brachytherapy

Hi there. I had brachy a few months ago following chemo and radiotherapy, as you did.

I was absolutely terrified at the very thought of it. I opted for a general when they put it all in. Is that an option for you? I think it might make things easier given your past issues?

Once it was in, apart from being uncomfortable and immobile from the waist down, it was plain sailing and went very quickly.  I honestly felt a bit silly for worrying as much as I had.

Perhaps ask for a general as I think the initial procedure is what's worrying you the most. I much prefer just waking up and it's done! Please don't be scared. The nurses and other staff are there to make sure you have zero pain. They were wonderful in my case (Churchill, Oxford) and the morphine pump helps!

Please let us know how you get on. As you already said, it has to be done! I went from a massive stage 3c tumour to no visible cancer at my 3 month scan so it's SO worth it.

Best of luck. Message if you need anything. 

Ali

X

Thank you Ali, for your reply.

At this time my consultant/team are suggesting spinal due to recovery time. I also have my heart to consider,

But a general could be a possibility, and would be used if spinal attempt fails.

I'm delighted to read your treatment was successful.

I had Brachy a few months ago, and like you I was terrified. I shouldn’t have worried- it was fine, the only painful part was the removal of the brachy plates, but Oromorph covered that. I had a general, and everything happened very quickly and smoothly. It seems like a huge thing to worry about, but the reality was different, and I’d say please don’t stress, it really is very straightforward and simple . I would definitely ask for a general anaesthetic, and you’ll wake up all done. As Ali below says, the morphine pump helped lots. I was in City in Nottingham.

Hello, thank you for your reply. I too am at City Notts! Very good team there so far. Did you just have one session?

By the way, did you have just one session?

Seems like we had a very similar experience! I was dreading the removal too but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. By the time I'd worked out how to use the inhaler thingy she'd whipped the worst of it out!!

You have 3 or for 4 treatments (about 10 mins each) where they plug you in and the radiotherapy is administered.  This is absolutely pain free. 

These happen over 2 or 3 days and you stay in hospital until the removal of the wires.

It depends on your personal treatment plan how many you have but I think we're all pretty much the same! You have to stay in hospital throughout due to the internal wires.

Thank you, yes, i'm told two definitely, maybe four. 

Quick aside. Get some audiobooks if you haven't already.  You'll have quite a lot of downtime in between treatments.  Although I think I slept through most of it! Then again I always slept during chemo and even dozed off during radiotherapy once or twice so maybe it's just me...

All the very best, it'll be fine. X

I've had brachy this week in a London hospital and all the responses to your post are spot on. Just wanted to add that they absolutely will go with GA if spinal fails but it is not the first option because of the risks and recovery time. After the insertions, you will have a CT and an MRI to make sure the applicators are in the right place and for the doctor to plan your fraction dosage. You need to be awake for the imaging and GA recovery is usually 2-3 hours. Planning could be around 1-3 hours so you could potentially have a very long day if your insertions and first fraction are planned on the same day!

Spinal wears off in a couple of hours and you can feel your legs and a bit sore where the applicators are but morphine (which you control) and IV paracetamol will make it much better. I found both paracetamol and morphine work really well together. Don't skimp on the morphine! Personally, morphine made me feel a bit sick so I had to ask for anti-sickness as well - everyone reacts differently though so might not happen to you.

The only bit I'd classify as painful was the removal however, it takes only about 5 minutes total. If you are in pain or are really nervous, you can ask for Entonox which is a gas you inhale and can take the edge off. Hope your brachytherapy goes well and wishing you all the best! You got this!