Radiotherapy - Breath Hold, Left Mastectomy

Dear ,

I can't help as such, however can add a few thoughts to hopefully ease your mind.

I looked into the Deep Breath Hold Radiotherapy Treatment as my 'c' was on the left side towards my armpit.

I was told it can depend on the location, if it is 'over the heart or near the heart area'.  All this would get looked into.
I did worry myself with this 'before' treatment, this was what sent me on my 'stepping out the box', it was all done in one go.

At the time I found a company called Genesis Care, I believe they use a particular machine designed for this treatment, where you breath in via a tube and hold your breath (if I have remembered this correctly).

I also believe when NHS give radiotherapy treatment to the left side, they tell the patient to "take a deep breath and hold" - not using any special equipment. The deep breath in is to fill the lungs with air, which in turn lifts the chest away from the heart whilst radiotherapy is given.  

I stepped outside the box and had the Target IORT - the 'combined' lumpectomy and radiotherapy treatment given in the same operation, given straight after removal of 'c'.  What I have not thought until this post is..... I was asleep so was not able to 'deep hold' my breath, whether they did it for me I don't know (you have me thinking now - but not for too long, as I don't want my mind going into overdrive arrrghhh).

I would feel sure if you needed to do the 'deep breath hold' they would have told you. 

Hoping other ladies can step forward and help with more information.

Sending love and hugs xxxx

Hello

I had radiotherapy in June after a left side mastectomy, i was never asked to breathe different or hold my breathe. So to be honest its good to know you was the same xxx