radiation fright

elena1

tomorrow is my first visit for my radiation..Im really nervous..I have so many questions. Im wondering what the first visit is like and what theyll do..????

shadylady1

Elena - for me (I have had 7 treatments of 33), it really is quick and so far, painless. It takes longer to set me up than it does to actually give me the treatment.  I am getting whole breast radiation and it probably takes 5 minutes or so.  I had axillary node dissection and I am finding that I am tight in the underarm area so I am trying to do some stretching.  It is much better than chemo.  I understand a lot of people have fatigue but I still have a lot of fatigue and muscle pain 1 month after chemo (TC x 6).  I walk like an old lady!   Good luck to you!  Emily

QCA

Hi, Elena---First, I can tell you that it won't be anything like as bad as you're imagining!  I finished rads just last week and I feel fine, just a little fatigued, and not all the time.  You don't say if you've met with the radiation oncologist or had your simulation, so if you haven't done that yet, that will be first.  The simulation is a dry run where they do measurements to calibrate the machine, and they will either mark the area or may do tattoos.  I didn't have tattoos, so someone else will speak to that if you'll have them.  At my center I was marked with a sharpie  (lines, x's, dots, whatever) and the marks were covered by clear small stickers (forgot the name of those things).  Occasionally they have to redo the markings as they fade or the stickers begin to loosen.  I had a cat scan the first day, and also had the first treatment after the simulation. 

Some have worse skin reactions than others, but mine was rather mild.  Most places will tell you how to care for the skin and recommend creams, etc, to apply two or more times/day. Nothing was ever painful for me.  I had 30 treatments and the skin got very red, but it's already fading after only 4 days.  The worst thing about it is just having to be there every day.  And, as I've read somewhere on this site, you don't have to be brave; you just have to show up!

Actually, the best thing you can do is read the various threads here and you'll get a blow by blow description.  I haven't looked to see if there is a December 2010 section yet, but if there isn't I'm sure there will be.  I know there is a November one.  You'll be with people who are going throught he same thing at the same time you are, and it's helpful to be able to compare notes.  You can also help each other, commiserate, complain, whatever you want, and rejoice  when you finish!!

You can do this!  Best of luck to you, and keep coming here for support.  (((HUGS}}}

Kathy

Makratz

I was in your shoes 2 years ago.  I was SOOOO nervous.  I am very happy to report to you that it is pretty much uneventful!  It took me longer to undress than to get the radiation.  I know you have major anxiety, but I think you will be pleasantly surprised one you've done your first treatment.  Hang in there and tell us how you do!