RT planning tomorrow

Hi please don’t get stressed out, whilst the process seems daunting I was really nervous but it’s very efficient and patient friendly.

You will need to take the micro  anema before you go, it’s very important to be fully hydrated, you will also be asked to drink some water before the CT scan. I found the CT scan to be far better than having the MIR scan.

Once the scan is complete they will then carry out the measurements and tattoo you 3 dots the size of a ballpoint pen mark these are then used to line up the body for RT.

Its just over 12 months since I had my RT planning with the waiting and the process I was in and out within 1 1/2 hours but the actual scan and tattoo’s approximately 30/45 minutes..

I can only stress the importance of being hydrated as the amount you have in the bladder is taken into account in the planning for the RT treatment and you will need to be fully hydrated for the RT sessions.

I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to treatment so take it from me don’t stress out it’s a simple process.

All the best for tomorrow.

Sparks

THANK YOU :)  Bit worried I took my anema thing 40 mins ago and nothing happened yet...1.5 to 2hrs is ok for me :)  so lots and lots to drink but dont pee too much ? 

what does the CT scan show do you know ?

thanks i had read it wasn't going to be any pain or anything.. just left it to last minute and starting to stress .. but my brains telling me not to... got my second hormone injection same morning 

Hi the CT scan shows the area that will be targeted by the radiotherapy, the radiographer will line  you up by your tattoos and the measurements taken from the CT scan to ensure that you are always positioned right for RT, it’s a very precise process once you are in the correct position they then leave the room and the treatment starts.
The scan measures the prostrate, the position of the bladder etc. 

https://youtu.be/lsCpEumuTyo 

I found some really good NHS videos on YouTube that really helped me with what to expect with RT if you look for NHS Trusts they are informative and helpful.

I love youtube.. off for a look thanks.. i would not of thought that.. 

Hello Whatsisname, my husband and I got terribly stressed out before the radiotherapy but I now see that we needn’t have done! It’s important to note that not every hospital has exactly the same protocol. For example, my husband had to do the enema 90-120 minutes before the planning ct and before every session.  He had to empty his bladder 30 minutes before the planning and the radiotherapy sessions and immediately drink 600 mls water.  The whole point of the strictness of the ‘rules’ is to make sure the prostate is in the same position every time. As Sparks says, you also get some free tattoos supplied by the NHS.

I don’t know about other hospitals but the radiotherapy department my husband went to ( Leicester Royal Infirmary) was superb! The staff were extremely caring, kind and professional and the only hiccups we had was when the department was flooded over one weekend by a burst water pipe and they had to postpone one session. The other slight delay was caused by the previous patient not being ready. The only difference I could see from NHS care and private care was that there was no free coffee and no carpeting on the floor!

we were warned about all sorts of dire side effects - the only thing that my husband experienced was tiredness ( not fatigue) and feeling gassy. They gave him a diet sheet to resolve the latter. He was also quite headachey each afternoon and they advised him to drink more - that resolved the problem.  Every time my husband went they asked him if he was experiencing side effects - so I felt confident they were watching out and very ready to step in with solutions if needed.

just follow their instructions !

best of luck

thank you... that all sounds positive.. I want to keep working(part time self employed) 

Sorry Sparks I didnt see your link.. I just searched youtube and watched this https://youtu.be/R4K2pLN8cwc I will go and watch yours now.. probably same but all helps

OK so now really stressed as I administered my "Microlax Micro-enema" at 6pm ish.. Its now nearly 3 hrs later and nothing :(  Says stay near toilet works in 15-30 minutes.. I am worried as it hasn't worked so far.. how will it work on the day if needs to be empty   PS absoloutly sure I did it right..could feel the tube emptying into passage..

I tried calling a support nurse but closed.. i managed to get a mcmillan support on phone bang on 8pm as closing as she (very nice helpful lady) said I should try this that and the other and if no joy phone 111 :(  I have never phoned them before... 

aargh nothing goes smooth.. going to have a hot bath now see if relax me..

in the video the guy has his underwear on... for video i presume.. are we actually naked bottom half or ?