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what to expect with radiation

teachinart
Posts: 7
Joined: Nov 2010
Jan 27, 2011 - 8:35 pm

Anyone have radiation for two different sites at the same time? My mom has two grade IV GBM's not resected. the have shrunk considerably from their orgional size. she is finishing up her 4th cycle of chemo ( avastin, temador, and cpt-11) and will begin 42 treatments in about 5 weeks. We are visiting her radiation oncologist tomorrow here in DE. The recomendation from Duke ( where she participated in a clinical trial) was external beem.

What can we expect?

Rory1987's picture
Rory1987
Posts: 122
 Joined: Nov 2009
Jan 28, 2011 - 1:34 am
what to expect

Expect some fatigue while undergoing radiotherapy to the brain, I had finished my 12 sessions of WBR 3 weeks ago and im still experiencing slight fatigue, and my mouth has been dry and I lost my taste buds (doctors say this is temporary). Some doctors say that there could be memory loss months after the radiotherapy has been finished, but people react differently to treatments and how much volume of the brain has been irradiated and how much dose is given at a daily fraction. My prayers go to your mom and her recovery.

soggy60
Posts: 2
 Joined: Jan 2011
Jan 29, 2011 - 7:35 am
Effects of Radio-Therapy

The radiologist will tell you better details..
- effect can vay from person to peron
- vary with treatment modalities
- where the tumor is,
- etc

Generally:
- yes, the 'fatigue' is common to all...between Chemo & radio, there is reduced red blood cell count. The treatments injure the RBC, but the body replaces them . . the patient is monitor to the ensure the RBC depression it not severe. The white blood cell count is also reduced: again, the Chemo (and/or Radio) Dr will monitor this too.

- hair loss: The chemo can (note "can") cause general hair loss. Radio (depending on modality) 'can' cause area specific hair loss. Chem & radio affect rapidly growing cells ( cancer is a very rapidly multiplying cell...so is the hair making cells...so they get 'poisoned' too) With radio, could get 'surfer hair cut' type stripes :-)

- again, depending on where the toumor is / radio modality...can get 'temporary' ( minutes to hours