Holding my breath

Hi there. I have just finished 19 sessions of radiotherapy and I was really worried about being able to hold my breath but everything was fine. I took a big breath but then when I couldn't hold it anymore I let it out and immediately took another big breath. The machine stops as soon as you exhale then starts again as soon as you hold your breath. Don't overthink it, if you need to take your time and breathe a few times in between it will be fine. I found the staff lovely and they didn't expect that I could hold my breath the whole time.

All the very best with your recovery. Take care

Hi. I had a lumpectomy on my left side too. I had 20 sessions of radiotherapy. As Vonnie22 said the machine stopped if I couldn’t hold my breath. They do it in sections, so it is a series of breath holds. I found the staff really helpful and reassuring. I would also advise moisturising after each session. Best of luck with it all. 

Hi

i I couldn’t hold my breath but it wasn’t a problem. The staff told me there are ways round it and I had no problem with my radiotherapy. 

Thank you all so much. I managed to hold my breath the first couple of times but then struggled so they suggested I go back and try again on Monday, because I was getting over a cold. I've been stressing about this and I'm so glad I asked here. I can relax now. 
Thank you all for your help, Vonnie22, Hilfe22 and Riamdd5081

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"

Good luck 

xx

I couldn't hold my breath consistantly so I didn't do the technique and as Riamdd5081 says there are ways round it to protect you, I think it's just a bit more long winded for them on the planning! So don't worry too much. Xx

Practice, practice, practice!

I did it several times a day in the lead up to my radiotherapy. I really noticed an improvement in the length of time I could hold my breath. 

Hi  Cochynbcc76e 

I had left breast radiotherapy.  I had a road accident at 17 and had my right elbow plated into a fixed position.  The radiotherapy team said that they wouldn't be able to have me do the breathe technique due to this.  

What they said was "Not to worry at all, we just have to do more calculations".  There were a couple of occassions where they spent ages trying to get me into a perfect position (which I got the impression wasn't that usual), and when the machine was 'on and blasting' (you know by the noise it makes and it's not too long), I just sort of held my breath a bit anyway.  

You do sign to say you are aware of risks - normal, whether breathe technique or not - and it looks horrendous for all the potential issues listed!  Howevever, I am over 8 years later and absolutely NO issues whatsoever with my heart or anything else.  So, if you can't do it then don't worry, just trust your team.

One recommendation I can give on radiotherapy is drink, drink, drink - more than you think possible.  I am 100% convinced this prevented me getting fatigue (compared to other ladies who I went with at the same time, who didn't drink much and suffered really badly).

Kindest wishes, Lesley