Brachytherapy

Hi I had brachytherapy and was more worried about laying flat for all that time then the treatment . I was surprised how quick it actually went and nurses were very good , even moving me from ward to treatment area they were all so kind . I didn’t find it painful just uncomfortable . I just had kindle to read and most importantly a long phone charger . I hope all goes well for you . Kind regards val 

Thankyou for the reply.im so nervous.did you have the spinal or general I don’t want to see what’s going on.what if you need a poo ? Do they give you something to stop that as my bowels have not been the best since having radiation x

Hi Mongy  and welcome to our group.

I see Val has been able to tell you a bit about her experience, so I hope that’s helped. There are others in the group who’ve had brachytherapy, and hopefully they’ll one along soon.

There are two ways that brachytherapy is delivered, and they are different, but hopefully as you’ve mentioned that you’ll need to be still for 24 hours, people who’ve had the same type of treatment will be able to help with support for that.

I was scheduled to have exactly the same treatment, but unfortunately it wasn’t able to go ahead, so I don’t have personal experience myself.

I hope it will go smoothly for you and that it’s the last blast to get rid of the cancer- best of luck with it! 

Sarah xx

I had 3 sessions of brachytherapy over 3 days. Yes you have to lie flat and not cross your legs but I found it more uncomfortable than painful. I was offered pain relief so I accepted it! I had catheters so did not need to wee or poo during that time. And yes, a kindle, a long charger and plenty to drink is required!. Good luck, you'll be fine.

I had a general anaesthetic to have my rods put in . They do put a catheter in etc so you have no worry about seeing and pooing . Unfortunately I was sick due to the anaesthetic so I managed that laying down . It’s more uncomfortable than painful and I could move my legs a little etc . Also taking them out is really quick and they give you gas an air but it’s over in mind . Hope all the messages you have received as help put your mind at rest . Good luck . Val 

Hi thanxs for the reply I had it done on Wednesday it really wasn’t as bad as I thought.it was uncomfortable more than painful I only had 1 shot of paracetamol.and they gave me a whistle type thing to suck on for removel.the hardest part is lying there and not being able to move.x

That’s great news , it’s always a relief to get through another part of cancer treatment . I hope all goes well in your recovery and I’m glad you didn’t find it to bad as you said more uncomfortable then painful . Hopefully anyone else facing brachytherapy reads these post and it helps put there minds at rest . Kind regards