Radiation side effects

Hi, I'm just about to start 25 days of radio therapy. I'm ok with that and the side effects I've been told about except the one that fills me with dread, lymphodeama (?) I know I'm not bound to get it but it worries me. What's people's thoughts on radio therapy side effects.

  • Hi Justso, 

    I just wanted to pop by to wish you good luck with your radiotherapy treatment as I noticed you said you're going to be starting it soon. I have found some general information about lymphoedema here that will hopefully help put your mind at ease but if you do have any further questions you can always give our cancer nurses a call. They are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m-5p.m on 0808 800 4040, which you can call for free from a UK landline.

    I know many members on the forum have had experience with radiotherapy and now that I've replied I'm sure they will post soon to share their thoughts and experiences with you. There is a bit more about information about the side effects from radiotherapy here as well if you want to have a read.

    Do let us know how you get on.

    All the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi I had 15 days of radiotherapy for breast cancer.

    i found this to be the easiest part of all my treatment, just make sure to do everything they advise like using moisturiser twice a day to stop your skin drying out.

    As far as lymphodemia goes I don't worry about it if it happens I will deal with it the same way I dealt with the Chemo and everything else. You carnt live your life worrying about what might happen just do what you can to prevent it.

    Good luck and take care x

  • Hi, I also had radio therapy... You will get a little sore towards the end, just use the mosturiser. As to lymphodeama..I was told to just keep on exercising my arm up and down stretching above my head..I found doing the ironing great for this lol.... Good luck

  • hi, thank you for your replies. Well I've finished my 25 radio therapies and 3 brachytherapys also. Apart from feeling a little sore, very tired and and the dreaded 'trots' I think I've not fared too badly. Onwards and upwards :-)
  • Justso

    hi there I had 30 sessions of Tomotherapy a more targeted high intensity radon therapy for a head a neck cancer.

    first and foremost I am now just over two years post treatment and I am alive and enjoying life.

    i was say it was easy not being able to eat drink or swallow but you get through it ... you have to.

    one of the best side effects for me was that it just made me tired and I slept. I still do sleep well better now then I did before

    everyone goes through their treatment differently though

    so where abouts are you have you radio therapy targeted on your body

    shout if you want to know anything

    vatch

  • Hi there. Hope you are well.  Im new to this chat and came across your post.  I am just about to start on my 25 radiotherapy and 3 brachytherapy sessions and am anxious about side effects.  Just wonder if you would mind sharing your experiences and if you had/have any side effects.  Thank you so much. 

  • hi there cats

     

    I hope all is going ok with you 

    Its difficult to term these as side effects, but you will get very tired, not at the start, usually it will quick in at about week 3.

    you will get through treatment, it just takes a bit of time to find your new normal post treatment.

    My advice is listen to your medical team and talk to them if meds are not going well and do not try to rush back, you body will not allow you to.

    Ive enclosed my blog, which is nealry 6 years old now, but it might help you

    All the best and kepp us updated

    Vatch

    gammaraygary.wordpress.com/.../