Hello All
Thought I give a report on my Brachytherapy Treatment yesterday.
TBH it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. Didn't help not sleeping the night before overthinking things as usual. Then got a call from the hospital just as I was about to leave - I thought they were calling to cancel but thankfully it was just to delay me by 1/2 hour. Still had a slight delay when I arrived! So I was like a quivering jelly when I walked in.
I met my Brachytherapy Specialist Nurse with whom I'd spoken on Tuesday. Then had a chat with my Oncologist who went through any questions and I signed the consent form. I really wanted to run for the hills!
Then went into Brachytherapy Suite, got changed. My nurse explained exactly what would happen step by step, even holding my hand when she could see anxiety levels were going up. She was lovely. Then my oncologist came in, did a quick external exam of my 4 incision scars, all nicely healed up. Then he did an internal exam, then with a speculum. Only a little discomfort. Then he put in the tube which delivers the high dose radiation, as it was uncomfortable they put in a slightly smaller one, which was much better.(This is attached to the bed.)
Then pads went under the knees, they told me where the camera was and I could shout or wave if needed, then they left the room. My nurse had warned me a klaxon would sound, then the machine would start whirring up at the start, then be be silent for 8 minutes, then whirring again and all over. She came back in, removed the tube, helped me up and directed me to the loo as I was bleeding a bit from the speculum, plus all the gunk they'd used to insert things Yuck!!
I got changed, she walked me out and made sure I felt fine. I can't praise the care I've had from the NHS. Now for the big bonus, they've rearranged my treatments slightly so I'm having the next on Tuesday and the final one on Thursday.(Instead of 3 consecutive Thursdays)
Got home, felt a bit tired so had a cuppa. Went to bed early (after an argument) and slept like a log, caught up with the previous night's lack of sleep. No problems so far with bowels or bladder - touch wood.
Having never had a family, the ease with my ability to accept strangers poking, prodding and inserting radioactive items in body, after having had a load of excess baggage removed just 6 weeks amazes me - must be due to my dark sense of humour!
So if you're in line for this treatment, let me reassure you, it's not as bad as you'd think - that is once you get your head round being nuked!
Take care and stay safe all,
Big hugs, Barb xx 
Hi Barb,
Glad you got through your first session okay, and thank you for sharing your experience it’ll be a great help for anyone facing that part of the journey. You never know I might be next, though still in waiting zone at moment. I’ve got case packed and ready. Been clearing out cupboards and such like just to keep busy and stop myself going stir crazy, you know what the endless waiting can do to your mind. Did I read your post right, does the change of day mean you’re going to be finished with Brachytherapy by end of next week? If that’s the case then that’s wonderful news, you’ll be all finished with hospital visits until your next check up. As much as I love the NHS the trekking back and forth to hospital appointments gets a bit tiring. Hope you have a good weekend.
Take Care
Angie
Thank you Barb for your very detailed report of your first treatment so glad it wasn't as bad as you thought and this I am sure will help others who maybe due to start the brachytheapy. One down , two to go! Hope you enjoyed your much earned cuppa and a little catch up with sleep. Brilliant they rearranged your treatment to get it over and done with quickly too I am sure this is a huge relief for you.
_GBear Xxxx
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Thanks NannyAnny !
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Thanks GBear
Hope the report wasn't too detailed! I'm very much a believer in letting people know what to expect - a bit like we are all compiling our very own Users Manual. I also used to be an Auditor for British Standards Institute ISO 9002 so am used to crossing the T's & dotting the I's Haha.
Take care all, big hugs, Barb
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
You're very welcome Dreamweaver. When I think back to 6 months ago, none of this was on my radar. The closest I got to a Doctors was having a flu jab - which coincidentally I've just come back from - didn't feel a thing !!
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
Hi Barb, Just thought I’d pop in and wish you well for your Brachytherapy tomorrow. Hope you’re well and the proposed lockdown isn’t going to muck things up for you. I’m still waiting for my surgery confirmation letter/phone call and silently praying it comes soon. Hope everything goes well for you tomorrow.
Take Care
Angie
