Hi ShellyT and welcome to the forum.

I had a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy just before Christmas last year. I wore trousers and a blouse to make it easy to undress, went into the  changing room, removed my bra and top and put on a gown. From there, I was taken into the treatment room and it was explained to me what would be done. I had to lie down with my arms above my head. and the radiographers moved me into the right position. Once the treatment starts, they leave and you hear them over a speaker telling you to hold your breath.During this time, you should remain still. It really doesn't take very long.

I felt a little sick afterwards, although I wasn't actually sick. I took a small plastic box with a lid with me, just in case I was sick on the drive home, but didn't need it. I was told to moisturise my breast ahead of the treament and that helped with the aftereffects. My breast looked quite red afterwards and I'm very fair-skinned. I had some peeling and soreness. Again, moisturising helped a lot with it. I also used a fragrance free shower gel and hair shampoo so there was no perfume to aggravate my skin. I had a nap when I got home after treatment, because I felt very tired, and that helped. If you can have someone take you for your treatment, that would be a good idea. If you're anxious about anything, speak to someone about it. It's better than worrying and not everyone has the same experience. 

I hope that's helped. Feel free to ask any questions and good luck with your treatment. 

Gill xx

Thank you this is really helpful thank you.i will do as you suggested great advice and has helped regarding my nerves and anxiety about having radiotherapy,yes I think I will do the same regarding what to wear,I will take all helpful tips you have given after aswell,thank you .shelly

Thank you this is really helpful thank you.i will do as you suggested great advice and has helped regarding my nerves and anxiety about having radiotherapy,yes I think I will do the same regarding what to wear,I will take all helpful tips you have given after aswell,thank you .shelly

Hi again Could I ask how was your appetite during and after treatment,and the tiredness after treatment please,I'm hoping to return to work after. And need to have some idea what to expect and if possible to go back to work a few weeks after.thank you shelly

Hi Shelly, I was pretty tired immediately after the treatment but the nap helped and I was able to do things afterwards. I think I slept for about half an hour to an hour  and felt normal after that. My appetite wasn't great but I tried to eat stuff that was good for me. My daughter got in lots of fresh stuff to cook for me and I drank quite a lot of water too.  I am 70 years old and I had a stroke in 2023 that caused some mobility problems so I wasn't in the best of health anyway. 

Gill xx

I forgot to mention in my reply but there was a Maggies at the hospital - you can read about their centres here - https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/ - and, if you alone and feeling nervous, you can talk to people there. Every staff member, from receptionis to those doing the treatment, was kind, calm and very approachable at the hospital I attended. They really are there to help you and make you feel less anxious. 

Gill xx

Thank you very much all very helpful. Wishing you the best xx

Thank you very helpful.xx

You're welcome. Let us know how you get on and if you have any more questions. Take care and good luck. 

Gill xx

Hi I will and thank you for that much needed insight.you to take care and all the best to you too. shelly xx

Hi Gill just to let you know treatment going well,was soo nervous Monday, forgot to breath at the right times when holding breath for 30 sec,but I'm doing it OK  now,meet some lovely people while waiting to have their treatment aswell. Thank you the great advice it really did help.Hope your doing OK best wishes shelly xx

Hi Shelly. It's so new, it's understandable to be nervous, but I'm glad you met some lovely people. It really does help to talk to others, doesn't it? I'm glad to have helped and I hope you're feeling ok. So good to hear it's going well. Take care and best wishes to you too. Gill xx

Hi Gill yes it really does help,you don't feel alone do you,although everyone is going through there personal journey there was chatting,support and even laughter.Tomorrow is my last day of radiotherapy and probably won't see those lovely people again but what a positive impact they had on me,thank you for your support too,hopefully I will be able to do the same for another person fearing the unknown. You to take care shelly