37. I won't turn Radioactive!
- Amy Littlejohn
- Sep 18, 2021
- 3 min read
On the 16th I started my Radiotherapy. I have to have 10 sessions in total over 2 weeks, excluding the weekends.
The day before my treatment I had a call from the Radiographer just to run through what would happen on the day. All quite easy and simple, go in, get zapped, come out again!
I thought I better read the leaflet they gave me weeks ago, all pretty basic information bit they do reiterate that I wont become Radioactive! So no Spiderman for me!
The day of the 16th, my appointment was at 2:10pm in Taunton. I was told to get there 10 Mins early to set up. Dan came with me so he could drive home.
At Taunton Hospital they have the Beacon Centre which is where they treat Cancer patients. I has its own entrance and car park. Which is handy as parking at the hospital can be a bit of a pain.
I checked in at Reception and waited to be called. I over heard they were running behind so I was called in a bit late. First I got called to the Radiotherapy waiting area, then a few mins later I was called into a changing room. It had 2 doors, the first I was told to lock behind me and then someone will get me from the 2nd door to take me through to the machine.
They advised me before I went that to wear a vest top that could be pulled down for treatment, saving having to put on a gown. So I took my top off and just had my vest top and leggings on. I didnt even bother wearing a bra to save time!
There was a knock on the 2nd door and I was called into the treatment room. I was a dimly lit room with a bit machine in it.
The bed is set up for me, so I jumped up on it and pulled my top down. Ive got so used to getting my boobs out now it dosent even phase me!
The radiographer got me into position, using the small tattoo dots as a reference and green lasers that came out of the machine and ceiling. They told me to relax and they would position me where they needed me. Literally, moving me just mm's in certain directions.
I took a few mins to get set up and they explained the machine would go round me and make some beeping noises, they would actually leave the room while its happening and I could wave at them if I needed them.
The set up took longer than the treatment itself. It was about 2-3 mins that they left the room and started the treatment started.
Rather than the rays going straight down into my boob they angle it from the sides, to minimise the risk of any damage to the lung underneath.
Once it was all finished, I went back through the door, got dressed and then left. In all it took about 15 mins!
The side effects of Radiotherapy can differ depending on the area being targeted. The main ones for breast cancer are;
Tiredness and sore skin are the main ones they have highlighted to me. They advised to moisturizer the area being treated twice a day.
I've had 2 session so far and they only side effects i've had is a slight pain in my boob and and achy shoulder. The skin soreness and discoloration might take a while to happen, even after the treatment has finished.
Next week I have an appointment everyday, so I will be staying with my sister as she lives in Taunton and it will save on some of the travelling. It took me an hour to get home after treatment yesterday. I actually started feeling a bit travel sick, even though I was driving.
I was half expecting the side effects would be as bad as chemo, so I was a bit nervous about it all. But after the first 2 treatments im not feeling too bad now. Lets see how next week goes.
Its been 4 months since my surgery and I've healed very well. Below is a picture of my scars. Again I have a flower over my nipple to save some dignity! :)
The scar under my arm is still quite visible, but the one round my nipple is nearly gone!
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