Radiotherapy scary bit

hello. I'm literally in an hour to have my first session. I think its the not knowing that is making me anxious. Its all been explained, i can do the breath hold just need to crack on as it means i will have beaten the beast. I've not had chemo and I think others may say that was worse but each to their own. it will all be explained. there are others who have already had radiotherapy and say its ok. its ok to be scared/anxious/stressed (pick one or insert new emotion!) I'll let you know how it goes. you've come this far - not much longer i hope.

keep going...one day at a time x

It's definitely ok to be scared/anxious etc. Radiotherapy is less invasive and intense than chemo but it's still a big deal.

I find the sessions completely tolerable but quite emotional. I go along to the hospital cafe or Maggie's centre for a cuppa afterwards, to ground myself a bit and relax instead of jumping straight on the bus home.

Hoping that once you've got started the nerves ease up 

Hi tired minion

I felt the same as you even though everything had been explained to you in detail  it's the  unknown that makes you anxious and worried

You've got this 

X

Hi Dizliz, compared to chemo it is easy, you should sail through, hope you don't prove me wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!  love Ann

You must let us know that you've come out in one smooooooooooooooth, caaaaaaaaaaaaalm, peace. My team are so lovely, young and lovely and always want to know how I am, today they asked me if my skin was OK. Always ready to advise and reassure. Tell them if you're nervous so they are aware. I'm pleased to report I have an appt with Physiotherapist on Tuesday, very early in the morning, which will help me with my arm I hope.

I've posted on Awake thread. Not long home from session one. Felt quite anxious, left early due to traffic and parking, booked in to find 45 min wait. Must take book next time. Lots of faffing to get position  right. Some deep breaths. Friendly chap who tried to help me cover modesty with big toilet paper but I just gave up. Not too cold in room. Bright red lights so shut eyes and tried to focus on breathing. It was ok. Does not hurt but its a bit like being at dentist, the machinery is noisy and squeaking. I feel like I ought to buy them a can of WD40. One down, 14 to go. What a fun bank hol I'm going to have! X

Hi 

I found chemo much more difficult than rads, I went back to work while having rads, once settled into the everyday routine was only there for 30 mins or so each day. I got no side effects and had brilliant care. It's still all an overwhelming experience whatever but ringing my own bell ( due to covid it was removed at hospital) was a lovely feeling. The team looking after you will give you loads of reassurance. 

Xxx

Hi tired minion

I'm currently of work whilst I was having radiotherapy and I got most of the side effects but everyone is different the team  are  amazing they really do look after you and put you at ease if your feeling anxious or worried just  talk to them I hope your next session is a better one 

Take care x

I found rads a walk in the park compared to chemo. I worked full time during rads, asked for afternoon appointments so I could do this. I had a bit of redness and scar got a bit harder, all peaked at 2 weeks post-rads like they said it would. Worst part for me was the stiffness from having your arms above your head. I had been doing really well post-surgery with the exercises and the rads set me back, but you just keep doing the exercises and it gets better again.

Hi - which moisturiser did you find best to sort out the redness ? Mine is coming at 4 days in.