Radiation planning appt. HINT

angicpa

I'm sorry, I don't know why I didn't think of posting this before. 

When you go to your first appointment, when they mark you and ascertain the machine settings, they'll tell you to turn your head.

I, being such an overachiever, overextended turning my head such that after what seemed like an eternity, my neck muscles were screaming. When I asked about moving my head, they told me try not to or they'd have to start over. I was in (embarrassing) tears by the time they were through.

Subsequently, during the actual treatments, I found out they just wanted my chin out of the way. All I had to do was look slightly off to the left. 

I hope this helps.

redsox

You should assume that the position used in planning will be the position used in treatment.  If you are in pain or uncomfortable, tell them and maybe they can adjust it.  Keep in mind that the actual treatments take much less time than the planning and you do not have to hold the position as long. 

Natters

What I wish I had know about this appointment: they will write all over you with something like a Sharpie and cover only some of the marks with tape. DO NOT STRESS OUT if most of the marks wash off in the shower and just over time from sweat and lotion, etc. They are probably putting tape over the most important marks, the only ones they want you to keep before you start rads. So don't scrub at the marks in the shower or with your towel afterward, just gently pat yourself dry - but don't worry about keeping all the marks nice and dark, either. 

Also, don't plan on wearing anything remotely low-cut (V-necks or scoop necks) until those marks wash off.

I feel like time passes 3X faster if I listen to my iPod. Some places will play their music for you, others will ask if you want to bring anything in, and still others (like mine) are perfectly silent except for the machine noises. Bring an ipod and see if they will let you hold it above your head, and at least listen using one earbud. My place lets me use both but others will want you to be able to hear them without waving a hand or whatever. I wish I'd had my ipod for my planning, because I think I would have been a lot more patient. 

Finally - don't worry: the rads appts you have every day will NOT be as long as this planning appointment. You may have to get Xrays once a week and you'll be seeing your RO once a week, but the other days it should go by pretty quickly. You will settle into a routine where you are in and out of there, and the familiar places faces will be a comfort.