I did the breath hold radiation for the right breast. During the actual radiation session they had a little lighted graphic that showed me where the target intake of breath was. I needed to get a little mark within a rectangular target (See attached). It actually helped me push toward the deeper breath. They did not have this set up during the simulation and I was really concerned I was going to be able to do what they asked.
Every time I was able to lift my chest with a deep breath the radiation started and stopped when I breathed out. You know, the actual length of the radiation sessions is really short but it still took me probably 8-15 breathes to complete it. No one complained, I don’t know if that is typical or not. By day three I was feeling more comfortable with the system, and by day five I really felt more in control of it.
I was also surprised at the skinny little plastic thing I was laying on. But once situated on it, it didn’t hurt. Medical procedures don’t usually scare me, but I have to admit feeling unsettled and unsure of the radiation until the daily repetition made it seem like just another task to do.