Hey I had my radio therapy 5 days last week it finished on Friday I was really nervous about my heart as it was on the left side , they didn’t get me to do any breathing exercises even tho at the planning I had to practise ! Still worried now! When I asked one of the radiographers she said about a plate that shields it on the machine is that right ? I have been feeling really tired and fatigued happening at weird times , but my breast has been okay a little tender but that’s all at the min !
Sometimes you don’t need to breathe in due to your anatomy
At planning they would have done 2 scans ....one ordinary and one holding your breath.If your anatomy means they can do the treatment without holding your breath they would choose that option to make it easier for you.
In the head of the machine there are lots of lead plates which can be used to shape the radiation beam and shield out the bits you don’t want to treat so they have used this for you instead of breath hold.
Glad you are ok except for fatigue.That got better for me after about 2 weeks
thank you for your help and advice that has reassured me ! I spoke to soon . Last night my left boob was giving me some pain and uncomftbleness making it hard to sleep ! So had a crap nights sleep !
Just back from my first treatment (whole breast, 5 days). I already have some quite big twinges which I wasn't expecting on day one! Is this normal or a sign of things to come?
I’m sorry but there isn’t really a normal in radiotherapy as it really depends on your body, the size of the treatment area etc.
Ive had ladies say to me after one treatment that they had pains and others feel nothing at all.Some people are more sensitive to side effects than others
My advice would be to take some of your normal painkillers especially before bed to allow you to sleep.
Hi Exraygirl,had my Ct today and have been marked up,forgot to ask them if I could shower tonight?Expect it will be ok but though I would run it by you.xx
Hi Exraygirl. Just wondering if there is any connection between your skin type and how you react to the radiotherapy? For example, I burn very easily while out in the sun. Is that a silly question?
It does seem in general if you burn easily then you get a more brisk reaction to radiotherapy but obviously it will depend on how many treatments , the area being treated and what dose you have. Also if you are on the larger side there are areas of friction under the breast and arm pit which may get a worse reaction.
Having said that if you follow the skin care regimen advised by your radiographers skin reactions can be minimised
