Hi everyone, first time posting on this board. I finished my treatment 3 weeks ago. Had a lumpectomy and 2 lymph nodes removed in July, fortunately I'd found the lump early on and the cancer hadn't spread into surrounding tissue. I had 6 sessions of chemo, FEC-T, which was vile. I found it really tough going and had to be admitted twice for 5 days each time with infections. Last chemo was 3rd Jan, then I had 15 sessions of RT during Feb. (Honey I had 2 days off in one week, once due to a power cut and once due to machine maintainance).
They told me the RT would continue to work for several weeks after end of treatment. The burn under my arm was really bad after a few days, and due to where it was it wouldn't heal, was so raw and weepy and sore, but I was told not to put anything on it and not to cover it. I was getting a bit desperate by the end of last week - then suddenly it just dried up and healed pretty much overnight! I couldn't believe it. It's gone on to get better each day, with no scarring. I've been putting aloe Vera gel on it since it dried up, which helps with the itching.
I know what you all mean about everyone thinking that's it, all back to normal, they have no idea of the emotional toll it takes and yes Considerably that's just how I feel - like my security blanket has been taken away and left me feeling really vulnerable. But I can feel I'm getting over that more each day.
The big thing for me now is the tiredness. I could sleep for England! I don't wake up until about 10.30/11.00, and have to force myself to get up or I'd go straight back to sleep again.
So now I'm looking forward to building my energy levels back up and getting my life back again. I wish you all the very best during your treatments and beyond.