Radiotherapy Support Thread (inc. Brachytherapy)

Hi mine was in April. Had cannula put in hand so dye coul be inserted. Then a fair amount of time make sure I was comfortable on table so they could make sure in same position each time , had to drink water then they did lots of measurements. Had 4 tiny tattoos- 1 at too of each thigh, I top of pubic bone and 1 above belly button to ensure in exactly the same position each time. Have to look v hard to see the tattoos. I had 25 session. Planning session took a little while but it was fine.

Hi Dramalady, well done for all you’ve done so far to do what needs to be done! I hope you’ve recovered well from your hysterectomy. This is what happened at my radio planning appointment: I arrived and was first called in for a chat with a very nice man who asked me a few questions and went over what would be happening that day and also when treatment started a few weeks later. He talked about the treatment machines and showed me pictures, explained what would happen each time, and gave me space for questions. He gave me a list of appointments for my first week of radio. I had previously asked my consultant for afternoon appointments if possible and I repeated that to him. The ones he gave me matched that. He then said that when I went back to the waiting area I’d be brought something to drink which was a contrast dye (I think it’s iodine based) and that after that I’d be called in for a “mini” CT scan. So that’s what happened. I changed into the gown in the CT room behind a curtain, and then got on the CT table. For the mini CT they put a cannula in my hand for some more dye, did a quick scan of my pelvis area, and also did 4 small tattooed dots which would be used during treatment to help line me up properly, so that my position during the mini CT would be more accurately replicated. I had one dot just below my bra line, one just above my pubic bone, and one just below each hip. The technicians were gentle and kind and had some amusing banter going on between them. It all took a bit longer than I’d hoped as when they did the initial scan to check that all was clear, it appeared I had a small bubble of wind in my back passage, so I had to get dressed, go to the loo, rock about a bit to shift it, then come back to the waiting area, have the drink again, and wait for them to try again. Thankfully this time it was all straightforward and fine and I then drove myself home. One tip - the dye didn’t taste very nice and I was very glad I had a couple of fruit gums in my pocket! 

Just to add for anyone else reading: the micro enema thing varies from hospital to hospital. At my hospital (Southampton) they didn’t require an enema before the mini CT or before each treatment as long as you’d opened your bowel in the previous 24 hours. That was one reason why I asked for afternoon appointments as I normally go very last thing at night or first thing in the morning. I’m glad to report that I didn’t need an enema at all during my whole treatment!

Think hospitals vary! No mini enemas or drink for me!

Thank you for replying so quickly...I’m scared stiff of trying to give myself a micro enema ...it’s one of the worse things about any of my treatment although I’m absolutely dreading the internal radiotherapy...I’m not sure if I’ll be able to cope with those sessions the very thought is freaking me out .  Has anyone had them?   xxx

Bless you - I had 25 x radio and 2 x brachy and for me the brachy was a breeze. For me that involved a pre chat to explain everything then a quick short planning CT with some very gentle nurses to get the applicator size right, then the sessions themselves involved just a gentle insertion of a small tampon size applicator, 6 mins of music and then I was out again. Far quicker than any of my radio sessions as no need for bladder scan or mini CT as there is with radio. My opinion is that the thought of it can be worse than the actual. For me, it didn’t hurt and didn’t feel invasive - just like a tampon going in for 6 mins then being gently withdrawn.

Thank you my lovely for again a really fast reply...I’m absolutely freaking out about the very thought...I’m a real drama Queen honestly so I’m not sure I’ll get through it xx

Someone on here suggested to me that I asked my CNS if a Brachtherapy Nurse could phone me to chat about it. I didn’t think I needed the support but I asked my CNS and she arranged for one to phone me at home. It was great and she was so lovely - it also meant that when I went to my first appointment it was someone I’d already spoken to. They expect us to be nervous about it so I’d strongly advise you to ask your CNS if a Brachy nurse could call you.

Oh I’ll do that....thank you so much for all of your help I can’t thank you enough bless you xx

Thank you for this thread  !!! 

Had my appointment with my oncologist yesterday and have an already book CT scan this afternoon then my planning CT tomorrow.. 

Treatment plan so fair is 25 x external radiotherapy sessions 5 on 2 off .. 

Then 2 x  Bracytherapy at the end .. 

 This Treatment is to start within next two weeks hopefully will find out tomorrow at ct planning app .. 

Will have to wait for results of today's CT scan to see if chemo is  needed..

Feeling calm but worried about side affects etc ..