After waiting for wait seems like forever I had my first radiotherapy session on Tuesday. I thought I might be a bit nervous but after chemo and the operation I’m now just used to medical appointments and procedures, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing!
I arrived at the clinic and the lovely radiotherapist greeted me and asked me to pop in the changing room remove all clothing from my top half (standard for appointments for me these days) and then get myself into a lovely lilac gown with a zip on the front, for easy access obviously. I did as I was told and was then shown through to the actual radiotherapy area. The staff are so friendly, as they have been throughout all my treatments, and they carefully explained where they would be sitting and how they could see me through the cameras. Then on round the corner to the next room where the huge radiotherapy machine was waiting.
It was all set up for my measurements, so I hopped on. At this point I discovered that not only did my lilac top have a snazzy colour it was also fitted with quick change Velcro on the arms so they wiped through that so they could expose the top half of me after I was in position, simple but effective! The next clever part (at least to me) was how the lasers and cameras now focused on me allowed the bed to move up/down left/right until I was in the right position. Once everything was in place, boobs exposed and my arms above my head they demonstrated the little game I needed to play whilst I was having treatment. A tiny screen appeared above my head with two blue lines and one yellow one below it. They explained that the object of the game was to breath in and make the yellow line turn green by keeping it on top of the blue lines. It transpired the yellow one moved with my breath. I must admit having this little game to play along with was so helpful.
So the team disappeared to their computers and cameras and the treatment began. Firstly they took a couple of images of the area, I made sure to play my line game breathing in at the right time. Then after these were done I had three separate blasts of radiation each time the big machine moving to get a different angle and each time I played my little game (trying to get more precisely in the middle each time). Each blast was around 20 seconds. Then it was all over, I got dressed and was given the advice about creams (aloe Vera gel, Aveeno, E45, twice a day at least).
I’ve now had three sessions, I was due to have my fourth today but sadly their machine is broken so I’m not back until Monday, I’m told a gap of three days (rather than just the usual weekend) is ok, so fingers crossed! So far no real side effects, I have never felt anything during the treatment itself and it doesn’t feel any different yet but I have a way to go so we shall see.
The other excitement this week is that I started some back to fitness sessions which my radiotherapy centre offers as part of the treatment plan. I was very hesitant going into the assessment session. I was reasonably fit prior to diagnosis having spent lockdown one doing Insanity workouts with the hubby. But since diagnosis and chemo fitness has been somewhat depleted! But I got through it and now have a plan to get me back up to some strength over the coming weeks. I had my first proper session today which included using proper gym equipment I haven’t used in years, it was hard but so nice to be exercising again, feel like it’s the beginning of getting back to a fitter me (albeit one who still loves cake)!
So that’s me for now, I’ll let you know how I get on with the rest of the sessions and getting back to fitness. Take care all xxx
