Preparing for radiotherapy

Hi Luna. You will be fine. It is a good idea to practice lying on the bed and raising your arms above your head. This is the usual position and it helps to get your arm muscles used to this. If it is left side you may have to practice breathe hold but not everyone has to. The actual radiotherapy doesn’t take long, just minutes but it takes a while to get you in the right position.  Just remember to drink plenty before and after each treatment as this can help with tiredness. I was recommended Aveeno cream to use as a moisturiser, it is great and you can buy this in Boots. You will find the staff really lovely and reassuring so if you are worried or concerned do speak to them. I am 74 and I coped ok. My breast was a bit sore afterwards, bit like sunburn but didn’t last long. Hope it all goes well.

Thank you, that's reassuring. I am feeling so lazy and I don't mind. I am practicing breath holding a bit. Mine is on the left. Your message is great for me. We can fester over tiny points. I'm going to busy myself now. Xxxxxx

Hi Evajean, 

that is really brilliant to know, thank you! im in my 80s (going on 30 I like to think haha) and trying to keep the spirits up and be prepared too, diffcult to balance with all the fear around the dreaded "C" word. Did you take the tablet as well as radiotherapy ? im not sure which im more nervous for. 

Thank you again, love and strength xxxxx

How old are you Luna? I'm 66 yrs and I couldn't care less about age. We want to be free of it that's all I'm thinking, I want to use my life as I see fit. It's dominated me in a way since my referral at the end of Oct. You and me, I / can do this. It's all scary, a bit but I try not to admit that. I call it small c and it's getting smaller all the time. Soon it will be on the horizon floating away to oblivion. I hope you do t think I'm being flippant, in not. If you knew anything about me you would realise how much I mean it. Love to you and everyone who needs it. Be out in nature when you can, so restorative. Daytime mainly to get some rays and vit D. I was a nurse ling retired, still like helping though. Xxx

Hi all, I’m also waiting for Radiotherapy, and now 11 weeks on from my surgery - so Sabrina22, similar to you.  I have my planning scan tomorrow afternoon, and it’s left side so will be doing breath hold.  I have been trying to do the exercises and hope it will go OK.  My Consultant Oncology appt was last Sunday on a phone call!  About 30 mins of FAST talking (from him), I took notes but still keep reflecting about all of this….  I like to know what is going on, but can also be a bit of a worrier!  We can’t 2nd guess everything can we.  I also have been in Anastrozole for 5 weeks, and suffering from night sweats at the moment.  Things can only get better.  I’m off for a walk in the sun.  Take care all x

Hello All- I am 68 and completed 15 days of radiotherapy just before Christmas. This was the last bit of treatment. The whole process was painless - the team will keep a very close eye on you and give advice when required. Getting you into position takes longer than the treatment. Don’t worry.

Skin went a bit pink at one point but soon wore off.

Suffering a bit with lymph node removal site and arm movement now but it was to be expected and it was like this before radiotherapy anyway.

xx

Hi Luna. I started Anestrozole before my radiotherapy. That was back in September. It has been okayish. I would prefer not to take it but the general advice is that it is best to follow recommendations. I haven’t got back to my old energy levels yet but generally feel ok. I have put on weight which I hate but I think Hormone Therapy can affect metabolism so will have to try and increase exercise and cut calories. In the great scheme of things I am very lucky so onwards and upwards. Good luck to you all starting radiotherapy.

Sabrina, the breath holding isn’t too bad but it is lovely when you hear those magic words “and breathe” You will be fine. 

Hi All,

I was trying to reply and hit the wrong button, flag to moderator. Dear Moderator it was a mistake. Anyway great replies. My husband thinks it's all ok now. It's been cut out, I can't say I've got cancer anymore. I don't agree because I think even when through the treatment forgetting is surely a process. I need time to be the new normal. He just want his life back as it was. So do I but somehow I don't think it's the same for us?? Xxx

Hello Sabrina22,

Couldn’t agree more. I was told that I am clear and am so grateful for everything.

finding the new normal is a bit strange, because your life is taken over for whatever time it takes - for me the last eighteen months. Then suddenly you are released back into the wild !

I don’t think we will be the same again but not in a negative way. We have been through so much, the whole process changes us but we’re going to be stronger, more positive and different, I think.

xx