Radiotherapy sounds scary, and if you’re like me, can be scary because you go to a different hospital for it. Luckily I’d worked at Addenbrookes before so I knew where things were (my memory had my back for once) and even got to see a few old friends which was divine.
So obviously you have an appointment with a radiotherapy consultant before anything happens. I had mine and it was much like before you start chemo, consent letters, side effects, leaflets, although it felt much less daunting and much less “F*********CK”. In fact I was so calm about it all I remembered was “don’t get pregnant”, “skin changes”, and that a side effect was cancer which I found hilarious, forgive me xx.
So following this you have a ‘planning scan’ at the hospital you’ll be receiving your treatment. You may have seen previously this is where I made a fool of myself with the misunderstanding that a member of staff was referring to my boob when she said “ah this is beautiful” and I said “isn’t she, I call her Perky Pam” followed by the sudden, cold, realisation that she was talking about my tattoo, DUH!!! Anyway despite this they were so so so kind. With breast cancer they’ll give you information about breath holding, just pushes your heart out of the way so it doesn’t get zapped, and I had to do this. So really, you get on the table, they position you and measure EVERYTHING, then the machine whirls around you a few times with and without holding your breath. Done.
The staff came back into the room and did my “tattoos”, 3 tiny little dots I can’t actually find very easily when I look. One between my breasts and one each side. Somewhere…typing this I decided to try again and I can’t find the ones on my sides now actually, tiny. I do believe I read about the machines at Addenbrookes and how snazzy and clever they are, something about not doing the tattoos anymore in a year or so? Could be wrong, do your own research. But if you’re worried about the tattoos I guess just don’t be, I didn’t even feel them doing them.
After this, you just wait for your start date. Mine was 6 weeks after the planning scan. That date couldn’t come fast enough because what a time to spiral. If between treatments you feel lost, terrified, or like you’re going to die in your sleep, you’re not alone. I tried to use this time to enjoy my body feeling normal and work on my brain feeling the opposite of normal.
Then it begins. I laid there, machine spinning around wondering what it would feel like, bracing myself…for nothing. I felt nothing. NOT A THING. Now, before I had my first session I was taken into a room and the staff went through everything and did say that I wouldn’t feel anything and people often wonder if anything is happening at all. I did ask if I would burst into flames and various other irrational thoughts/questions were answered with amazing kindness and patience, but still, you never know right? Can confirm I didn’t burst into flames either.
I had to do the breath hold technique, and laying there, arms up, holding my breath for 20/30 seconds was HARD, so hard I panicked that I was dying and sat in my car afterwards timing how long I could hold my breath for, lol. Turns out a minute was easy, it’s just a very weird position and psychological process, so don’t worry! The machines at Addenbrookes just stop if you breathe out, then you just start again when you’re ready. So not scary.
My skin was fine for about 12 sessions, and I had 15, so of course the final 3 meant my boob went red and a bit bumpy, I started feeling weird pangs and twinges in my breast and armpit but nothing severe. I also thought hmmmm maybe it’s my nerves getting back together after surgery?! Turns out it could be either or both. The staff advised me to moisturise from day 1 and checked in every session to see how my skin was, so if there were any issues they could help.
Near the end of treatment I had a review with the specialist radiographer who asked what moisturiser I was using, La Roche Posay Lipikar!!!! She said this was perfect and to carry on. I was also told that the side effects of radiotherapy can carry on for 4 weeks-ish after treatment stops and can peak around 2 weeks after, so to carry on with moisturising. I used this opportunity to nerd out a little and ask questions about the machines, if you’re bored laying there just watch what they’re doing it’s crazy. And all individualised to you! They’re so clever in there.
Anyway, I’m done now and honestly, moisturise, don’t be afraid that you’ll set on fire, prepare to wonder if anything is happening, and just know that the Addenbrookes staff in radiotherapy are wonderful and so willing to answer questions. As much as I hope to never see them again or go near there, they’re amazing, kind, patient, and hard working. So be kind back!
One thing I will just say is that I’m not a ‘chat in the waiting room’ kind of gal. I can’t cope with conversations about what cancer who has, it’s like in prison when people ask what they did, and I also don’t like conversations about how awful waiting times are, or moaning about staff/departments. There was alot of this in the waiting room and I couldn’t wear headphones in case I missed my name being called.
YES sometimes your appointment is delayed by a lot, YES you will sit there for ages sometimes, people will be called in before you even though they came in after you. But oh my goodness, this is free to us all, the staff there are doing their best. If you have questions, ask the staff. If you’re thinking of having plans after radiotherapy, don’t! Or have loose ones. Just get it done and get out. And if you’re like me and don’t want to engage in cancer chat/moaning - take a book, even if you’re pretending to read it to avoid social interaction. Hahaha. Oh and take a drink, stay hydrated my friends. Not for radiotherapy, for your skin xx
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