Radiotherapy

Hi, explain your concerns at the CT planning appointment as the position you're in for that will be how they put you for treatment

Where I was seen we had an appointment the day before and were shown a video on how to do the breathing, and we were told to practice.

I know there are videos on YoYouTube.

I held my phone above my face with the stopwatch on, and practiced holding for 30 seconds. 

During treatment I had 1 x 30 seconds and 2 x 15(ish) then the arm moved to the other side and did the same.

I was told the machine pauses if you stop holding or cough or sneeze etc, apparently the 30 seconds is more crucial for the CT

Thankyou that’s good to hear thrn if they can work around the lifting of the arm ! Also did you feel very tired ? I’m not sure if it’s wise to return to work or wait till after radiotherapy now ? X 

I’m fortunate to be retired but I did give consideration to those who have to work and I felt for them. However, I imagine it will depend how close the hospital is and your work place and the times of each session you are given as to how well you’ll cope with working.  You could ask for early morning, they do try to give you the same slot each day in order for you to settle into a routine.   If you have concerns you can always ring the RT support worker, assuming you were introduced as I was.  Or your breast care nurse.  I didn’t feel tired at all but I was able to take plenty of rest in between my exercises.  I recommend that you start moisturising the area now and continue during and after the treatment.  I used E45 cream and when the area felt very warm, I calmed it down with aloe Vera cooling gel.  Or you can just keep the E45 cream in the fridge.  If you get any soreness speak to the radiologist and they will suggest or provide the relevant cream.  Towards the end of my RT I developed a small patch on the collarbone of burn, radiologist gave me hydrocortisone cream to use at the end of my treatment to be used for 5 days and it’s fine now.  You may not have yours anywhere near the collarbone and neck base, not all breast cancer RT calls for this.  

Everyone in radiology are brilliant and will answer any questions and will make you feel comfortable.  They are a special breed!  Try not to worry, but do watch the nhs videos of the planning session and read about what happens during RT on nhs websites.  It made me feel a lot better about what was to come.  Take care xx

I stayed off work for a full two weeks after the radiotherapy and I’m on a phased return for six weeks of half days.  It’s not so much that I’m tired but more lacking energy.  Everyone is different so follow your body and if you’re getting sick pay then don’t be rushing back.  

Hi All,

This is such an interesting thread. I will have radiotherapy but not yet sure if chemo will precede it. I am working on lifting the arm, my biceps is still tight but sl improving. Breath holding whilst they zap you, 30 secs is quite a long time, something else to practice. Thanks for the head up. Xx

I had a month off after surgery, then worked three weeks before the radiotherapy. I had planned to go back to work after two weeks, but my work occupational health Dr has advised me to stay off until after my oncology follow-up. Fatigue is less of an issue now, but still having some skin care issues. He also said mental health is as important as physical health especially as as everything has happened so quickly for me

Hi, I had 15 rounds of radiotherapy and I can honestly say it was fine ,I put aveeno cream on every morning and night even if wasn't sore which I didn't have at all . You will be ok xx

That’s good then seems everyone is different did u have tiredness or was you able to continue as normal x

Hi Poodle 

Well done on completing your 15 radiotherapy sessions. I completed mine in June and like you did not have too many issues. I hope this doesn't happen but my side effects came quite a while after this. I was told this carries on working long after finishing treatment. Just to say it is now February and I am having scar tissue massage due to radiotherapy tightening everything up and pulling. I had a couple of red patches which appeared in July and I thought that was it but sadly no. Just be aware so you can deal with any late happenings and not worry what they are. 

Take care and hope all is well for you we all react differently x

Hi Janemb, just wondered who does the massage? Did the NHS provide it? X