Radiotherapy 'cage'

Yes, it is quite tiring. I would say prepare meals in advance or shop and put lots of things you like in the freezer. Also allow for the fact that you may not feel like eating very much so plan for some light things too. I found walking the dog quite enjoyable as log as you don't overdo it. 

If you can call on some help, I would def do it as there are some things you really might not feel like, e.g. housework. You will probably develop your own routine (perhaps having a snooze in the afternoon, or going to bed earlier) and I would make sure you have lots of gentle things to do to entertain yourself whilst you are taking it easy, like reading or knitting or whatever you enjoy.

Make sure you look after yourself - use the things they give you (like moisturisers) and allow yourself a little pampering too.

Oh, and stay in touch. Lots of advice and help here, and your experiences will be useful to others too. 

Thank you everybody.

Hi Puddy,

I see you’ve already had your questions answered here which is one of the best things about this forum, if you have any concerns there’s usually someone around to answer within a short space of time. I see Bev (1in1500) has given you an idea of what to expect around the radiotherapy treatment, sessions really are quick & painless, it would take me longer to get undressed & get lined up on the machine than the treatment itself, it’s the skin reaction from the radiotherapy that causes discomfort & most people get around 3 weeks into treatment before this becomes any kind of issue. 

Concerning the fatigue, this was a biggy for me but nothing that a nap when I got in from the hospital didn’t sort out. I too have a dog & my dad & daughter walked her when I was having treatment as fatigue unlike general tiredness can’t be pushed through, you just have to stop  & rest when the fatigue hits. 

Batch cooking meals for the freezer & stocking up on easy to prepare food would be a good way to keep yourself occupied while you’re waiting to start treatment, I also bought enough dog food/treats in so that I wouldn’t need to worry about running out over the period I was in treatment just in case I didn’t feel like going out shopping. 

Everyone reacts slightly different to the treatment so as Matilda24 has said just try & take each day as it comes & try not to worry about worst case scenario as it probably won’t happen. Please just ask if you have any more questions, we’ll help wherever we can. 

Nicola

hi nicola

saw your reply then looked at your bio and it gave me a little bit of hope. 
i was diagnosed with SCC of rectum/vagina in jan 22. 

My tumor grew in the space between the 2 but has invaded both which makes it more complex im told. 

I was also told I have spread to the peritoneam but since then there’s been questions as to wether this is actually the case. I’ve had surgery recently to form a storms and the surgeon said the tumors he can see are on the ureter, which means he can treat them with radio. 

im so confused atm, I have an appt with my oncologist today to clarify things. 

I’m due to start chemo/radio with the same regime that you had, in the next couple of weeks so reading your positive outcome has just given me some hope x

Hi Ker25,

Firstly I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with all this right now, it’s a real head wobble isn’t it?

You’re bombarded with so much information directly after diagnosis when, if you’re anything like me, the shock of someone confronting you with the word cancer sent my head spiralling & I found it quite difficult to absorb anything!! Hopefully your oncology appointment today will offer you a little more clarity on your diagnosis etc. 

We’re a open, friendly bunch here that have all been in this situation & many of us have had a great response to the treatment so if you just feel the need to speak to someone that really does understand what you’re going through we’re always here, between us we have lots of hints & tips to offer for getting through treatment & recovery or just to lend a friendly ear. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions however personal they may feel, I can guarantee they’ve all been asked before. I hope your appointment goes well today. 

Nicola 

Thanks for your reply Nicola. 
so I saw my new oncologist who was really lovely, approachable and explained thing much more clearly. 
So m now told they are classing my cancer as anal cancer, with 4 metastasis. 

All of whcih have been there since the first scans. They shrunk to start with but then have grown a little bit while being off treatment - while recovering from chemo and awaiting radio. This has been longer than planned due to an unexpected bleed which led to the stoma. I’m now recovering from that and I’m due to start radiation on 12th October. 

My scans have always been clear everywhere else which is amazing. 

Im still so anxious though and being off treatment is just mentally draining

Hi again Ker25,

I’m pleased that you’ve gained some clarity regarding your diagnosis & it’s a massive plus when you have an oncologist that you’re comfortable with. Never be afraid if you have any questions you need answering to give him/her a call rather than sitting stewing about something you’re worried about. 

So just reading your profile are your mets peritoneum, urethra & nodes or are they still querying the urethra? & I see you’ve had chemo as treatment for what was first thought to be rectal/vaginal SCC. I’m presuming with the chemoradiotherapy you’ll be having oral chemo? If so it’s much different to intravenous chemo in the fact that the side effects are far less severe & the radiotherapy sessions are over & done within a few minutes. 

You’re in the worst possible place right now, the wait to begin treatment, as with waiting on scans, results etc., truly is awful & so anxiety inducing! It’s easy to say ‘try & keep yourself busy’ but I recall I had absolutely no interest in anything & my concentration span was practically zero, the stress is absolutely all consuming isn’t it? Also on top of this you’ve had your stoma surgery & had to get to grips with that as well & you have 2 young children, you must be absolutely exhausted. 

Don’t forget we’re always here for support whenever you feel the need.

Nicola 

i was told i would have one for my hips but didn't..i asked the radiotherapist why and she said they were only if you had radiotherspy on your head..