Awake and up all night

I had 25 radiotherapy sessions, it's non-invasive and as Sarah said it's different for different cancers. Mine was pelvic as I had womb cancer. It didn't take long - 5 minutes or so per session.  You will probably have a scan beforehand for them to work out the precise location needed and maybe some tiny tattoos; I have 3 just like full stops, they wouldn't do flowers or butterflies 

I hope your appointment goes well.

H 

It differs for everyone on a very individual basis, Soc, and everyone’s plan is tailored to their own situation. Ray and I have different cancers, and even though we have had radiotherapy in a similar area of the body, he had only a slight side effect whereas I had pretty significant side effects. I’ve had chemo, radiotherapy and surgery and found radiotherapy more difficult than chemo, but less difficult than surgery! 

Where Ray and I have similarities is that the treatment is short, and yes, it’s painless and the machine is not claustrophobic, but that might be very different for a head and neck cancer for example where the patient is wearing a moulded mask.

Hopefully the consultant can give you all the information you need when you meet up.

Sarah xx

We're parked up on a riverside, it's still el scorchio

We walked to a bar about 1km away and treated ourselves to 

H

thank you so much sarah i still find it very difficult to  talk about my diagnosis but it is in the neck area.

Evening Sonia. Just to add to others' RT experiences.

As OH's cancer was head and neck located, he had 30 fractions over a six week period. He had a mask made that fit over his head and shoulders whilst the beams were trained on specific areas - 60 Gy and adjuvant as he'd already had surgery. Each session lasted no more than 10 minutes.

He did get a couple of burns on his neck but they cleared up within a few weeks without any problems. The main effect he got was fatigue but I let him sleep whenever he could and his fatigue lasted for about 6 months.

Good luck for tomorrow sweetie xxx

sarah i am crying with relief that other people are going through the same experiences as me. i am just so frightened.

I can understand you finding it hard to talk about it. To be honest in the 7 years since I was diagnosed I’ve hardly told anyone. You might find that surprising given the fact that I might come across as quite open on the forum!

Even my in laws have no idea what cancer I had, and have no idea about my treatment or especially my surgery as it was so mind boggling! None of their business anyway.

You might, when you’re ready, want to take a look at the head and neck cancer group if you want to speak to others who have had treatment in this area of the body. This is the link

Head and neck cancer forum

I know Gill is a member there and has lots of experience of her hubby’s treatment, but the rest of us in here the chat group might not have the right experience to be able to help you with the nitty gritty of having something similar.

Sarah xx 

thank you gill i am so glad you have joined in. you have become a very dear friend to me and i appreciate all your support.xxx

Oh sweetheart…it’s such a frightening time, but you’re not alone. We’re all here to support you as best we can.

Sarah xx

sarah you have all been so kind to me. i can never repay you.