I am having my first radiotherapy session tomorrow and feeling a little anxious about it. I had someone phone me last week to tell me what to expect but I was on a train. Can anyone give me any tips. Thank you.
Its very easy …. Takes about 15 mins of which probably 10 mins are spent getting you in the right position.
The radiotherapy radiographers will put you into exactly the same position as you are for your planning ct scan. They will move you …. Don’t try to help then unless they asK you to as sometimes only tiny adjustments need to be made. They will use lasers to line up your tattoos and there will be technical talk from the rads. When that are happy with your position they will leave the room. They can see and hear you at all times. If you have specific breathing instructions they will talk to you over the intercom. The rads will take an X-ray picture to compare your position with your ct scan and if it all matches they will beam on.
The beam will come in for a short burst then stop whilst the machine moves to the next position
You won’t feel or see anything and will just hear some noise.
After treatment moisturise your skin and drink plenty of fluid.
Avoid sun exposure as treatment can come high up so be aware of wearing scrappy dresses or v neck T shirts.
Try to wear soft natural fabrics next to your skin.
When you shower don’t have the water too hot and use products that are gentle on your skin.
The rads will check your skin every day and advise you if you need any further care
Thank you Exray girl. I am having discomfort from my tattoo site on operation side. So they are going to check that for me. Bruising has long since gone but not the pain in side. But I am sure all will be good. x
Hi Exraygirl. Just got back from my 2nd session. I found it extremely painful and uncomfortable with pins and needles shooting up and down my arm. Not keen to go back for the rest but it seems daft not to.
Could you take a couple of painkillers before your treatment and ask the rads if they can put a pad in the arm rest to cushion your arm ( that might not be possible due to positioning reasons but worth asking)
Please complete your treatment… as you say it’s crazy not to. x
I would echo what Xraygirl said. Take a couple of painkillers. I did and it helped. The positions you have to get in are not comfortable. I always asked the arm from my side operated on was positioned first as it was more comfortable for me that way. Please do continue. Good luck.
Today it was different staff and after initially lining me up they came and adjusted my position twice more. I never thought of myself as a wimp. But radiotherapy is making me feel that way.
