Starting Rt

Good Evening Majestic 

The first RT is usually a "planning scan" where they do all the measurements and give you 3 tattoos (proper ones!!) which they use to line you up correctly at each future fraction.

At mine they showed us the machine we were to use. Gave us a practice enema (thanks NHS) and told us what not to eat and drink as when you are on the sunbed they don't want you moving or having "wind".

We were told each fraction was "empty bowel - empty bladder" (most NHS trusts are "empty bowel - full bladder".). We were to turn up, use a micro enema and we were called in after emptying both bowel and bladder (I did mine at home as I live close to the hospital). We also had free reserved parking for each fraction.

You soon get into a routine and if you listen to the radiologists you will be fine. At the planning scan which was about 2 weeks before I started the 20 fractions I also received a list of all 20 dates and times along with a box of 24 micro enemas (deep joy!!).

I hope this helps - any questions ask away - he will be fine.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thankyou Millibob, he has had the planning scans, tattoos and has been handed the enemas to take at the hospital. He will be having 20 fractions starting in 2 weeks. We haven’t been told much more but I'm presuming we will be told more at the 1st appointment. Thankyou so much for all your help and advice on this Journey.  I’m sure I will be back with more questions soon. Best Wishes, 

Majestic

Hello Majestic 

Ah, then I assume they ask you to turn up early doors at the first one just to make sure he's fine with the enema etc.

All I would say then is to keep an eye on his number 1's and 2's and report any changes to the Radiology staff, although they will ask him everyday.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Millibob, Hope you are well. Just another question, one of many to come I think.. I wasn’t able to accompany my OH to his first RT session today so my daughter volunteered. All went well and he was given a list of times for the sessions, 2 of these were clinic reviews before 2 of the sessions. Am I right in thinking these are to discuss how things are going.  I just seem to worry about every detail at the moment. Thankyou and best wishes.

Majestic

Hi Majestic .

Different hospitals will work in different ways but yes it sounds like a routine review, however, if your husband starts to have any issues with his bowels or bladder he should talk to the radiographers about it before a session. They have a wealth of knowledge on how to help people through the treatment and we found them extremely supportive and encouraging.

1 down, 19 to go. All the best to you both - the time will soon fly by.

Thankyou Alwayshope, you are so rich in knowledge. My head is absolutely mashed with the researching of this terrible disease but using this forum and reading some of the topics that arise and advice given by you tremendous people, always lowers my anxieties. I’m not sure what I’d do without you all. This forum is a blessing. Thankyou.

Majestic

Pleased to hear that your OH has started RT.  It should just be routine (and boring) from here but ANY issues should be reported to the radiographers as they occur. It will soon be over and you can settle down.  I hope you haven’t been using Dr Google to research!  This forum is a great place to start any questions you have.  Best wishes, David

Hello Majestic 

Cracking news that the Radiotherapy has started - I hope it all goes well. All hospitals are different - my 2 reviews were one to ensure all was well and one very near the end with a Macmillan nurse to discuss any "needs" I had.

Best wishes to you both - it will feel strange when the RT is over and your daily trips to the hospital finish!!

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi Majestic

I'm late to this thread, and Brian has already touched on my pet topic.

If the hospital gives any dietary advice, stick to it rigidly. Poole hospital advised low fibre everything, no green leafy veg, no onions, no alcohol, no caffeine. Basically, on the face of it, an unhealthy diet. Not all hospitals give such advice.

The reason why Poole recommend this diet is because the RT irritates the bowel and so does fibre. Onions and green veg causes wind.

I strayed from the diet for Christmas lunch and I wouldn't recommend it!

Good luck in your journey.

Regards

Stuart

Thankyou David2017, I’m watching him like a hawk, things seem to be going well up to now, fingers crossed it will fly by. It’s all surreal at the minute and everything is strange. I’m sure you all have been there and wearing the T-shirt. You are so right about Dr.Google. I made myself ill after diagnosis. This forum is the best support for us. You are all incredible people and so informative. It keeps me sane.
Best wishes,

Majestic