Hi there, just a quick question. I would just like to ask if it’s possible to take a diazepam half an hour before my radiotherapy treatment on my breast as I am very anxious about the whole thing. Thank you
Hi 2209
Thanks for posting.
It’s understandable you’re feeling anxious about your radiotherapy and wondering if you can take a diazepam before your treatment.
Radiotherapy uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. It’s given to destroy any cancer cells that may have been left in the breast and surrounding area after surgery. It might help to know that each treatment only takes a few minutes, the machine doesn’t touch you and you don’t feel anything while you are having the treatment.
You don’t mention if you have spoken to your breast care nurse or treatment team about your concerns. But if you haven’t, we would encourage you to do so. As well as asking the about the diazepam, they can answer any questions you may have and explore other possible ways of managing your anxiety. Along with the therapeutic radiographers they can support you while you are having treatment.
We offer a range of free supportive services which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
In particular, talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support, or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
You may also be interested on our video where we talk to Rad Chat about radiotherapy treatment.
You are also welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Val
Breast Care Nurse
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