radiation after surgery

Please tell me I have enough strenght to go through radiation after surgery. I need to know I am not the only one.

Hi Ginnymag.

You can do it. I am facing the same predicament and am "looking forward" to my up and coming radiation and chemo (after surgery).

You will be amazed what we can do. Keep strong and believe in yourself and anything is possible.

Try not to feel too intemidated and rather concentrate on having a wonderful New Year.

My thoughts are with you.

Hey Ginny, it's certainly not something one *wants* to do, but you do it regardless. My radiation techs were so nice that I actually miss talking to them now. Treatments aren't awful, more of a hassle than anything. 10-15 minutes, in and out.

I started out by marking the days off on my calendar. It helped a bit because I could see that I was DOING SOMETHING. (even though it's about all that I did lol)

It's a hard road, but many of us here have traveled it. And one day you'll be the person sitting here offering advice and support to those that come along afterwards.

You can do it, Ginny. You'll be surprised at how tough you really are. And the days will pass faster than you think. How many treatments will you be having? I put 29 stickers on the mirror and each day after treatment I would take one down and throw it away. My energy level is now back(took a few months to get back to "normal"). I did pretty much everything I wanted to do, just with a little more rest breaks in between. Good luck.

Radiation really is a piece of cake. The biggest pain is having to go every day. No pain - just laying on the table for about 60 secs. Using the "white diet" - rice, chicken, turkey, pasta - during treatment helps with bowel problems. Most of my residual side effects came from my internal as opposed to external radiation treatments. Good luck. It will be over before you know it. Take care. anna

Ginny, I just finished my radiation treatments today! I had 28 external and 3 internals, at the beginning I was so scared. If only I could have known how it really was going to be, I would not have worried for a second. There are some side effects, but they are managable. The people at my cancer care center were so kind to me, and made everything as easy as possible. Just take one day at a time, you will be fine.
I'll keep you in my prayers. Emily

Ginny,

You can do it! I just finished 25 external and 3 internal radiation treatments about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I was lucky enough not to have to work during my treatments but I know a lot of the women here continued to work. It is important to rest when you get tired. I had some nausea, diarrhea and fatigue but all in all, it was not a horrific experience. Good luck!
's
Barb

Hi Ginnymag,

Yes you can!!! You go girl -you have the strength, courage and stamina. We're here for you -we'll be here for you all the way.

s

Definitely you can get through it! It takes only a minute or two and is totally painless. I had NO skin problems, no nothing. I left home and was back in less than an hour. It gets old, driving there everyday, but radiation itself is very easy.

Best,
Janie