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kate40club
kate40club Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

My name is Karen I'm 46 and on Friday 11th May 2012 at 10.20am I was diagnosed with breast cancer.I was numb ..shocked.. scared.. as my husband squeezed my hand tighter I lost the ability to actually listen to what the consultant was saying. On may 23rd I had a Lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy in my left breast.My cancer was 8mm grade 2.Only 2 days ago I had my post op results the 2 weeks leading up to this were my darkest days ever..the waiting is so traumatic. My results were good news and my lymph nodes were clear.I havent stopped crying since and I now have 2 weeks to wait to start radiotherapy. My feelings are very mixed I still feel scared of the not knowing how its all going to go.I have a great positive lot behind and feel I have too much to live for so staying positive is the only way.To think just in 1 month from diagnosis this has all happened so quickly...would be nice to hear from anyone else who is at my stage.

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  • Jomama2
    Jomama2 Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2012

    We have a similar DX, my lump was 7 mm, grade 1.  I had surgery, then 16 radiotherapy treatments, not including the initial CT scan and simulation.  The worst part about the radiotherapy was the daily hour drive to (from work) and an hour and 1/2 drive home.  I did have some peeling skin near the fold, which was improved by using an anti-fungal powder. I kept the breast moist with aloe vera gel from a health food store (avoiding the evil paraben twins, methyl & ethyl)!  The actual treatments are painless and quick!  I had a little fatigue towards the end, but not as bad as I expected.  At the end, I told the radiology tech that I hoped never to return to his tanning salon as I was getting such uneven results! -- He didn't "get" my attempt at humor---sounds as if you have a lot of support, so here's hoping you'll breeze right through!

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  • kate40club
    kate40club Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2012

    Hi Jomama Thanks for your reply..Yes it's just the not knowing you hear so many different stories yet everyones journey is different...Im trying get rest now ready for my rad..and here's hoping you never have to go back to that tanning salon.How are you doing now? take care..

    Kate 

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  • Jomama2
    Jomama2 Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2012

    I'm doing okay, but I will admit, I still have occasional pain where they did the sentinal node biopsy, and there is scar tissue under my areola which I wasn't expecting.  As for side effects from radiotherapy, I worry about the possible SEs that aren't visible, or may show up later...but, what's done is done, so I am trying to do what is in my control such as losing weight and exercising.  There are some real nightmare stories about radiotherapy...glad I didn't read them before my treatment began! Take care...hoping for the best results for you.

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  • Justsayyes
    Justsayyes Member Posts: 34
    edited June 2012

    Hello Kate and Jo!  Am an transitioning from lumpectomy recovery to looking at the next step, radiation therapy, so I am right behind you!  Meeting with an oncologist Monday.....whew it has all been a whirlwind and I'm just plain exhausted.  No rest for the weary I'm afraid!

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