Hi Irene

i had no problems holding my breath for 20s and I had three radiologists beside me at the table for instruction and support, it made no difference to me being able to intake the same amount of air each time. They measured the 1st breath, then after I did the second I was asked if I thought that breath was the same,less,more than the first, they did the same with the 3rd breath. I got it wrong every time. I thought the second was less than the first = wrong  and I thought the 3rd was more = wrong.  I didn’t have a clue. One would think in this day and age there would be radiology technology to handle left side BC so that we didn’t have to expose or heart to radiation, 

Yes I agree Maggie but I was never put through that. They just asked me to take the breath from outside the room. If it wasn't  quite right they would ask me to start again and breath a bit deeper if I could. They also told me I could do it in less than the count of 20 if it was easier.

They must all work a bit differently but yours seems quite stressful at a time when we just don't need it.

I hope you get it sorted soon xx

Thanks Irene

did you not have to do a ct scan simulation? 

Yes Maggie I did but didn't go through all that. The radiographer just asked me to practise holding until I started the treatment.

I think that day was one of my worst wobbles. Those machines are huge and I was totally not prepared. I think it hit home more that day.

Once my treatment started one of the radiographers showed me the 'engine' room of the machines and I was totally in awe when I saw it. It was HUGE. 

I am still in awe of all the teams involved in my treatment. They were all wonderful x

glad you had such great care :)

i have no idea why mine was so technical. I start mine next week so will be interesting to see what they do.

Good luck Maggie. It's amazingly quick and the routine is exactly the same every day.

Will be thinking about you. Let us know how it goes x

Thanks Irene, I’ll post next week - have a great Christmas x

Update, radiothapy went well. All I had to do was lie down - can’t get easier than that :) 

I ways expecting a huge beast of a machine but instead found it no bigger than a CT scanner and a lot less noisy.

Staff were lovely - couldn’t ask for more

Oh Maggie I'm so pleased it went well for you. First is the worst I found and now it's exactly the same procedure every day.

Great news and it's funny how we all see things differently. I thought it WAS a huge machine. 

Good luck with the rest of your treatment. Will that be it for you when the radiotherapy is finished?