Radiotherapy

Welcome. I was quite anxious about first session but all I had to do was lie there as they position you and you don't need to do anything. At your planning meeting they will go through everything with you. If its your left breast, you may have to hold your breath for 10 to 15 seconds at a time but you get to practice and they help you. Just start moisturising early and drink plenty before sessions so you don't get dehydrated. It can be tiring but it also depends how far you have to travel.

Have a read of the radiotherapy thread which may help: https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/chat-breast-cancer/f/questions-about-diagnosis-and-treatment/229558/december-january-february-2021-breast-cancer-radiotherapy

Good luck x

Hi there, I've had both chemo and radiotherapy this year and radiotherapy was for sure a lot lot easier.  The treatment itself is completely painless, I didn't even know it was happening.  Now, about 6 weeks on, I still have a little swelling and it's been a bit tender on and off, a bit like sunburn.  Wishing you the very best of luck x

Nice to meet you honestly thank you for your reply and your helpful advice it's comforting because I just haven't been comfortable with any of it

Thank you for your reply and helpful advice it's very comforting means alout to get surpport from people I appreciate you I and makeing me understand the treatment s better

I don't think any of us are comfortable with the situation but it's a needs must to get rid of the gremlins and stop them coming back. It's been a huge learning curve for most of us. I've found this site so helpful and everyone is so friendly so dont think you are on your own. Is your hospital near to you? X

Thank you I feel glad that this website has really nice friendly people and being made to feel comfortable and to be able to talk and share what I'm going through with other people who feel the same and who are going through the same as me I'm only 37 and honestly never had cancer until I found a lump in August but I was lucky and very thankful the doctor and nurses at my local hospital got me into surgery in good time I was so lucky my cancer was not spread to other parts of my body I'm just struggling with my mental health and waiting on my radiotherapy treatment to start in a week yes my treatment is in queen's hospital .where are you from may I ask what is your diagnose if ok I ask I have you been coping with the journey .

If you click my name you can read my tale. Saves me typing it. I do feel lucky that I didn't ignore my lump. It has been an emotional ride and I want to get off now. I feel my mental health has declined a lot and although I have loving and very supportive partner and family, they have not experienced this. Due to post covid I had to attend all my appointments on my own which was hard. I feel I have just been carried along but now treatment has stopped it's hard to move on. Just taking each day as it comes. I did google queens but there are a few so not sure where you are in the country. I did find rads hard as the journey and waiting around was frustrating and long. I had 15 sessions. Once you have you planning meeting it will be easier to plan. Knowledge is power as one nurse told me. It helps to retain some control x

Hi

please don’t be worried about the radiotherapy….it’s usually the easiest part of the cancer pathway. I was a radiotherapy radiographer myself and had my own treatment in August and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have on radiotherapy.

My advice is relax,follow the advice given by you team,moisturise ,drink plenty of fluid and rest when you need to and you will be fine.

best wishes x