Radiotherapy and what to wear

[Guest user]

Hello Magical Moon my treatment was at Clatterbridge and the care etc was second to none. They are lovely nurses and out you at ease. Had my 6 weeks check up today and all settled well

Hope all goes well off on holiday on Sat after having to cancel 2 because of treatment x x

Susan

[claireglen]

I went braless for 2 days but felt really sore uncomfortable (I'm not that big) especially, I think, after wearing really supportive bras for 3 months post op. So I bought from M&S 2 smoothing crop tops which have served me well, 1 white, 1 black. Wished I'd got 2 black as the pen came off onto the white one & I've just washed it & it hasn't come out. Must be more than biro.

[Magical_Moon]

I think I will go bra less to the hospital for my first treatment and see how much graffiti they put on me.

[kit20]

Dont wear a good bra. The felt tip gets all over it and doesn't wash out.

[4littlecherubs]

I was also wondering about the tiny dots.....I have 4 😕 my first session is in the morning so im sure ill find out soon enough.....day 1 of 15!xx

[Magical_Moon]

Hello Freda,

Thanks for letting me know they write on you again. I was wondering whether they did because the tattoo dots are so tiny. I had two dots.

My radiotherapy treatments will be at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. It is a huge complex of buildings. My first impressions on my set up appointment were that the Radiotherapy Planning Clinic is extremely well organised and the staff are very professional and friendly.

[Freda61]

The gown undid down the side too, so they folded it back to expose a strip down the side.  I thought the dots were a bit small but it didn't occur to me that they would write on me again.  I haven't managed to wash off all the ink from Tuesday as I can't reach across and apply sufficient pressure.  I won't be wearing white bras for a while then.

[claireglen]

How do they line up with the dots if they're covered? They write on me everyday with pen over the dots.

[Guest user]

I was the same as the girls at Clatterbridge Wirral they gave me the zip and Velcro top which I gave back when finished very dignified. I also had the tattoos like everyone so these were lined up lay down and then undo the Velcro

Was glad to hand it back though !!!! X good luck to everyone

[claireglen]

Wow what luxury! The thing is, one good side wouldn't be kept covered, as at my hospital they give you three tattoo dots & one is on the good side & they use it to line you up everyday.

[Magical_Moon]

My set up appointment was yesterday and, like 4LittleCherubs, I was given a tunic top to wear which had a zip up the front and Velcro fastenings across the shoulders.

Once I was correctly positioned on the machine, one of the radiologists undid the appropriate shoulder fastenings. The three radiologists were very attentive in making sure you were covered up discreetly.

I was told the tunic top was mine to take home and bring back for each session until I had finished my treatment plan.

It is surprising how different the practices vary between hospitals. Guess it is comes down to individual hospital budgets and how the Chief Exec's want to spend the money.

[4littlecherubs]

I start my radiotherapy on saturday and went last week fr my set up appointment, while I was there they gave me a tunic type top that I bring home and takecwith me for each session....I have a little room to change in and leave my belongings that leads straight into the rads room. I lay down on the machine and when comfortable the nurse undoes the tunic and brings it down just on the side needed. So glad I dont have to just strip off in the room....ive had enough of getting my boobs out lately 😕 or should I say 'boob' 😉 xx

[claireglen]

Gosh, we aren't given anything at our hospital. Today I had my 8th of 15. We strip off in the room where we have treatment. There is usually 2 or 3 radiologists. Last week I had to strip off in front of 2 lads - wasn't happy about that. I've been using a crop top & roll it down just before getting on it.

[Freda61]

I am pleased to report that today at my first visit to RT dept I was given a short gown that opened with poppers across the shoulders.  Radiotherapist said velcro fastening ones were less fiddly to do up, but the velcro doesn't do well in the laundry.

[Rollercoaster]

Hi leonora, just popped in from the maisies group and saw your post re your difficult situation with your husband. My dad needed carers but wasn't happy with the idea of a trail of different people turning up when it suited them so we found a company called "home instead". They supply a carer whatever days and times you require who will do whatever you need them to do and he gets the Sam person every time, if its every day you might get 2 different people but you could talk to them if they work in your area, wherever you are. They are lovely and it woks really well and with dad they were willing to start the next day after I called them. Such a relief knowing he was being cared for when I couldn't be there. I think it costs £17 per hour here but its worth its weight in gold. Let us know you get on, will be thinking of you, love and hugs x

[Penny47]

Hi Leonora - I was sorry to read about the problems you are having as a patient who is also a carer.  Have you had a carers' assessment from your local social services and do they know what your treatment plan is currently?  If you were living in my area (I'm a social worker) you might be offered a home carer to come and sit with your husband when he can't get to day centre to free you up for your RT.  Home carers vary but in my experience care at home by an experienced carer can be reassuring for  people with dementia. 

Your chance for RT is one that's too good not to miss, whatever the hassles (and there are many, I can see that; I'm preparing for mine in a few weeks!)

