Hi All,
I thought I would explain my first Radiotherapy session for anyone who is waiting to start and wondering.
I am having pelvic radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment following surgery which removed my uterus, tubes and ovaries. My lymph nodes were left, due to adhesions.
So, I had my planning CT scan 2 weeks ago. This morning , I had it all explained to me again by the radiologist, I asked and confirmed which structures they were zapping. Then I laid on the bed in the centre of the room, with support under my head and knees, so was comfortable. Then the radiologist and assistant left the room. There was some background music playing. The machine , which looked and was very high tech, moved round me, making some quiet little sounds sometimes. Then it was all done, and the radiographer came back and said that was it, and discussed the timings for tomorrow( starting chemo as well then, having the chemo first).
The machine was image guided, doing a type of radiotherapy called VMAT ( volumetric modulated arc therapy), so the machine moved round me in a 360 degree arc.
The whole thing took 30 minutes from walking in to walking out. I wasn't timing it but I guess about 15 minutes was the actual treatment.
The radiographer said the effects are cumulative, so I may not get side effects for the first 2 weeks.
Hope this is useful for anyone who is wondering.
I’ve heard enough about it to be glad it wasn’t a requirement for me at any stage, but I certainly did expect to have to have it before my surgery. I suppose I can rest easy knowing it won’t be a requirement in the future for me!
Sarah xx
