I need 25 sessions of radio therapy. I am nervous.

Hi Adeline, sorry to hear that you will be far from home and your family while you have your radiotherapy. Your daughter sounds like a diamond and will be there for you.  I am sure the hospital will do their best to make you both comfortable as can be and Maggie's offer incredible support.

I have just finished 25 sessions of radiotherapy following hysterectomy in late September. It was painless, each session was only about 10 minutes long and the radiographers were kind and welcoming. Si not too bad at all!

My worst side effect has been episodes of diarrhoea which immodium instants usually sorted. I was able to carry on normal life most days.  It helps to be kind to yourself and just rest when you need to as tiredness tends to kick in towards the end of treatment,

Hope this helps, sending best wishes

Shinygal

Hi Adeliene

I really feel for you. It’s bad enough having to go through the treatment but to be away from home is a double blow.

I haven’t experienced any treatment yet other than hysterectomy but feel sure you will get fantastic advice and support with that on here, already demonstrated by Shinygal.

If you don’t already use it,  I want to suggest setting up a WhatsApp group for keeping in touch with family and friends while you’re away. That way you’ll always have someone to chat to and others will spot when you need extra support as everyone will see the conversations. 

Apologies if I am teaching Grandma to suck eggs!

sending you my very best wishes x

Thank you Shinygal, I know now what to expect from the radiotherapy you have been a great help.I don't feel quite so nervous now. Where I live their isn't a Maggie's Centre near, it will be good to have their support. Hope you keep well yourself after your radiotherapy.

Thank you for your kind words Adeliene

Christmas2019  I think it would be a great idea to set up WhatsApp I like what you wrote about keeping in touch. I do have a problem I can only just use this laptop I struggle with technology, my dear young friend has just got me my first samsung smart phone so I wont be cut off completly while I am away from home  I can at least phone and send messages.I am in my eighties and most of my friends cant use their mobiles.So please dont apologies about sucking eggs,I need as much help and advice as I can get. Look after yourself and keep well. Adeliene 

Hi Adeline

WhatsApp is quite easy to get to grips with and much the same as sending text messages. 

Group messaging avoids you having to say the same thing to lots of people and you receive messages from everyone in the group all in the same place. They can send you pictures and videos and make voice calls all free as long as you’re connected to the internet (that should be free in a medical setting).

Its worth asking a family member to set it up for you. Don’t worry about understanding all the extras at first, just use it for keeping in touch. You can use it on your phone and your laptop.

i belong to a group of ladies ranging from 60 to 85 years young and many of them have embraced technology and wished they’d done it sooner.

Let me know how you get on xxxx

 . I have a friend who will possibly help me set up WhatsApp..I  will have time on my hands when I am at the hospital. Thanks for all the info.you are really helpful. 

Adeliene x

Fantastic!

ask your friend to get you a stylus if you don’t already have one. Much easier to hit the right keys on the keyboard if your fingers are troubled in any way or just plain disobedient !!

Good morning ladies. Hi Adeline, that is such good advise from Christmas, WhatsApp is brilliant for staying in touch with a group of people and hopefully a friend will set it up for you

I found another source of support from the people in the radiotherapy waiting area. We were al there for the same reason and people were happy to chat and share advice and experience. I often felt humbled and inspired.

We are also all here for you on this forum and send you lots of good wishes

Shinygal

A stylus is what I need, I never hit the right keys. adeliene x

Thank you Shinygal great help and advice. I hope you stay happy and well. from Adeliene x