Radiotherapy coming soon

While the Churchill may be different, in my hospital the plan was evidently that the planning scan should be done at high resolution in the absolute optimal state of both bladder and rectum. That isn't easy to achieve, in my case they decided there was still too much in my rectum, I needed another mini-enema which inevitably was accompanied by urination and therefore another hour or two to get the badder back to their target level of content. It was a long and stressful day.

But as I understand it, the aim is to get a high resolution scan that allows them during treatment to adjust the dosing according to how the actual situation that day (determined each time by an initial low resolution scan) varies from that "optimum". The point being to target the cancer as best possible regardless of minor variations in location due to bladder or rectum fullness. (In practice, because bladder fullness was the biggest concern they did an ultrasound scan before I went on the machine, so I could readjust if necessary).

Good luck. The folk who operated the radiotherapy machine were amazing, dealing with people dealing with scary and embarrassing issues in a very empathic and supportive way.

South Tees has 6 units, each with its own phone number and team. I was on the same one for almost all of my fractions so you got to know the people who are very helpful. The first session was quite long as you're taken through the whole process and given a timetable for you visits then so that's a good time to ask the question about phone calls. It took me 23 visits to get my 20 fractions due to machine maintenance and me not getting bowels/bladder in the right places.

In passing, S Tees didn't use mini enemas.

Good Luck.

Hi,

I completed 20 fractions 3 weeks ago.

My bladder plays up at night still, but onco said completely normal at this point and should resolve on it's own accord in due course.

The planning scan will determine optimum bladder volume for the treatment, so everyones water intake and bladder volume will be different. I didn't take any of the tablets you mentioned.

In my case 300ml was the target volume, so after about 3-4 sessions in I found 2.5 cups of water was right for me, anymore and I was too full. This also depends on how well hydrated  you are beforehand. 

I did not change diet at all,  bran flakes every morning with the addition of fibrogel drink. This and keeping well hydrated kept me regular, so apart from the planning scan I did not need to use the mini enemas which made the prep easier for me, and my bottom!

There can be times when you will be delayed so just ask how long so you can time when you need to start taking water, 20 mins before the treatment worked for me. I took a book so the delays didn't stress me out too much, and if I needed a pee I went and just topped up again. I think the trick is to not overthink it, and it is better to be too full than not full enough.

Bear in mind the actual treatment is only 270 seconds, the rest of the time is the scan before treatment starts to make sure your organs at risk (bladder and bowel) are in the exact position and condition before the treatment starts. 

What really helped for me was counting to 270 as soon as the radiation started so you knew roughly when it would end so I could hold on for a pee.

Sorry for long post but hope it helps.

All the best.

Edited by member 22 Jun 2026 at 09:10  | Reason: Update post.