Hi Nevisgirl 

I had radiotherapy to my left breast 2 years ago.

When I went to my planning meeting I first met a nurse, who explained what would happen, got me to sign the consent forms and gave me printed information, which also included possible side effects.

I then met a couple of the radiologists and had a CT scan where they took measurements so they knew where they'd be treating. At my hospital they no longer do tattoos as the machine calculates where it needs to aim every time you go.

I also had a practice of holding my breath but was told not to worry if I couldn't do it. However it was much easier than I expected.

I had 10 sessions all together and the only side effect I experienced was a slight rash towards the end of my treatment. 

Wishing you all the best 

I’m also going to have left breast radiotherapy in a few weeks so I’m following with interest x

Hi Nevisgirl , I had 3 weeks of left breast radiotherapy 6 years ago. At my oncology appointment at my local hospital when I signed up for it, the oncologist (or probably the nurse) gave me a booklet which listed potential short and long term effects. At the ‘planning’ meeting at Mount Vernon, where I had my rads, they had me practise holding my breath as this apparently helps to move the heart away from the field of radiation. BUT please don’t be anxious about it as others here have not been able for one reason or another to do the breath hold. The radiologists are well used to this and will adjust the equipment accordingly. I think it’s just ‘easier’ if you can do the breath hold. I felt most anxious about it but the breath holds in the actual sessions seemed shorter than in the planning session! At that session I had a CT scan so that they could plan the positioning of the beams. Or something like that! And I had 3 tiny tattoos, one between my breasts and one at either side. I’m not sure if they even do tattoos anymore but anyway I didn’t find it painful and I hardly notice them. I didn’t love having radiotherapy or taking Anastrozole for that matter but was keen to do anything to reduce my risk of recurrence. I’m over 6 years post diagnosis and so far so good. Love and hugs, HFxx

Thank you very much 

Thank you very much x

This might be useful to you... videos on breath holding
scroll to the bottom of the page until you see the title "Preparing for using the breath holding technique"

It will give you a bit of insight 

xx

Hello

i am currently having left breast radiotherapy, I have 2 fractions left, on Monday and Tuesday. Like others have said they will go through everything with you. Get you measured and positioned on the bed. I did have the tattoos done, but they are tiny. I had 9 fractions and just before the 6th I had a review. I was advised that the side effects don’t really kick in until 2-3 weeks after treatment finishes. My left breast is a bit pink but I am moisturising 3 times a day and not in any discomfort. You will be advised to moisturise and drink plenty of fluid. I do have to do the active breathing coordinator. They got me to hold my breath for 25 seconds. They prefer it if you can manage it, but they can work round it if you can’t . So far I have managed despite having asthma.  The staff are very professional and I have had a mix of men and women radiographers doing my treatment. 
good luck…it’s a breeze compared to chemotherapy! 

I had right breast but my cancer centre used breath hold .
I had a screen that showed a line that I had to keep near the centre , when they told me to breathe in . They tell you when to hold your breath .

There is a sensor on your tummy that tells the machine how you are breathing , If has auto cut out , so you can’t do it wrong .

I had 3 tiny tattoos . I can’t see them and I was planning to have them removed  , as I felt “ branded “. Mad , I know . But I’ve changed my mind ( for now). Time healing and all that .

I didn’t have chemo , so radio was the first time that I felt like a cancer patient . They are all lovely and will look after you x 

Hi,

I had 25 sessions on left breast in 2023. No tattoos as I had surface guided radiotherapy where they map the area. The breathing technique is beneficial so worth practicing. I used creams E45 and I brought it with me to apply immediately after each session. I also did some stretches to keep the chest area open and supple. There is a great NHS video on this. Hydration too is very important during this time. Best of luck

Hi Nevisgirl, I had this in 2022 and I would say it was the easiest of all the treatments (I didn't have chemo). The planning was really thorough and they explained the process in detail. I had my therapy every day for a week and the hardest part was just getting to the hospital! Nothing to be afraid of - the staff talked me through everything and it was over and done with quite quickly. 2 years on I am cancer free and apart from some minor hardening of tissue and the 3 tiny tattoos (which I really stressed about beforehand!) there are no lasting ill effects. I hope your experience goes well too!