I have my CT planning scan on Thursday and would appreciate any tips to make the process easier. I’ve got a painful shoulder after surgery and have been told that this is very common after treatment. I’m concerned as to whether I’ll manage to maintain the position required for up to an hour.
Also, as the cancer was in my left breast, I’ve been given breathing exercises to move the breast and heart away from each other. I’m finding holding my breath for the required 30 seconds tricky, I’m like a burst balloon afterwards lol.
Apart from that I’m just peachy! Looking forward to hearing from you and wishing you all the very best in your cancer journey.
Well done - it’s a huge relief to get surgery over with isn’t it. I hope all has healed well.
I had 5 fraction whole breast irradiation in Feb after a therapeutic mammoplasty and SLNB (thankfully 0/4 nodes) last Nov. I was fortunate to have full range of motion post op and have retained this (I’ve had calcific tendonitis and a frozen shoulder in the past which wasn’t fun.)
I can’t recall exactly but I think I was in the scanner for only around 20 minutes, there was an initial chat beforehand, so hopefully it won’t be too long in there for you.
I’m sure you’ve been doing your post op exercises, keep them up during and after RT. The breast board arm rests are at an adjustable angle (so you won’t have to completely extend your shoulder/arms) and a little more comfortable than you might imagine. Your therapeutic radiographer will ensure you’re comfortable and give you breaks if needed.
For any anticipatory pain, it might help to take some prophylactic paracetamol or ibuprofen in advance (or maybe ibuprofen gel so long as it is nowhere near the planned radiation field - do check with the team first). I was a little bit stiff/sore afterwards but this resolved quickly. When I had my other shoulder problems doing my exercises under a nice warm shower (obviously avoiding the affected breast) for 15 mins really helped.
The other things that helped through treatment were prepping the skin in advance as well as during and after (I used Aveeno 2-3x daily which worked well, make sure you cover any underarm scar too) and keeping well hydrated (2-3L water). As RT damages any tissue in its path this will help flush out any toxic metabolites. I was quite headachy (perfect storm of RT and adjusting to anastrazole) and fatigued for few days after treatment finished. 6 weeks on I’m pleased to report energy levels are much better.
All the very best with your RT - it will soon be over and you can look forward to focusing on recovery.
Hi @Hammy69@my radiotherapy was on the right side but 2 weeks before my initial scan I fell and sustained a rotator cuff injury to my left shoulder which also aggravated an old neck injury . I had 2 Osteopathy treatments which helped a lot - the range of motion was much better by the date of the scan . I found that if I tried to extend my arm out and then upwards the movement was easier than just trying to get it straight up .
It did make me extra nervous - I informed the Radiology staff at the appointment who were lovely and they were able to adjust the position of the neck and arm supports for me. They also noted the position of the supports so that they could set up the table in the correct position for me in advance every time ( I had 5 treatments).
I can’t remember how much time the scan took but I’m sure it wasn’t as long as an hour and the radiotherapy treatments themselves were pretty quick though I didn’t have the added complication of the breath hold technique . I was sent a video by my treatment Hospital which demonstrated this but said that if you can’t do it there may be other ways to manage it though it sounds as if you’re doing well with your practice . It was no nowhere near as traumatic as I had feared though I did have a few weeks of fatigue which started about 3 days after the end of treatment .
As JS64 says keep on with the post - operative exercises , these did hurt with my bad shoulder and some were easier than others but did help to keep it moving when I couldn’t do anything else and you will need to do them to prevent tightness/ contraction after your rads.
I don’t know if you’re taking anything but I found that Diclofenac gel helped with the mobility . I know that Diclofenac and ibuprofen aren’t suitable for everyone and you will know whether or not you can take that type of drug but I’ve been told that a lot of people who can’t take the tablets can have the gel.
My friend used Aveeno as well and recommended it . I used jojoba oil as I had bought it for something else then not used it but knew that it’s very pure and although I still had some redness and dry skin afterwards around my nipple I had no rashes or breakdowns . You also need to be careful with what you use in the bath or shower .
Hi @Hammy69 just thinking about what I said about the Diclofenac gel - I made a mistake here . I don’t know if they would be happy you having something on your skin during treatment so close to the affected area . I used it mainly at night then washed it off before treatment but the team could guide you with that .