did any of you drive yourself to your treatments?

mixin

I had both sides radiated and drove myself to all treatments. I would go a little early and take a walk to relieve the stress. Toward the end, I wasn't as motivated to walk before or after. But I had no problems with driving.

Keep your friends on stand-by. By the end of my treatments, I was having a really hard time keeping upbeat about the whole thing; it would have been nice to have a friend along to have lunch with. I took the suggestion of one of the members here and bought lotto tickets for the last 2 weeks; scratching off one each day after rads. 

Keeping pulled together can be a problem; for some reason, it was the little things got me undone. I cried on the rad table one day because I could smell my own perspiration. I couldn't even wipe the tears away because the techs were setting up my fields. 

The good part is that it begins to fade almost the moment treatments are over. Mostly, rads are well tolerated; you should do fine. 

Leah_S

Moonlight, I think the bottom line from all these answers is - you'll know when it happens. It will depend on how you feel, how long you typically have to wait for treatment, where you wait (seperate men & women, patients & non-patients), if people in the waiting area tend to chat with each other or keep to themselves etc.

Whatever you decide - best of luck with your rads.

Leah

Angelice

I was driven to and from chemo by my hubby I was Un well with chemo ! But drove my self to rads !!

Boo307

Moonlight60,

I drove myself back and forth for radiation, about a 20 minute drive.  My 83 year old mother also drove herself back and forth for radiation when she had BC, and then went to work!

I made sure I slept as much as I needed every day, even rolling over in the morning and deciding to sleep another hour or two.  I also walked at least some every day to fend off the fatigue.  I figured I would do everything I could to prevent fatigue and have less to recover from.  I was tired toward the end, but not the bone tired, exhausted when you wake up in the morning kind of fatigue that I feared. 

Best wishes, Boo 

itsjustme10

I drove myself to 6 of my 8 chemo treatments and will drive myself to all of my radiation treatments.  As a matter of fact, when I leave radiation, I go straght to the gym - I'm only doing some cardio in order to keep my sanity - LOL - but I still go.

I won't let it get to me...

Beebop

I drove sometimes if my son wasn't able to drive me, but with the benadryl I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. I only live 5 miles from the hospital, no freeways. I actually walked home the 5 miles after the first one (stopping at the grocery store 1/2 way home) because I was too stubborn to call someone for a ride

kingjr66

Glad this tread was started.  Now I feel better knowing that I will not have to rely on my husband to help out with driving.  Will start my rads next week for 6 weeks.  Going to do them on my lunch hour.  Only 15 minute drive to and fro.  Going to a very large practice in my area.  It's like a revolving door.  You're given a swipe card to let yourself in at an side door, no having to check in, 15 minute treatment and you're back on your way.  Thanks for all the insight ladies.

exbrnxgrl

Beebop,

I think we're talking rads not chemo but I can't believe you walked 5 miles after chemo! You are stubborn and strong too.

Caryn

karensimone

I just started radiation yesterday and am driving on my ow, so I can get right back to work. I am wondering though when the burning/skin side effects start. (if they do) Just wondering.

kingjr66

Karensimone:  I start my rads on the 23rd.  I would like you and I to keep tabs.  See how our progress is going.  I too am going to drive to and from on my lunch hour.  Keep in touch. Linda

suzieq60

Good to see others mention the time you will be there - not long at all - which then makes it a bit weird if someone goes with you. In and out in less than 10 minutes. I had major skin breakdown both times and had no problem driving. I always took my aloe vera with me and applied it before I got dressed.

elimar86861

karensimone & kingjr66,  Look for the "January 2012 rads" thread and you can follow along with others getting their rads this month.  (You can join next months thread also.)  Good Luck!

FilterLady

I have been driving myself (only 11 miles each way) and it's been no problem at all.  My husband did go with me a few times since we had other errands to run.  He did go to the back to the treatment area with me one time.  I had asked the techs for a time that no one else was in the back so that he could see and understand exactly what was happening and why.

It was hard to describe it so he was so happy to see what was being done.  Now he so much more comfortable about me going through this.  He's been a wonderful support system, he even goes with me to the breast cancer support group.  There are 4 other men that attend with their wives.  To be honest, this breast cancer has been harder emotionally on my husband and my sons than it has for me. 

I just think that God gives us many different challenges in life and this is one that I have. I can tell you also that it really helps to have so many friends and family lifting me (and my family) up in prayer. It helps me keep a positive attitude and that is always helpful.

I hope this helps! Take care!

karen1956

I went to rads after work...DH met me once/week when I saw the rad onc...and came on the last day.....I did not have any pain during rads or should I say at rads...skin did get red and itchy....and for me compared to chemo, rads was a walk in the park....fatigue was cumulative and I was tired, but it didn't affect me going to/from rads....Wishing you and easy time...

GabbyCal

I drove myself to/from my radiation treatments. Drive was about 20 minutes of mostly highway driving. I preferred driving myself as it made me feel more independent and "in control". 

Good luck. 

Carmelle

I drove myself to rads after finsihing chemo. It was 1 1/2 hours everyday. I did have an aunt who came with me though. She started out driving but it drove me crazy.

cp418

I drove myself to all my radiation treatments about 30+ minutes one way.  No way for any of the chemo treatments afterwards --- too foggy brained.

moonlight60

That's so good to hear. I haven't even had surgery yet (this coming Thursday) so my rads are still several weeks away, assuming the plan doesn't change and chemo sneaks in pushing rads out a some months.

Man, I just want to get started!! This waiting is driving me crazy!