Chapter 10
Radiotherapy - The Last Stretch
Radiotherapy Planning Appointment Day
On Tuesday, we went to The Christie Hospital at Oldham.
After checking in, I had my photo taken so they could easily identify me at each appointment. Then, we headed to the waiting area before being called into a room to go through the next steps.
Next, I was taken into a room with a strange-looking bed and a CT scanner. I changed into the navy velcro tabard they’d given me, lay on the bed, and my arms were placed in stirrups above my head. A wedge supported my lower back, and a footplate was adjusted to keep me steady - this would be my treatment position going forward.
They exposed one side of my chest and drew lines on me, placing stickers. Then they repeated it on the other side. I practiced breathing in and holding it - 5 seconds, then 20 - while watching a small screen showing two lines: one was my breath, the other the target.
After a few more practice breaths, the bed moved in and out of the scanner. I stayed still, eyes closed.
Once done, a staff member gently removed the stickers and gave me three tiny tattoos - one under each armpit and one in the middle of my chest - to ensure the same alignment each session.
I kept the tabard to bring back each day. Radiotherapy would begin three weeks after chemo - on 13th September.
Starting Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy Numbers 3-5
Number 3
Smooth and quick. Nothing major.
Number 4
Tough. I felt sick even going to the hospital. Still aching from chemo. Holding still hurt. Holding my breath was hard. I “failed” both tasks - but the staff reassured me: “Some days are harder.”
Number 5
I forgot my fidget toy and the session was delayed by an hour. Anxiety spiked. I focused on the waiting room music - even caught myself singing out loud!
The medication I was on for pain made my breathing shallow, but the staff helped. One even said I “dooshed it” - it made me smile.
Treatment 6:
Meeting The Physiotherapist
Number 6 came with a physio session.
I learned radiotherapy can lead to frozen shoulder, so I had exercises to do twice a day - for 10 weeks. She also taught me how to care for my left arm post-lymph node removal:
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No injections or blood pressure checks on that side
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Watch out for cuts and grazes
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Risk of infection = higher
I asked, "Forever?" She said yes.
It hit me - I’ll never fully put cancer in the rear-view mirror.
Radiotherapy 7:
A Tough Solo Visit
I went alone for number 7.
They re-adjusted me seven times. I couldn’t relax - not when I needed to most.
When it was over, I just needed a hug. I called my husband and walked out… and there he was, having rushed from the other side of Manchester.
26 years together, and he still gives me butterflies.
Radiotherapy 8 & 9
Rough Days, Kind People
Number 8
The pain I was in had left me stiff. The staff were amazing - gently adjusting me into a better position.
Number 9
This one broke me. I was in there for 40 minutes, struggling with alignment.
A radiographer wiped away my tears and cleaned my glasses so I wouldn’t move. Then over the microphone:
"Don’t panic. Don’t stress. You've got this."
She stayed with me until it was done. I felt so looked after.
Double Digits & Counting Down
Treatment 10
Record time! Maybe the waiting room or Room 1 helped… who knows, but I’ll take the win!
Treatment 11
Smashed it.
Still confused why some days were easier than others.
Got my flu and Covid jabs after. First time I had to explain why I needed them in my right arm only - but I didn’t forget.
Treatment 12
Emotionally drained. Being in my head isn’t always a safe place.
The actual treatment was easy. It’s the side effects after that knock me down.
As my Nana would’ve said:
“You need a good night’s sleep and a shake-up in a black bin bag!”
Treatment 13 - Uplifted By Love
A better day.
I came home, curled on the sofa.
The mind is powerful - rest, hugs, and human connection make a huge difference.
Social media support lifted me. I didn’t expect replies - but knowing people were cheering me on meant everything.
Radiotherapy 14 - Nearly There
Just one to go!
But even this one wasn’t straightforward.
Lots of repositioning. Every mm mattered. The machine works within a 0.3cm range - that’s how precise it needs to be.
October 5th, 2023 - Survivor!
Treatment 15: Done and dusted!
The final session marked the end of daily hospital visits.
I don’t often look back, but when I did - wow.
So much conquered. So much still ahead.
But for this moment… I could finally say:
I am no longer a Breast Cancer Patient. I am a Breast Cancer Survivor.
“Cancer doesn’t end when treatment stops…
but for now, I’m celebrating the right here and now.”
Returning My Tabard At The End Of Treatment