what to expect from radiotherapy

Hi w1cky

i had radiotherapy in August after a right side mastectomy in June. It was painless and pretty straightforward. My biggest worry was not being able to fully raise my right arm above my head but I managed to get it far enough.i had 5 sessions. In and out within half an hour. I had very little skin reaction afterwards, slight discolouration but no pain or itching. I used the creams the hospital provided.

Hope this helps.

thank you, xx

Questions to ask might be

- will they use a bolus for radiotherapy and, if so, why? (Mine use one but didn’t explain what it was or why it’s used. It was like a bathmat over the chest wall - I thought it reduced the exposure but it did the opposite I think)

 - will the hospital give you creams to us. If not, what should you use and when?

- what tips can they give you to reduce any side effects?

I drank loads of water and used the creams generously. A bit inconvenient but as I wasn’t working then it was easy for me to take time and wander about half dressed.

Hope it goes well.

xx