[Jo_BCC]

Hi again Leonora

I'm sorry to hear that you're still having problems trying to make arrangements to attend your radiotherapy appointments.  I think I suggested previously for you to give our helpline a call?   I don't know if you have, but they will be able to point you in the direction of some support.  Calls to the helpline are free, 0808 800 6000 lines open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-2..  Also have you spoken to your GP about this, they may be able to arrange with the local authority for someone to sit with your husband while you have your treatments.

I hope you get things sorted pretty soon.  Take care.

Jo, Moderator

[mossfarm]

Had my last one this morning, onwards and upwards now!  Not much longer for you now either, hope all goes ok for you xx (Only thing bothering me now is Letrozole and my hair shredding, hope that improves!)

[Guest user]

Hi mosssfarm

Glad the scarf worked for you!
I am on my last week of rads, tiredness is hitting me hard in the afternoon's now, but not much longer to go 🙂

x

[Leonora47800]

Hello again Jo, and thank you for your reply to my crie de coeur .

I have read several of the BCC's booklets, and found them really helpful - but I am still chasing my tail,

trying to fix up suitable care for my elderly, sick husband; care that will allow me to be away from home for the four/five hours the treatments will take.

  I have been presented with a list of twenty-five appointments for rads - but several of them are impossible for me to attend.  As I explained in my first letter, I have a two hour bus journey each way, and my husband is collected by the day centre bus at 9.30, and is sent home at 2.30. 

It would therefore be impossible for me to be at the hospital by, for example 9.30.  I did explain my problem when I went for my, 'setting up' session, but they told me there was no alternative.  I am sorely tempted to forget about radiotherapy, and take my chances.

How important is it that one should attend every single session on a daily basis?

  I understand that, from the point of view of the hospital, daily attendance is a good thing ; but my husband is old, has dementia, and, (something  I did not mention)  sometimes has epileptic seizures.

Should he have an attack in the night, I could not send him to the day care centre - he would be far too zonked out to cope, I normally let him stay in bed after a seizure..  There is no one but me to look after him, so I would have to miss a treatment.

There must be someone  out-there who found a way around a similar dilemma - all tips welcome...

[Mac123]

Hi ladies.

I started rads last week and have had 4 out of 15 so far. I'm wearing a vest top which I pull down. This seems to be working well and I feel at least I have a bit more dignity than wearing a gown. The scarf sounds an excellent idea. Good luck to all of you

[mossfarm]

Scarf worked fine, much better than the paper towel.  They were much admired by the radiographers too, certainly 'broke the ice'! Last one tomorrow for me,  hope all goes well for you x

[Guest user]

Hi Moss farm and Leonora,
How is your treatment going and how did you both get on with the scarf, did it work for you?

X

[Leonora47800]

Thanks Jo - I'll get in touch with the team.

Leo.

[Jo_BCC]

Hi Leonora

Welcome to the BCC discussion forums where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site.  As you talk about starting radiotherapy soon I have put for you below the link to BCC's publication on this subject.  With regard to coping with this whilst also being a carer for your husband, could I suggest you give our helpline team here a ring and have a chat, they may have information available that will help.  Calls to the helpline are free, 0808 800 6000 lines open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 10-2.

http://www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/treatment-side-effects/radiotherapy-primary-early-b...

Take care,

Jo, Moderator

[Leonora47800]

Hello there, what a brilliant idea!  I, too, was just offered a , 'modesty tissue' at my first session last week;( you know, the session where they set your treatment position, and do the mini tatto.)  I shall certainly take a long scarf when I head off for my first real treatment.   Thanks for forwarning me!

[Guest user]

Hi ladies

I can't believe only a pillowcase or paper towel was provided for you, hopefully the scarf will work as well for you mossfarm. I think it's a well worthy excuse for going out to treat ourselves to a new one!

I'm one week down, with two more to go. It was lovely not having to worry about it at the weekend.

Good luck with the rest of your treatment.

x

[mossfarm]

Brilliant idea, will try it this afternoon.  must be an improvement on the sheet of paper towel.  I have been wearing the top you can roll down too but I like the idea of a bit more coverage with a scarf. (Off to choose which one!) x

[catseye]

That it a very good tip. At my hospital you were not provided with a gown.

You took your top off in the radiotherapy room, and if they remembered, there would be a pillow case left on the chair where you left your clothes. This was supposed to cover your modesty fom the chair to the table. Pretty useless really. Wish I'd thought of the scarf thing.

Best of luck with the rest of your treatment.

[Guest user]

Hi ladies, I have just had my third rads session, (only 12 more to go) and thought I would pass on a little tip.
I was reading a thread before this site was updated and read some tips from ladies who were going through treatment. I have been using some of these tips myself so know how valuable they are.
There was a conversation about what members found comfortable wearing during the session if they weren't provided with a gown from the hospital. A few ladies said a string top with support and just roll it down when they are ready. I did this but also took a large fashion scarf with me to hook over my shoulder and tuck into my trousers (so if I were standing it would drape from my shoulder to belt) and cover my good breast. No one seems to have a problem with this, it doesn't get in the way at all.
It may perhaps be a little trivial but I have flashed off my boobs so many times, I don't want to do it anymore than I really have to (my good one anyway).

Hope someone thinks its a good idea, lol

xx