Hello Elizabethr and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your situation. It is important that you do feel supported during your treatment. I would get in touch with your team at the hospital and let them know about your concerns.

In some hospitals there maybe the option of a hostel overnight bed attached to the hospital. Your team may also suggest that you have a night in hospital following your treatment to see how you get on. I am not sure whether the hospital would offer respite care on the NHS but of course you could ask.

Some hospitals have Maggie Centres where you can meet up with other patients. They also have clinical psychologists who you may find helpful to talk to. They run different classes such as ideas with diet and exercise or it can simply be a means of meeting up with others. If you have spare time between treatments it can help to have some where to go to. if you don't have a Maggie's at your hospital they also offer on line classes. Other hospitals may offer a walk in Macmillan centre. Hopefully when you start your treatment the nurses will be able to tell you what is available at your hospital.

I am not sure if you have any family members or friend who could stay over night if the above options are not available. It might be helpful to let any neighbours know that you will be having treatment and whether there is any help that they may be able to give such as shopping or generally keeping an eye on you.

It might also be a good idea to speak to your GP to see whether it would be possible for a district nurse to pop in and see you after you have had the treatment.

I am not sure where you are living in the UK but you may find it helpful to look at the Cancer Care Map where you can see the support in your area.

Whilst you are waiting to start your treatment it is a good idea to get ahead with any cooking or shopping.

Preparing yourself by drinking fluids (at least 2-3 litres of water or flavoured water) and eating regularly can all help in the initial few days after treatment.

The radiotherapy staff I am sure are aware that the mask can be alarming for some people and it is also important to let them know that it is something that is causing you some concern.

It is difficult to know what to expect after treatment as everyone reacts in different ways. It is a good idea to try and see what support you can get and to make your team aware of any concerns that you have.

You may find it more helpful to ring and chat to one of the nurses on the helpline. The helpline number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine