Aaaargh!!!! I wrote a really long update on the train up to Manchester on Friday and have only just realised that it got lost in the Avanti West coast ether and never made it onto Mumsnet…..gah! So massive apologies to everyone - I wasn’t ghosting you!
It was definitely a relief to get through the last session. @quietmaelstrom @Yamyamabroad @BatshitCrazyWoman I had 5 long sessions instead of 15 short ones - it’s the same total amount of exposure but you get it over and done with a bit faster, although it also means the side effects kick in a bit sooner - but apart from that, @spartanrunnergirl has described it all really well. Like her, I didn’t have a tattoo because they used the ct machine & lasers for positioning, and I had to do a lot of deep breath holds, for treatment on my left hand side. The team were super supportive and lovely, and let me choose my own Spotify playlists too!
In terms of side effects….its really not been much fun so far. Like Spartan, I’ve got the full on mastitis/swollen breasts/sunburnt nipple thing going on, for which I was recommended Strata FX cream, which I think is helping, as well as aloe Vera. I was told not to use ice packs (or direct heat….perish the thought - I’m burning up!!) but I have to admit that I have, and they really help, although I’m careful to wrap them up to protect the skin as much as possible.
I did make it to Manchester for the weekend and had a lovely few days hanging out with old friends, even though I spent quite a lot of it either curled up on the sofa with the cats or fast asleep - I don’t think I was the best company, but it was great to see everyone. Glad I did it, as I’ve been feeling quite a but worse since I got back, with waves of nausea & exhaustion which keep catching me by surprise. Hopefully that will all start to pass fairly soon!
Hope the planning appointment goes well tomorrow @quietmaelstrom. I went with DH and we both found it really helpful to talk through everything in advance of the treatment: I was definitely more reassured after that, hope it’s the same for you. And apologies if my description of side effects is at all off putting - I know it’s different for everyone.
@dancingwhilstfacingthemusic im so glad you managed to get away too, and it was lovely to hear how you were met with kindness and support on your travels. I love the thought of you lighting a candle for warrior women: maybe that should be the title of our next thread?! Meanwhile, cheese and cake sounds like the perfect way to make the most of your time in France! When are you back?
@chococakey I was thinking of you yesterday. Thank goodness you’ve now made a start on treatment, although goodness, that sounds like it was a difficult and long day. Your poor, hedgehogged-pincushion arms!!! At least you know for sure now that you want to get the picc line sorted. Hope you get some sleep tonight and aren’t feeling too awful after the first treatment?
@SunnyValemin please get that shoulder seen to before it seizes up completely! I appreciate that it might not feel as urgent now you know there’s nothing sinister going on, but shoulders are funny things and can be really hard to get moving again once they lock up.
How’s everyone else doing?