Radiation

Hi Butch​ I had radiation for three weeks. I had invasive ductal carcinoma and a mastectomy, but I imagine the radiation treatment process is similar.

My experience was that the radiation oncologist, the radiation therapists and the nurses were all absolutely wonderful and caring people. They all took the time to explain everything and were happy to answer any questions.

I had a "planning appointment" which involved getting scanned and finding the position that you will lie in for all your treatments. It also involved heaps of education for me on the treatment process. 

In my initial appointment with the nurse, they told me about the creams and lotions. The one they recommended is called StrataXRT. It's very expensive but worth it if you can afford it (although I've heard some treatment centres supply it). I used it and I think it really made a difference for me.

Where I had my treatment you sit in the waiting room in your own clothes and they only bring you in to change into the gown once the room is ready. I only had to take my top and bra off - I could leave my bottoms on. 

During the treatment session you don't feel anything from the radiation itself. You "assume the position" on the table, and the radiation therapists assist you into the correct position. In my experience this sometimes took quite a few minutes. You will get very used to lying on the table with your chest on display :D

For my treatment I had to have my arm above my head on the pillow, which was a little uncomfortable by the time 10-15 minutes goes by, but that was mainly because I'd had the mastectomy I think. My hand actually went numb so they gave me a stress ball to squeeze to help the blood flow.

You may have to hold your breath while they are delivering the radiation dose (I did but I'm not sure if you will have to - they were delivering radiation to my chest wall). The breath holding is for quite a long time, but they will give you practice if you need it. Also the therapist told me that if I didn't hold my breath and my chest wall moved out of position the machine would automatically switch off so you don't get the dose in the wrong place. (It's to protect your heart from the radiation).

I didn't start to get any symptoms on my skin until about the end of the second week. It started to get a bit red and itchy. For me I didn't really have much pain, more itchiness, which did get pretty intense actually. I was told to use a cold pack or wet washcloth when the itchiness was bad, and this did help, but you don't want frozen, just cold from the fridge. The nurse also gave me a silicone dressing to put on and she said to put it in the fridge beforehand - this was really good. I think if you need it there are also medications that can be prescribed to deal with the itchiness - don't be afraid to ask.

I did also get fatigue from the radiation - also starting about the second week I think. This fatigue wasn't as bad as I had from chemo, but I did find it a bit limiting. I just found I needed to take it a bit easy for a few weeks, some days I needed a nap and some days I was fine. 

I hope it all goes well for you! Just remember everyone is different and there is no right way for you to feel or react. Listen to your body, and take it easy on yourself - you're going through a lot xx