Struggling with my mask during Radiotherapy

Hi Debbie

When I had radiotherapy there were days I felt anxious like you, but I got used to it and found that music took my mind off it all. At Coventry they played random cds that people had left over the years and luckily I always found them uplifting. I don’t know where you are based but I’m sure they would play music you like it you take it in. Another person I spoke to also used to ask for the radiologist to let him know when he was halfway through the treatment so he got a sense of perspective for how long was left. 

I had 2 rounds of chemo and actually having it administered wasn’t too bad, but I did feel very poorly afterwards. Just be prepared to need lots of rest and if you feel nausea and sickness make sure you speak to the nurses to get the right sickness tablets - the first lot I was given didn’t help, so I had to try a combination of others and eventually got to a concoction that was ok.

The other thing to pass onto you is that if you feel unwell and need medication make sure you get it sorted out before a weekend as it’s very difficult to get a prescription or meds over the weekend - and adds a lot of stress too. 

All the best of luck - we all react in different ways so there are no hard and fast ways of doing things. But above all be kind to yourself 

Rachel x

Hi Debbie. I use to put my head in holiday mode when I was being clamped down. I practised at home  taking my head space elsewhere I used to virtually  do a bike ride I included things like coffee stops and even loo breaks. Other days I virtually did a walk I took my own cds  in and they played them.By practicing  at home I set the alarm for 12 minutes so knew how far my virtual walks etc could do. I have to say I rarely got to the end before I was being clamped back out.
Ialso asked them to tell me over the mic when I was half way and then when they were 30 seconds from coming j. To release me. I was lucky I had eyehole nose and mouth holes I also had right side tonsil cancer and 7 affected lymph nodes, I used ti watch the linear accelerator go round and got into a rhythm knowing when it was moving. You can  do this . Remember it’s worth it in the end our cancers respond extremely well to treatment.
Best advise for chemo  take  anti sickness medication I took it and was lucky enough not to be sick.  You’ll be given steroids as well take those just be prepared you may get a steroid drop a few days after yiuve taken the last one it’s all normal. Any questions just ask. 

Hugs Hazel xx

Hi Debbie,

I'm 13 wks out of treatment now.I just used to think about walking my dogs through the woods step by step.Try and slow your breathing down.I used to think of all the other people in the waiting room too that would be coming in to get treatment and if they could do it so could I ! I met a man in the waiting room who had prostate cancer and he told me about his wife who had tonsil cancer stage 4 who had a bad time with the treatment.He said she never talks about it but is now 10 yrs on from finishing her treatment.He said to me I can see you are having a bad time but just keep going.I think about him every day and plod on taking each day as it comes.You'll get there too,

Turi

Hi Turi, Thank you so much for your reply and support. Yes, I too have my lovely girl, Breila who I walk through the woods behind my house every day - I will take your advice, especially thinking about all the others before and after me having treatment. I have booked some hypnotherapy as I am sure that will help too.xx

Hi Hazel, Thank you so much for your reply and support. I have read your amazing blog and have seen all the support you have selflessly given to others on here, for which I am so very grateful. Practising at home is a great idea! I will ask them to let me know when I am half way too. Thank you also for the advice regarding Chemo. sending love and gratitude. xx

Hi Rachel, Thank you so much for your reply and support. I will take on board all that you suggest. There was no music the first 2 sessions, but they did play some yesterday which did help, so I will ask if they can continue :-)

Sending love and appreciation xx

There’s some wonderful advice here Debbie.

I might add that a few people have mild sedatives before they go. It’s an avenue to explore anyway

I was lucky having eyeholes cut and being fascinated by the hardware whizzing round my head. 

Hi Dani, Thank you so much for your reply and support. Yes, I'll see how I manage this afternoon - my lovely nurse did say that I could try a sedative if I was struggling. All the advice and support has been just uplifting. I feel much better about today's treatment.:-)

Hi Debbie

I was the same, cried my eyes out after it was fitted like a baby!! Told the radiographers and they were great, we used to pick a band, started with The Beatles and finished with ABBA lol, and properly blast it loud enough so I couldn't hear the machine, most adds it didn't get past 3 songs as the sessions get shorter once they know the position for you. You've got this hun, it'll be over before you know it.

Dee

DebbieJ said:

I feel much better about today's treatment.:-)

Well done. Every day is a step nearer getting better.