Arrived a little before the appointment time.
I received my full list of 30 appointments and went for the initial chat with a member of the radiography team. I had the chance to ask any questions and raise any concerns.
I didn't have any concerns, but had taken in a few items of skin care that I wished to ask about. The Garnier f50 sunscreen shouldn't be used during treatment (contains aluminium); the Vaseline acts as another skin layer and so holds more of the radiotherapy dose than is required so this shouldn't be used during treatment.
The possible side effects were repeated to me ..... Dry mouth; ulcers; dry skin; sticky saliva; stiff jaw; temporary hair loss; dental weaknesses and the biggy .... Tiredness
After a short break I was called in again and met the IMRT machine and another radiographer.
I lay down, closed my eyes and the mask was fitted.
After the x-ray (apparently this happens every day) the treatment started.
I couldn't feel anything happening, though I could hear the machine humming and feel my pulse beating on the left side of my neck, against the mask. I focussed on relaxing and slowing my breathing with the aim of controlling my pulse.
After approx 15 minutes the treatment ended, the mask was removed and I could pull my bra straps and top back onto my shoulders.
I asked what happens to the mask at the end of treatment - I can bring it home (which is what I hope to do, though my husband has subsequently indicated he is less keen on doing this) or the hospital can destroy it if I don't want it.
I asked where I can request a sick bucket ..... So that's an easy request should the nausea start progressing beyond just a feeling.
And so, my husband had started editing some of the appointments that clashed with school pick up time. By the time I had finished, most of the edits were made and we were able to leave for the day. The whole appointment was one hour long.
After-effects? I sat in the car and really considered whether I could note any symptoms at all. I did have the slightest nausea when in the car but this lasted only a couple of minutes, and I was really focussing on how my body was feeling. Later in the afternoon, I noted a very slight stiff jaw and have been stretching out my jaw all day. The skin on my jaw was ever so slightly pink, and I slapped on some more aqueous cream (applying three times a day). Other than that everything has been fine and I have started to clear out the gym this afternoon.
Day 1 update completed.
FormerMember
Hello BronB ... so your RT has started and it's the countdown to the end of the treatments, I found that crossing each day off in a diary helped. My side effects began at around the eighth or ninth fractions with a sore mouth, so do ask about the various mouth rinses such as Caphosol which many patients find helpful in minimising any mucositis ulceration.
Yes, the tiredness can be profound so do listen to your body and rest / sleep when you need ... don't try to carry on as normal as you will only delay the healing process ( I tried that and failed miserably ) Just take it all a day at a time and do let the RT staff know exactly how you are feeling at every treatment session. Good luck and all best wishes.
