Tomorrow I start my Radiation Therapy. Having been planning and delivering other people’s radiation for 10.5 years I admit that this is the part of my treatment that I have been stressed about the most, wheras I thought I’d be fine about it.Last wk I had my simulation session, all went fine except both my arms went dead about half way through and when I went to put them down my hands were so floppy I literally hit myself in the face - sooo embarrassing!!!i found it quite stressful seeing my friend/colleague having to have long discussions with my Rad Onc whilst I was pretending not to notice and getting on with my work. Turns out I wasn’t a straightforward plan but RO is happy with it.Hearing “nice and still we are watching you at all times you won’t see or feel anything just hear a buzzing noise” and not walking out the room tomorrow will be strange.

Haha @kezmusc it’s certainly a strange situation although I won’t go fixing printers lolfirst day went well thanks everyone x

Glad to hear your first day went well @JoeyLiz, you have certainly been so helpful and knowledgeable sharing your expertise on here for others x

An extraordinary life experience to have JoeyLiz, and one that will deepen your professional life beyond measure. Not one you'd choose though! Do you have a strategy for handling it? Or will you just see how you go? If you're stressing about it perhaps prepare a happy place ready to go to in your mind.I suppose you just have to let go. My thoughts are with you, but you'll be right. That you've chosen to have your treatment where you work speaks volumes for the faith you have in your workmates and colleagues. Big hug sweets. K xox

@joeyliz All the best for your treatment today. I'm sure you'll be a star patient! Just don't go walking out of the room when you hear the cues.

Hey @JoeyLiz,Hope all went well today. Weird isn't it being on the other side? I had my surgery in the ward where I work. Very odd when you know that half the people you work with have seen your boobs!. They were giving me heaps at the time as they had to met call me twice due to extremely low blood pressure after the anaesthetic. High maintenance patient apparently. :) I did redeem myself the next afternoon by hobbling out in my PJ's with drain bag attached to fix the printer. LOLXOXOXOX

On the receiving end | Online Network

iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
Hi you are in a strange predicament knowing the intricacies and now on the receiving end. Try and just be the patient who hasn't a clue and relies on the advice of the RO. Easier said than done and if your arm is numb and floppy let them know. Power to the patient, you!
Take care and sending you a virtual hug
arpie
Member
7 years ago
All the best for your rads tomorrow, @JoeyLiz

We'll be thinking of you. I was surprised that on the whole, it wasn't too bad an experience for me!

It may be difficult for you to 'switch off' tho ...... but I hope you can. They're probably just as stressed as you! LOL xx
tigerbeth
Member
7 years ago
@JoeyLiz good luck for tomorrow, it will be strange for you to be the patient !

I started mine on Thursday ,all good as to be expected early on . I can relate to the arm issue , one of mine has to stay down as I have a shoulder problem.The other one holding the support killed me , thank heavens the treatment doesn't last too long ! It sounds simple but …..
Giovanna_BCNA
Member
7 years ago
Hello @JoeyLiz it will certainly feel weird for you being on the other side tomorrow. I agree with iserbrown, let the team look after and care for you tomorrow. Your main focus is on getting through the next phase of treatment and getting well.
Eastmum
Member
7 years ago
@JoeyLiz - I can only begin to imagine how weird it would be to be on the receiving end of treatment you're used to dishing out.
There have been so many movies, books and TV shows where the practitioner is suddenly the patient - you're doing that in real life! And it definitely must have pros and cons but ultimately you'll be secure knowing exactly what's going on, with a great team - I'm sending you lots of good wishes for tomorrow and hope it all goes well and quickly. xxx
Anonymous
7 years ago
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lrb_03
Member
7 years ago
Hi @JoeyLiz, I've been thinking of you lately, and that you'd be starting radiotherapy soon. If it all goes smoothly, then thatvplanning session should be the longest time you'll have your arms up for. Are you having regional nodes as well as whole breast?
I wil be thinking of you, going through your first session.
Take care of you!!!
JoeyLiz
Member
7 years ago
Hi @lrb_03 yes having nodes in supraclav and Axilla. So I have 4 beams instead of the usual 3 as my Axilla volume is deep so they’ve had to put on a post beam to boost it from the back. Also my supraclav field has an extra control point as they had to heat up the junction which means a longer time holding my breath.
How are you going?
Anonymous
7 years ago
The user and all related content has been deleted.
JoeyLiz
Member
7 years ago
@Joannie I have 6 wks, yes fatigue and the skin reaction I’m not looking forward to. Especially as I’m rostered back to treatment in a few wks so I’ll be walking in and out of that room a lot! I went and got fitted for some new soft bras yesterday so at least they will help!