Well, the CT prep went well and Sal didn't seem to traumatised by it. Of course, having her mother there probably helped with that - sometimes those lifetime 'roles' we have had as parent and child that we never seem to outgrow help us through the bad times because the lover and support in them is so tangible. The RT starts properly tomorrow (it says 'calc and input' on her appointment sheet, not sure what that is so if anyone can enlighten me I'd be grateful) and lasts initially for the next two weeks. We both have an idea of what to expect having read the information here and elsewhere - but. of course you can't know exactly until you're living it. Any general advice on helping Sal through this would be hugely appreciated.
We made the best of our weekend because we don't know how the weekends of the near future are going to pan out - and the weather smiled on us in this. We got several of our 'couples' friends over and while Sal and the female contingent soaked up the rays in the garden and chatted while I and the male contingent got busy renovating our 'horrid' kitchen that has been the bane of her life for quite some time. I should hang my head in shame for not tackling it years ago - but it was one of those 'I'll get round to it' jobs I never got round to (I'm sure the wives/female partners are all to familiar with this syndrome!). All in all it was a lovely weekend, Sal smiled more during it than probably the last few weeks put together - and every time she did it was like the sun came out in my heart.
Lastly, for all those who read and commented on my earlier posts I've left replies. Please don't mistake my tardiness in doing so as lack of appreciation - your thoughts and kinds words have made a massive difference and and I thank you all for taking the time to show your support. Your advice, your warmth and the way you've shared your experiences have been an inspiration and I hope to be able to offer the same in return to this community.
Thank you!
FormerMember
I am having RT to the head so probably completely diff.............I had an appt for CT and mould made, then I had what they called accuity, basically its the same as RT but done on a simulator (no zapping) to make sure the marks on my mask - or marks on body I assume - line up with the CT scan, as all was ok the RT started for real the next day.
I could be completely wrong, has been known!!!!!!!!!
But good luck to Sal and get in buckets of aqueous cream.
Radiotherapy in itself isn't painful at all but it can cause burning to the skin over a period of time so care of the skin is very important - hence the references to aqueous cream. This cream should be applied liberally to the area of skin to be irradiated. Any other skin products should be avoided but your radiographer should tell you all this - and if they don't then ask! The effect of radiotherapy can be 'fatigue' (posh word for 'king tired!). It creeps up slowly but wears off eventually around three weeks post-treatment. I found it hit me about two weeks in and lasted three weeks post-treatment... but each patient reacts differently.
Glad you had a good weekend. Make some more good memories!
