I’m new to this game. I shall also be starting radiotherapy in about 2 weeks. Apparently my consultant also uses the deep breath approach. Obviously she will go through it with me then but I hope you don’t mind my asking, how have you found it? Just how long do you have to hold your breath?
I had my CT scan today. They do one scan breathing normally and one using the deep hold breath. I struggled a bit on first attempt as the room was very cold cos of machinery and I was shivery and shaking. I managed breath hold. They practise with you and time you to help. I was also given the website below to look at although its a different hospital:
They were very understanding and helpful. Bear in mind that its not for everyone. I felt a real failure on Wed when they sent me home to practise but managed today. Its just not comfy on metal table. You can also only have one arm up ie affected side. I struggled with both arms up as taking deep breath means I want to arch my back and you have to remain flat. Sore shoulder blades and ribs the next day. Take a painkiller before you go it helps to relax.
They test you at 10, 20 and 30 seconds. They like you to hold for 20 secs for treatment where I am. Start in 2 weeks. Another covid test first.
After my op I was quite dizzy and dozy and oxygen levels weren't as good as they should have been. They kept accusing me of holding my breath when I wasn't ! I was just over dozy and kept forgetting to breathe the way they wanted me to. I also wanted to sneeze at home but it just came out as a little squeak. Not at all looking forward to the actual radiotherapy sessions. I can work up no motivational mantra for them as an incentive......
I start radiotherapy on 19th August. I'm wondering what the R1 and R2 creams are as I am reading through your comments. Will I need to ask my GP or my oncologist for this?
Hi, I finished my radiotherapy two weeks ago (I had ten days worth) and for the past week or so I’ve had a sore develop under my breast where my breast meets my chest. The radiotherapy team gave me some polymem dressing (after a telephone consult) and it has gone from being a very bright red wound to a less red on but it does seem to be getting bigger. I have left a message for the radiotherapy team to contact me but I didn’t have it at my regular hospital so it’s a bit difficult to contact them. Has anyone else had a similar experience and how long did it take to heal?
Every hospital is different as I've read about these creams. I've been advised just to moisturise well - E45 is good. Others have recommended aveeno but I don't like it. I've bought some aloe Vera gel from Holland And Barrett which others say is good. Some hospitals don't give you anything, others are generous. You may have been advised at your planning meeting. Use whatever you feel comfy with but worth asking if you are unsure x
Hi, Kiki. it is really easy. the hold is 20 seconds, twice. At least for me. you will have a screen with 2 colours blue and green and a white bar that monitors your breathing. You will take a deep breath until the white bar is in the middle of the green part and hold it there. You can see it so you know that you are doing it right. Quite simple as I said. if you cannot do it for 20 they will half it in 4x10 seconds. I had to do that on my last as I had a muscle cramp on my shoulder and told them that was painful to hold my breath.
Thank you so much for your help, it’s good to know what to expect and today quite unexpectedly I am feeling a little bit fed up of it all. I guess that’s par for the course too! xx
