RADIOTHERAPY: THEY ALL SAY THE SAME THING

Summary

The speaker shares their experience after completing 12 of 30 radiotherapy sessions. They mention how the treatment starts off relatively painless but becomes more challenging due to its cumulative effects. They have begun feeling dizzy and concerned about a potential physical decline, particularly after standing up and feeling faint. Despite these challenges, the speaker remains determined to complete the treatment. They also describe the unsettling smell of the radiotherapy machine and express anxiety about the remaining sessions. The update is meant to inform others who may be going through or preparing for radiotherapy.

Takeaways

• 🔴 The individual has completed 12 out of a total of 30 radiotherapy sessions.
• 📉 They are noticing a cumulative negative effect as the sessions progress, with the later sessions being more challenging.
• 🚶‍♂️ There has been a recent decline in physical improvement, with dizziness experienced after standing up from a chair.
• ⏳ It has been 9 weeks, or 63 days, since the brain operation, and the person had been gradually improving until radiotherapy began.
• 🤔 They had expected some physical decline with the start of radiotherapy, but the effects are now becoming more noticeable.
• 😟 The person feels 'terrible' after the 12th session, indicating a significant change from the initial sessions.
• 💊 There is an expectation that the last week of radiotherapy will be particularly tough, described as 'fairly ruthless'.
• 🏥 The individual is committed to completing the radiotherapy, despite the increasing side effects.
• 🏠 Hospital transport is mentioned as a helpful service provided during the treatment process.
• 📹 This script is part of a series of updates to inform others about the radiotherapy experience, particularly for those who might undergo it.

Q & A

How many radiotherapy sessions has the speaker completed?

The speaker has completed 12 radiotherapy sessions.

How many radiotherapy sessions does the speaker have left?

The speaker has 18 radiotherapy sessions left.

What cumulative effect is the speaker referring to regarding radiotherapy?

The speaker refers to the cumulative effect of radiotherapy, where side effects and discomfort build up and worsen over time.

What symptoms has the speaker started experiencing recently?

The speaker has started feeling dizzy and experienced a sensation of possibly collapsing after standing up, which they didn't feel during the initial sessions.

How long has it been since the speaker had brain surgery?

It has been nine weeks, or 63 days, since the speaker had brain surgery.

What kind of improvement did the speaker expect before starting radiotherapy?

The speaker expected continuous physical improvement, particularly in the recovery of their right leg and arm, which were initially non-functional.

What unexpected side effect has the speaker experienced with radiotherapy?

The speaker expected nausea but has instead experienced dizziness, especially when standing up.

What bothers the speaker about the radiotherapy machine?

The speaker is disturbed by the burning smell emitted from the radiotherapy machine, which they find unsettling.

How does the speaker feel about continuing with the radiotherapy sessions?

The speaker is determined to continue with the radiotherapy sessions despite the increasing side effects and discomfort.

What kind of support does the speaker mention receiving during their treatment?

The speaker mentions that hospital transport has been helpful in getting to and from the radiotherapy sessions.