NOT COPING

1 minute read time.

I started radiotherapy last week and am not coping at all with the treatment. Travel can take up to an hour and half in an ambulance  - just to get there ( a little quicker if a car is sent). I have not got anyone to travel with me - not that there would be rooom in the tgransport for extras anyway - so feel completely lost and alone on arrival.  Hospital is so huge.

I am finding the radiotherapy treatment very claustrophobic, and the position I had to lie in for what seemed like forever was so painful. I was unable to speak or swallow as the chin strap was so tight. Ended up in tears, terrified and upset.  Following which they sent 2 social workers to see me.  I was fine until they asked me to go into a little room -  (Claustrophobic again). I felt it was delaying my treatment and consequently transport home. If you miss the transport you could be there for hours. Then came the real blow - the social workers suggested it may be better for me to be treated as an inpatient for the next four weeks! I cannot repeat my response!

I hear people saying radiotherapy is easy peasy - is it just me that is a wimp - or is there any one else out there who feels close to tears at the thought of the next session?

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    No one on the cancer journey is a wimp. We have so much to deal there are bound to be times where it gets the better of us. I am so sorry you are having such a rough time of things with your radiotherapy.. I must admit it is a bit daunting to be left in the room by yourself.  And I know what you mean about hospital transport, I found it waiting to arrive at home the worst as I cannot stand to be late.. and on one occasion I was over two hours late!!!

    As to staying in hospital think of it as a week at a time... and a week of rest.Take in a pilr of books to read, tapes to listen to.

    And it is true..... it does get easier as time goes on.

    Remember too, you are not alone, there are all of us here offering support and an ear if needed

    Take care

    Kath xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Just a little message as the others say it all but to say thinking of you, treatment is tough enough with good support but must be so much harder in your position. Sending you caring supportive thoughts, Karen xox

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello Marilyn, so sorry you are having a bad time. Whats the matter with your

    husband, cant he see that you need support, you would be there for him if he

    had to go thru all this treatment.i know

    some men find it hard to come to terms

    with there loved one having cancer,thay

    are scared, but hells bells Marilyn this

    is a fight no one should do on there own,

    your scared but you have to get on with the

    treatment and all your family should be

    doing there utmost to support you. i really

    wished we lived close so i could help you

    but like everyone here we can only do

    our best to support you by listening and

    i hope that helps you, you are not alone,

    you have friends here , and we all care.

       Sending you BIG HUGS.

     LOVE Lucylee. xxxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Big thanks to everyone for your support.

    Could never ever stay in hospital for so long - I escaped on day three complete with drains after the surgery. Nurse in charge said she had never ever met a more nervous patient!

    IVisotrs would be out of the question at the hospital where I am being treated - both my husband and daughter work approx one hour from where we live whereas the hospital is anhour to an hour and half from  home going the other direction.

    They have both take som much time off work over the last year due to my skin condition, liver scans, skinb biopsies, you name it and I have had it!

    Anyway roll on Monday - I am seeing social workers and the breast care nurse at the hospital. Hope they dont delay me too much

    love M xx

  • Hi Maralyn

    Good luck tomorrow with the social workers and BC nurse.

    You will get sorted so try not to get wound up.

    Am thinking of you.

    Love

    Sue x x x