ALIGN RT - new development in radiotherapy

Hi MarmiteFan59

Thanks for sharing. Sounds good. I didn't like having the tattoo dots too and like you feel they are a reminder. I did try laser tattoo removal but after 2 sessions had only faded a bit and it was expensive really. As time has gone on, they bother me less but would still prefer they weren't there. Although they say they are tiny and like a freckle- I am fair and they were done in black so to me they do show. 

Jane

Does everyone have the same.amount of tattoo dots and are they always in the same place?

From the Macmillan page on radiotherapy (general) www.macmillan.org.uk/.../radiotherapy

Skin markings

I had one on each hip and one very low down on tummy. They are the size of a freckle. They use a pipette to put a drop of ink on you and then scratch the skin with a fine needle. It felt no more than a pinprick and hurt less than an injection. 

Thanks, I am not worried about it hurting, it's more about whether I have to expose parts of my body that I don't feel comfortable about.

I was able to keep my knickers on while they were done. I just pulled the front down slightly out of the way. I also had one of those paper sheet cover things over me. 

All through radiotherapy I only took my trousers off. (you can wear a skirt if you prefer). Once on the plinth I had to pull my knickers down a little so they could line me up with the tattoo dots but I was covered with a paper sheet. I did not have to take my knickers off at any time during radiotherapy. I had external beam radiotherapy. I did not have brachytherapy.

When on the plinth I needed to pull up my t shirt to above my belly button- again for lining up. 

Thank you jane2511  for this info. I is interesting and reassuring. I am 8 weeks post total hysterectomy today. Seeing Consultant Gynaecologist on Thursday and I HOPE my starting pelvic radiotherapy asap (as I have LVSI).

I think I have to have a planning appointment first with an oncologist?

Good luck in Thursday

Thank you B74 

I am more nervous about radiotherapy than I was about my Total hysterectomy. I don't know why.

I know what you mean, I am undecided as yet, due to meet radiotherapy Dr on Wednesday 22nd, I am 4 weeks post hysterectomy today.  I wonder if it is due to shock, as in the hysterectomy happened very quickly after diagnosis so I just kind of got carried along, whereas the radiotherapy feels like it will potentially involve me in a more active way.