Countdown is on - the end of chemo

I'm at the same stage as Sarah, up to day 9 of radiotherapy. First, I had a meeting with the radiooncologist who talked about the treatment with me, then she booked a CT scan for measuring up. No injections, just be the sack of potatoes for about 45 minutes while the radiotherapist technicians and nurses line you up and dot you with six or seven dot sized tattoos for the real treatment sessions.

Like Sarah, it took 2 weeks to plan the treatment as more people have to sign off on the proposed plans then you actually get to meet (I think). I was told it would take about 7 to 10 days for the planning, but it took a little longer due to my tissue expander.

Before your first session you might see a radiotherapy nurse who talks about skin care. I got given a pot of very thick sorbolene cream to smear over the skin. Then you get shown your locker with your very own stylish waffle cotton robe. You only have to take your top half off which is convenient because keeping your shoes on makes for quicker entries and exits after the radiotherapy technician takes you for treatment.

At my clinic's waiting room, as well as the ubiquitous TV droning away, we have jigsaw puzzles set up. It's fun seeing how they progress over the week.

I've now got used to the stop-start nature of measuring up with the technicians and the actual machine working so on the table I close my eyes and imagine sunlight and enjoy breathing. If it wasn't punctuated with intermittent noise I'd sleep. :) You are in and out within 20 minutes, on the table about 15. The technicians are lovely, there is the chatter where you tell them your name, your date of birth, your address and your treatment side - every time! and then they ask you what you're up to for the day and what kind of music you'd like. They are all so YOUNG! (Is it me, am I getting old do you think?)

Lying on the table there are leg rests under your knees, support for your back and cradles behind your head to drop your arms into. If you are not very flexible after surgery, this might be a little uncomfortable, so I expect the cradles are adjustable. I've been doing a lot of pulling my shoulder blades into my spine recently for shoulder flexibility and stretching my chest muscles, so I've been a little stiff in the upper back, but it doesn't worry me on the table.

At day 9 I have a warm feeling in the area being treated and slight reddening of the skin in some areas. So far so good. I'm sure you'll find this treatment fairly straightforward.

Cheers, Meg xxx