@marshgirl24,

It is ashame that they did not explain exactly what would happen during the simulation appointment. When I had right breast radiation, I had to hold breath. The medical term is Deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH). . They have you do it to help prevent radiation from affecting other organs. Some sessions, I had no problem other times I got nervous and more thought about harder it was. I think key is to relax, as hard as that sounds.

Glad you found video to practice with. I practiced breathing technique at home. And during technique I slowly counted to myself. Radiation websites recommend that you work up to 20 seconds. Not very long, but seems long when in procedure room. After few sessions I knew actually how long I had hold breath each time. Try deep breaths through nose vs mouth an see if that helps.

Funny story, they played music during radiation. Once a song called "Breath" was playing, there I was trying to hold my breath and listening to song telling me to breath. It was all I could do not to laugh.

Let us know how next session goes.