Radiation- the process

So the first thing you do and radiation is you get a CT scan. During this procedure, they are mapping you out for the locations that you will receive radiation for. You will get at least three markings so they can line you up in the machine where you will have your radiation done.. you will also be put in a pillow that mold to you to help align you into the table for radiation.

Because my breast cancer was on the left side during radiation, you have to fill your lungs with air so that your chest cavity is away from your heart so that the radiation does not hit your heart. So you are holding your breath for 15 to 25 seconds. So if you had breast cancer on your left side, you were more active in your radiation treatment procedure,

If you are all claustrophobic or have any anxiety, talk to your doctor about something that might help you relax during your procedure. Advocate for yourself.

The first treatment that you have after your CT scan is them putting you on the table and then doing a trial run of what is going to happen at your first treatment. Those 3 markings you got during the ct scan help align your body to the machine…. Youre mapped.out. Your first true treatment, you will lay in the bed with your head and arms in the position that you were in the CT scan and the pillow will cradle them - it has been molded when you did the ct scan. You will be positioned into the exact manner- legs, torso, arms and head as you were in the first ct scan.

The bed has been lifted and placed underneath the machine. The machine will rotate to each location or pinpoint for the nodes. If you had cancer on your left side - you will be asked to take a breath and hold. They will tell you when you can breath. If you let it out before- it is ok - the machine will cut off and you will continue the process until the radiation st that location is complete. This will happen until all the locations have been radiated.

The first couple of treatments are probably the hardest but they do get better as the days progress. The nurses and the staff are amazing.. they will talk you through everything. Some of the hardest parts are not moving at all. If you have any anxiety or are claustrophobic talk to them beforehand - let me know your fears and questions and concerns - they are there to help make this the easiest experience for you. Also advocate for yourself with th doctor if you need anything or have questions

The side effects - I have th rash. It itches sometimes so bad I want to claw my skin off. I use a combination of things emu oil, cortisone, aloe vera gel and prescription medicine. I use it all together sometimes and just mimic it together. It does get better. I am tired a lot. Some of that is because I do take the anti anxiety meds before because I needed them. I have some gi issues whether that is leftover from chemo or it’s from radiation or from the anti anxiety meds - probably all 3. Also when I stretch the left side hurts sometimes.