Radiation done - what now?

olybee
olybee Member Posts: 85
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
My husband just finished his 33 radiation treatments, and until last week, he was really doing quite well (considering all the things they told us could happen, etc.) But interestingly, day 30 he just hit a wall, feels so exhausted, started having some pretty good pain, dizzy, blocked ears - all the things I've read about here and elsewhere. Now he's "done" and wonders, why oh why didn't I ask for more pain meds when I was in treatment? He's just taking 2 oxycodone at night, 1 at times throughout the day, but certainly not every four hours. His HUGE complaint is his exhaustion, says I could knock him over with a feather.
So, I guess I'm asking, is this going to get worse before it gets better? How long until he feels like he's headed back uphill? Need encouragement, but of course reality is always important too, i guess.
So glad I found this site, and I really want to say "THANK YOU" to all of you who are willing to share all your experiences. This is SO helpful!

Comments

  • Jimbo55
    Jimbo55 Member Posts: 590 Member
    #2
    olybee
    Sounds like your hubby did quite well, making it to day 30 before it really hit him hard. That just might bode well for a shorter recovery period.

    If he's in a lot of pain, get back to your doctors quick for something more to help with this.

    It is quite difficult to say whether it will get worse before it gets better. The mantra here is everyone is different. For some it takes several months before they begin to feel better. I began to feel a wee bit of improvement within 1 week and it was slow but steady progress from there.

    Yes the exhaustion is tiring. Encourage him to try and stay active. A small amount of exercise/walking can be beneficial in overcoming the exhaustion/fatigue. Gets the blood circulating and improves the appetite. I think it helps with the mental side of things also.

    Nutrition is also very important during the recovery. Food is medicine for the body. Stay strong. Cheers.

    Jimbo
  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
    #3
    Exhaustion
    For me the exhaustion was the worst, I hated not having the strength or stamina to do what I was able to do prior to treatment. One of the nurses told me to make sure I got outside in the fresh air and sunshine for at least 15 minutes each day and go for a walk. I know he's tired and feels he can't do this but he needs to get some exercise and walking is one of the best ones for you, it will also help to relax him.

    I can't comment on the pain because I was one of the lucky ones who was never in pain during or after treatment but I do know pain will wear you down so please contact his doctors ASAP so they can get this under control. No one should suffer with pain.

    As you probably already know, keep him hydrated and make sure he is getting enough nutrition and calories each day so he will regain his strength.

    I think once treatment was done it didn't get any worse for me, it just seemed like a slow recovery until I finally had some strength again.

    Stay strong and tell your husband that it does get better, it can be a very slow process so don't look for daily improvements. The hardest part is being patient, we all want to get our lives back to normal but we all need to learn to be more patient with the recovery process.
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #4
    Worse before it gets better?
    You have heard the ''every one is sifferent''. For me the weeks after radiation were even worse when I peaked, it was torture. That was bad. If he needs more pain meds, call his docs, they will prescribe more. You have to try to keep ahead of the pain. That and getting enough nutrition, calories, hydration, and getting up and out of bed, will help the heeling process.

    Or maybe he will be ok. If he is able to get by with 2 oxycodone, that is good. I was on 75mcgs of fentanyl and was still in terrible pain.

    Also, watch for signs of depression during this time. It is not uncommon, and it will slow, or even halt recovery. Even being on meds prior to my cancer diagnosis and through treatment, I still got hit with severe depression. Had to double my Lexapro for a time.
  • buzz99
    buzz99 Member Posts: 404
    #5
    Buzz was at his worst at the end of treatment and for about two weeks after it ended. It will get better but pain control is very important. Call the doc! Healing is improved with adequate nutrition especially protein. Make sure he gets adequate protein and fluids. Hang in there. Karen
  • olybee
    olybee Member Posts: 85
    #6
    buzz99 said:

    Buzz was at his worst at the end of treatment and for about two weeks after it ended. It will get better but pain control is very important. Call the doc! Healing is improved with adequate nutrition especially protein. Make sure he gets adequate protein and fluids. Hang in there. Karen

    Thanks so much for all the
    Thanks so much for all the support and suggestions. I placed a call to the dr and hopefully they'll give him something to help him with the pain so that he feels like continuing in the battle.
  • DrMary
    DrMary Member Posts: 531 Member
    #7
    olybee said:

    Thanks so much for all the
    Thanks so much for all the support and suggestions. I placed a call to the dr and hopefully they'll give him something to help him with the pain so that he feels like continuing in the battle.

    Oxycontin
    Before you try another med, consider having him take oxycontin every 12 hours and oxycodone if the pain gets bad in between (oxycontin kicks in about 3 hours after you take it, and oxycodone about 1 hour after, so the only time not to take any oxycodone is if you're having pain about 2 hours after taking an oxycontin - otherwise, every 3-4 hours).

    I suggest that because he's been tolerating it well, and he's so near the end. Some folks (like Doug) have bad nausea and vomiting with many of the pain pills - I'm sure he'd like to skip that.

    Nutrition and fluids are key right now, as he is going to put a lot into healing. If he's having trouble swallowing and hasn't used the magic mouthwash yet, now's the time. Doug used it for a while after radiation stopped - it really helped.
  • Lelia
    Lelia Member Posts: 98
    #8
    DrMary said:

    Oxycontin
    Before you try another med, consider having him take oxycontin every 12 hours and oxycodone if the pain gets bad in between (oxycontin kicks in about 3 hours after you take it, and oxycodone about 1 hour after, so the only time not to take any oxycodone is if you're having pain about 2 hours after taking an oxycontin - otherwise, every 3-4 hours).

    I suggest that because he's been tolerating it well, and he's so near the end. Some folks (like Doug) have bad nausea and vomiting with many of the pain pills - I'm sure he'd like to skip that.

    Nutrition and fluids are key right now, as he is going to put a lot into healing. If he's having trouble swallowing and hasn't used the magic mouthwash yet, now's the time. Doug used it for a while after radiation stopped - it really helped.

    Pain meds
    As usual Dr. Mary and Sweetblood have great advice. Your husband isn't alone having terrible fatigue/pain/nausea after treatment. Remember he's still cooking from rads, my husband experienced exactly what you described.

    The Fentanyl pain patch was a lifesaver. As with the Oxy-c, my husband tolerated Fentanyl very easily, and the patch delivers a consistent dosage without more pills to swallow. Instead of waiting until the pain was so bad it ruined the whole day, the patch delivered a perfect dose all day and night. I strongly recommend you discuss w his docs.

    Good luck with all this, let us know how we can be a source of support and good information to you both--Lelia
  • nwasen
    nwasen Member Posts: 235 Member
    #9
    now what??
    We all are different in our disease and recovery. I felt pretty dang good until week 5 (out of 7) but really felt lousy when I got home.
    Do ask for more pain meds. They told me at the James at OSU that in these times, no one should have to be in pain!
    I wasn't what you would call tired....I was bone weary. It would wash over me like a wave. I learned to know the feeling coming on and then lie down for a short while.
    It WILL get better. I was off work for 6 weeks after my last treatment and then went back for 6 1/2 hours a day. At first, I would come home and nap to regroup but after a few weeks I no longer needed to.
    Tell your husband to ask for help, of any kind, if he needs it and that this too shall pass.
    Nancy aka toughcookie

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