Need Help About to Start Radiation!!!

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adamommy
adamommy Member Posts: 15
in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi everybody it's been a long time since I posted. I usually just read everybody elses posts and sit back and soak up the wealth of information you guys provide. I had colon resection surgery in june 2010 and then barely made it through nine treatments of 5-FU, Aastin and Oxalliplatin. I have been dong good since then, except for some neuropathy from the Oxalliplatin. All of my scans since then have been clear. At my last Dr.'s visit he advised he wanted to do five weeks of radiation treatment. He did mention this at the beginning of my treatment plan but I figured since all has been clear since then that it would not be necessary. He said he wants to do it as a preventitive measure. I am terrified at the thought of being sick from treatments again. I actually thought the chemo was going to kill me, and now the thought of radiation is terrifying me. I know many of you have been through this before so I would appreciate as much info on radiation treatments as you all can give. My Dr says it's not as bad as chemo and that I won't be nearly as sick, but yet I have heard some pretty nasty stuff about radiation and its side effects. Thanks in advance for any info you guys can share.

ADA

Comments

  • Aud
    Aud Member Posts: 479 Member
    #2
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    Dear ADA
    Radiation is not fun, but after going through your heavy duty chemo, you will be fine.
    Here's how it was for me. The first 3 weeks, I had no side effects. After about 3 1/2 weeks, the burning started in the anal/vaginal/perineal area and this is different for everyone. Some people have had no skin irritation but I think it is common. Around the same time I started having occasional, intermittent fatigue but it was manageable with rest. I also had some mild urinary urgency which didn't last very long. I was still able to work during this time. The modifications/remedies I made/used were: use soft, fragrance-free wipes and the softest toilet paper for hygiene; use various ointments (Aquafor, Silvedene, preparation H, and later, Calmoseptine) for protection and relief; avoid sitting and bending at work as these positions exacerbated the irritation.

    You will be okay and remember that this is part of the battle; part of the necessary ammunition to beat this thing.

    Good luck and holding you in the Light for healing.
    ~Aud
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
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    Aud said:

    Dear ADA
    Radiation is not fun, but after going through your heavy duty chemo, you will be fine.
    Here's how it was for me. The first 3 weeks, I had no side effects. After about 3 1/2 weeks, the burning started in the anal/vaginal/perineal area and this is different for everyone. Some people have had no skin irritation but I think it is common. Around the same time I started having occasional, intermittent fatigue but it was manageable with rest. I also had some mild urinary urgency which didn't last very long. I was still able to work during this time. The modifications/remedies I made/used were: use soft, fragrance-free wipes and the softest toilet paper for hygiene; use various ointments (Aquafor, Silvedene, preparation H, and later, Calmoseptine) for protection and relief; avoid sitting and bending at work as these positions exacerbated the irritation.

    You will be okay and remember that this is part of the battle; part of the necessary ammunition to beat this thing.

    Good luck and holding you in the Light for healing.
    ~Aud

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • adamommy
    adamommy Member Posts: 15
    #4
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Graci and Aud
    Thank you guys so much for sharing your personal experiences about the radiation. It really helps to get the truth from someone who has experienced it firsthand. I have found out that the world for people with cancer can be a very lonely place. I have a wonderful, supportive family and friends but no matter how much they claim to understand I feel like nobody knows what I am going through and I know they cannot truly understand because so much of it I still don't understand myself. I don't know if the Dr. wants to radiate the front side or the back side. I will find out tomorrow. I go in for my consultation in the morning. Thanks again for the help. I will keep you all updated.

    ADA
  • soccermom13
    soccermom13 Member Posts: 224
    #5
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    hi!
    I was stage 2 tn3o so not sure how this will compare with what you have gone thru. On the advice of my surgeon, after the surgery, ileostomy and then initial consult with the onc, I went to see the radioliogist. She scared me to death and I elected to not have radiation. I started chemo and barely made it thru that. Both my onc and the radiologist were on the fence with rads - I was in a grey area with the staging and the size of the tumor, and I had good,clean margins with not lymphs affected. This might be my ace if it returns which with positive thinking, diet and a whole lot of prayer - will not happen!!!
    Take your time, interview several rad docs and then talk again with your onc.
    Hugs
    Shanna

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