Aniexty

Not knowing what to expect is probably the worst thing! I found radiotherapy fine  - it was tiring, largely due to the daily travel rather than the treatment itself. The treatment didn't hurt, I didn't really get any sign of redness until the last couple days (I had 25 sessions over 5 weeks) and they gave me some cooling pads in case I needed them. 

The staff were really lovely, they'll allay any fears. There is no sense of being 'enclosed' for the treatment - you just need to stay still with your arms above your head (good reason to keep your arm exercises up it case stiffness sets in!). The treatment takes about 10 minutes. 

There was often quite a wait at the hospital, so take a book or something! 

I'm sure you'll be fine after your first session   - have you had your tattoos yet? 

deleted - double post!

Hi Nikki,

Weeblemum is right, often the anxiety you feel is the anticipation. Personally I found that the radiotherapy was the least worst aspect of the treatment. The machine itself tends to be housed in its own room and although it can look a bit intimidating it really isn't! It isn't noisy or enclosed like am MRI machine. The radiography staff should explain everything to you and if you haven't yet had your tattoos they'll probably show you around the room and introduce you to the machine and explain what will happen.

As with all things, cancer treatment, the waiting around is really boring so take a book or magazine to keep you amused. I had 15 treatments over 3 weeks and did get some blistering towards the end.

Good luck, if you've already had chemo and surgery then the radiotherapy is a doddle! Take care xx

The hardest part of radiotherapy is that it's every day - so you are wrecked from the travel to and from the hospital.  The staff are great and explain everything, where I was going, the machine kept breaking down so you would be hanging around or asked to come back later in the day.  Drink loads, following the instruction of the staff regarding skin care and you should be ok

Thanks so much for all the advice. I have had the tattoo markers. Still waiting on a starting date for radiotherapy. Not so worried now just want to get it over with.