a bit of liposuction to go if needed, if the implants when filled don't even out.

My hair is growing fast now, but still very soft, so I bought myself some baby shampoo hehe and still growing my xmas tinsel! See pictures below.

I'm still walking daily and aimed for 3miles the weekend but to my annoyance only managed 1.7 miles, but I know I will get there. Will be cycling soon and next year I plan to do the biggest zip wire, climb more mountains and climb a telephone mast for charity.

 

Weekend walk. All of  1.7 miles