Cervical cancer radiotherapy markers

Hi Granny55 Val

Definitely I needed to have an empty bowel and full bladder for my planning scan, and was sent away with suppositories when it was discovered my bowel was too full! I had to go back the next day where it was successfully done. The planning scan is the baseline for the actual treatment going forward, so they want to ensure that your bladder is full and bowel empty to have the same conditions replicated in the treatment. The idea is to have the radiotherapy targeted effectively in the right place with minimal damage to other organs.

I’ve seen someone post that getting the tattoos was painful, but I didn’t find this at all-I had 3 tiny marks made-one on each hip and one above my public bone. These tiny marks are used to line you up on the table for treatment when the machine travels over your pelvic area. 

This planning scan doesn’t take long, but if you’ve got any more questions, please ask away.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah 

once again thanks for replying. Since having my 5 th chemo I have suffered from excess bloating and wind , very uncomfortable and don’t feel like eating . I’ve read that excess wind on day of markers could be problem . Did you suffer from this ? Any if you did any advise on what you took .

kind regards 

val 

Hi Val Granny55 

Yes, I had this too-as I mentioned in my last post that my bowel was too full on the day of my planning scan, and part of the issue was wind! 

I was told initially to go to the loo to try and release the wind but really that wasn’t an option for me! In addition to the suppositories I was given, I also bought an over the counter remedy-Windeeze tablets- and they seemed to help. I didn’t have the issue going forward thankfully.

It really will help to get something-perhaps your pharmacist could recommend which remedy might be the best as it’s very stressful going for the scan and not being able to have it completed. Good luck!

Sarah xx

Hello, hope you don't mind me giving a few tips! 

The chemotherapy seems to have different effects from one session to another; I was told to adjust my diet to what was happening eg avoid foods that make you windy (there are quite a few)! Also, before you are due to go for radiotherapy, it's helpful if you have a walk (exercise) to clear as much as possible from your bowel. It can prolong the session otherwise. 

Linda