Radiotherapy

I echo the 'don't worry' messages here. I had 6 weeks of daily radiotherapy for colon cancer two years ago. The kindness and efficiency of the staff at the Churchill in Oxford meant that I was (almost!) sorry when it was all over! The worst bits were the waiting around and travelling every day but that was all.

NannaM, I expect you are right about the combined effect of surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and Tamoxifen, but the marginal benefit of radiotherapy itself, if it is given for preventative purposes, is no more than 6%. It is for every patient to decide, based upon the information and evidence she has, to decide whether the adverse effects of the treatment are worthwhile (Lancet 2014; 383: 2127–35
Published Online
March 19, 2014 dx.doi.org/10.1016/ S0140-6736(14)60488-8)

Hi guys! I hope all your treatments go well and I'm praying for everybody's fast recovery.

Hi, I had 15 sessions of Radiotherphy for breast cancer in May 15. It really is ok and nothing to fear, totally painless and over in a few minutes.
It's tiring and you are advised to drink plenty of water but I went every day after work and was completely fine, All the best Xx

I can second everything annsixty says. In 2011 after surgery and chemotherapy for breast cancer I had 20 sessions of radiotherapy 'to sanitise the area'. It was quick and completely painless. Each session lasted around fifteen minutes, most of which was spent being placed in exactly the right position, with the actual radiotherapy being only a very few minutes. I was warned I would feel tired but didn't, just a little jaded by a 45 minute train and underground journey into central London, followed by a 15 minute walk five days a week. After each session I gave myself a treat - coffee or lunch, gallery, retail therapy before returning home. Every evening I used aqueous cream on the area and had no redness or burning. Since then four friends and a relative have had radiotherapy, all with no side effects. Hope all goes well for you.

So many positive and encouraging replies. Thanks to all for responding, it has really helped me.
Feeling much more positive now.
It was fear of the unknown that prompted me to start the thread. Hopefully it will help someone else in the same boat.

You're always welcome mrsmopp. It's really great to be part of this forum coz there are a lot of experienced members here that could give you some ideas as well as comforting messages.

However did we manage before gransnet? You can ask anything on here and get answers, advice and support about anything at all. It's brilliant. Thanks Gransner ?

Yeah it's amazing! Interacting with different kinds of people and having to hear everybody's opinions are great.