Starting radiotherapy

Hi Nonitodi! Try not to worry too much (easy for me to say, because I’m all done with it)! Each session only takes about 5-10 minutes and, in my experience, all the staff are so considerate and will put you at ease. Remember, it’s all for our benefit, it doesn’t hurt and this period will pass! Is there a specific aspect of it that’s worrying you? 

Thanks for your reply I think it’s when they go out of the room and I’m on my own that’s when the panic hits I’ve been told I’ve done the hardest part surgery I keep telling myself it has to be done 

I totally understand where you are coming from with being anxious when they leave the room. It is a weird scenario but it gets easier each day. Try concentrating on your breathing and if that helps you relax a bit then picture in your mind something lovely. I usedto picture a field of poppies that I was walking through. It really took my mind off what was happening.Before you know it you will have finished your five days. The staff are really lovely and will know that you are feeling apprehensive. Good luck.

Strangely that was the part that I found most reassuring, because I knew that I’d soon be going home! . Remember that they can still see and speak to you; you’re never really “alone”…… you can just shout “help” and they’ll come and rescue you! Of course, it won’t come to that, but just knowing that there’s a way out is comforting. I get anxious and claustrophobic in various situations, but I just tell myself that “I can remove myself from here if I really need to” and it definitely helps. Best of luck, stay strong xxx

Hi

Have a look at some relaxation exercises on line and practice them at home. The treatment itself is usually very quick and painless. If you have favourite music take a cd and see I’d they can play it for you. The radiotherapy radiographers will do everything they can to put you at ease and most patients are fine  after the first treatment as they know what to expect . 
Good luck x

Good luck with your treatment Nonitodi 

I am also due to start radiotherapy shortly but haven't had my planning appointment yet.  I'm seeing it as light at the end of the tunnel after lumpectomy & 2 x re-excisions.  I'm wondering whether everyone has a CT scan prior to radiotherapy.  If so, would it pick up any other areas of DCIS that may not have shown up already?

Many thanks & best wishes xx

Everyone has a Radiotherapy planning ct but these are not reported on by a radiologist.If anything obvious showed up it would be flagged to the oncologist but the radiotherapy scans are just used to show the position of your heart and lungs so that your RT treatment can be personalised to you x

Hi I started my 5 days last Wednesday it's been fine but I have a break this weekend so have not been able to take sickness medication. So now feeling sick but have bought some ginger biscuits which has helped.  I know it will all go andits all for helping me I get panic attacks too. But try to be strong and positive 5 days soon goes and try distractions xx

Thanks for the information, it helps xx

Thanks everyone I’m maybe doing my normal and overthinking it I’m sure I will be fine