Hi
A couple of weeks ago I was diagnosed with primary lung cancer with secondaries in my neck, a rib and a lymph node. I had a vertebrectomy 10 days ago. The oncologist I have seen has recommended radiotherapy for my neck, and then possibly immunotherapy or chemo.
i really don’t have many details but will be seeing a radiologist in a couple of days. Does anybody have any suggestions as to what I should be asking the radiologist apart from length of treatment, frequency and possible side effects?
Hi Fitzeagle and welcome to the Online Community although I am sorry to see you joining us and to hear about your diagnoses. A cancer diagnosis can be such a stressful and challenging time but when it comes to support there is nothing better than talking with others who are on the exact same cancer and treatment journey.
The Community is divided into support groups (discussion rooms) but I do see you have joined and put up a post in our Lung Cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
I had a total of 45 radiotherapy sessions for my type of cancer. On the whole it was ok, rather straightforward but very technical so I just left then to it and did what I was told. I did have an upper body mould and two full face moulds made to hold me in place on the table. These were also ok but the main problem I had was the long periods of laying perfectly flat on the treatment table. I have bad Thoratic & Lumber Spondylosis - Spinal Osteoarthritis so I found out in the early stages of my radiotherapy that I had to take some pain killers an hour before I had my treatments as I found it hard and painful to lay flt on the radiotherapy table for long periods of time.
Macmillan have many support services so do check out the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. These services provide cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Telephone Buddy Service where you can be matched with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly call.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and aim to give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
All the very best.
Hi Fitzeagle,
Your first appointment will be to explain what is going on and I have found the Consultant Radiologists will cover all the aspects of the treatment.
You will most likely get a second appointment for the setting up process and time can be long. Time is taken to get all the machine settings, your position setting and this is then logged into the clever machines.
The Consultant Radiologist may have input again and they may then need to do some more prep work in the background...... you will then be given your treatment schedule normally 1 treatment Mon to Fri (although I did have 2 a day for my third set of treatments)f or how ever much you need.
I have had 45 zaps over my years with a set of 5, then 10 then 30......... and the actual 'treatment' is very quick.
Always around to answer questions as best as I can.
All the best.
