Planning Assessment

Hi

 

I have got my planning meeting on Wednesday before I start my radiotherapy. Can anyone tell me what to expect and how long it al takes.

 

Many Thanks

Angie.X

Hello Angie,
Please don’t be anxious about your radiotherapy simulation planning appointment on Wednesday. It is very straight forward and does not take long. About 20 mins.
The radiologists ask you to lie on the platform and raise the arm on your affected side to be treated.
When the radiologist is positioning your arm above your head make sure you tell her if it feels uncomfortable because she will manoeuvre the arm rests in order to find a position most comfortable for you.
It is important to get the position comfortable in the simulation planning because every day you go for your rads treatment they use the scan taken at the set up to replicate the exact position again and again.
You cannot change your position during treatment because the radiation physicist and dosimetrist have designed your treatment based on your set up scan plus other key things.
Also, your arm on the affected BC side does become stiff during treatment due to having to hold a position while being zapped and the effects of rads. The stiffness is a normal reaction and it is best to do the arm exercises you are advised to do by the Physio.
Good luck with your appointment. I am sure you will breeze through it.
Peace and Positivity,
M x

 

 

Thanks for the reply. I just wanted some idea of what was going to happen. You have explained it very well. I hope I will get a date for starting my radiotherapy tomorrow.

 

Angie. X