Big machines

If you are going to have radiotherapy, you might be interested in what happens during treatment. Even if you aren't, you may be curious.

I have to lie on the flat bed in the required position (for me, it is legs in a slightly raised position on a rest, feet in a rest, and then head in a rest so my body is flat on the bed). Different treatments need different positions - Sheena had to have her arms over her head so they could access the right area for her cancer, for me they need to access my abdomen.

Side view - the bed is the other side of this 'arm'

I have to drop my undies and trousers and roll up my shirt so from 'hairline' to belly button I am exposed (but there is a paper modesty cover). I bring my hands up on to my chest, elbows tucked in (a bit like Rameses) and then they get my pelvis into position. This involves the lining up of my three tattoos (one on each hip, one on my belly) with the lights on the machine.  Then I am pushed and shoved a little (gently) to get me into the exact position whilst the radiologists check with eachother the position, numbers on the machine (set up when my original scan was done). The radiologists (or radiographers, I am really not sure!) then retire and the two large robot arms come out, doing the initial scan.

End on view

The staff are always helpful, check how I am, and are very concerned that I am comfortable and are friendly. Considering they are all in PPE with face mostly covered, I am learning to recognise them by their eyes (and the names written in felt tip across the top of their shields).

The first scan is just that - no radiation, just a quick look to make sure that the insides are lined up too. Half an hour before treatment I have to have an empty bladder and then drink 250ml of water. This ensures that my bladder is the same size as last treatment, and also helps it 'flop' to one side, out the way of the radiation.

Then it goes quiet as they check the scans to make sure everything is fine. The bed gives a little judder (I assume to move into treatment position) and the big round radiation emittimg blob on the machine circles one way, then the other. The set up takes longer than the treatment, which is only about 20 seconds each way I think. I don't know, time is a different concept when you are on the bed, thinking, waiting, not moving (but breathing), and trying to stay relaxed in the position you have been put in.

For me, so far, it is OK. I am not getting any skin sensitivity yet, and only mild tireness as a side effect. The oral chemotherapy makes me feel a bit sick, but I have sickness tablets too. I am sure things will change as treatment progresses, I have only had 8 out of 25 treatments so far.


Useful links

Radiation Therapy from the National Cancer Institute
How do I check for cancer? From CRUK