Post-rads encouragement

SheilaR

Hi all ---

I wanted to post a little post-rads encouragement for anyone in the thick of of it or just starting.

You can do it!

I finished 28 rads yesterday, Thursday. Radiation was a "surprise" for me. I had a mastectomy, chemo and thought that was that. It wasn't until just before chemo that I saw a Rad doc "just in case" and rads were suggested since I was in a gray area. I put it out of my mind, went through dose dense chemo and then got a second and a THIRD opinion on rads. They all suggested 28 rounds, no boost.

I researched, prayed, got mad, prayed, researched and then, two months later (yes, it took me that long to decide) I decided to go ahad with Rads. I wanted to be aggressive.

I went everyday before work. It was a whopping 15 minutes including getting dressed and undressed. Today, I have what I call one hell of a tanned boobette (not done with my reconstruction yet). But I did not blister. I felt some fatigue, more like an "I do not want to get out of bed" feeling just last week, four days from the end. My energy level was OK; but when I was tired, I was tiiiirrrreeeeed. 

I guess I just want you to be encouraged. This ,too, shall pass and you can be on your way to healing. Be good to yourself. Get rest, drink water...and most of all...laugh.

Blessings

Sheila

Moderators

Sheila, thank you for taking the time to post your experience! Hearing from others who've "been there" is truly encouraging. 

• The Mods

GoWithTheFlow

Thank you Sheila.

I go for my mapping and all that stuff on Monday and start the following monday.  Good to hear that it's not horrible.

lstewart51

Thanks for posting just had 1st chemo still have mastectomy and radiation to get thru

CTMOM1234

Sheila,

Really beautifully said and wonderful attitude! It's been 3 years since I finished rads and they were defintely not horrible (did blister and burn but things cleared up pretty quickly) and still glad I did them.  With each session I just imagined zapping away any chances of a stray bc cell surviving.