Let's talk about radiation

Hi, I am new to this site, so not quite sure how to get in the thread here. It is reassuring, sort of, but inspiring to read everyone's posts! I have UPSC IIIC1, just finished 6th chemo Dec 24, and will start External Pelvic Radiation next week, Jan 21, it seems so sudden. Have already had my CT planning/mapping appt, took 2 1/2 hrs, I was exhausted, still fatigue from chemo. I finally understand that the radiation is targeted at the clear margins - I guess the surgical margins- it is recommended for my aggressive high stage cancer-although I did some research and asked a lot of questions. The long term effects of radiation concern me more than the chemo. I will make myself more familiar with this site, and hopefully don't become as repetitive here, since I am not quite sure where to post. 

Thank you all and good luck. Terry

ConnieSW said:

Welcome, Terry

Just jump right in.  Glad you've gotten through chemo and hope the process wasn't too bad for you.  There is quite a spread in how people are affected.  

Glad you found us. I finished my 6 rounds of chemo on 12/21 so we are on a very similar schedule.

I started my radiation 1/14. I'm not having external. Only 5 Brachytherapy treatments.

Please ask any questions you have. Nothing is off limits here and there are many women willing to share their experiences.

Sorry you had to join us.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

I am so relieved to find this site, and this conversation. Thank you for all of you who have gone through so much, and stayed involved in this site. It helps the rest of us beginning or part way through treatment. Also, to find so many who have the less common cancer cells, finally--sharing thoughts about all the decisions and tricks to deal with treatment, and to continue on with a new kind of life. I feel more confident moving ahead with the external radiation, and am glad others have not always experienced the burned skin I was warned about. I am surprised to learn the fatigue will likely be worse than the chemo, well I still have more TV to watch and stacks of books to read (none of which I can concentrate on!). I hope I am strong enough after all this to get back to my life of milking our cows, and the other physical things I enjoy (horses, hiking), but I realize that may not happen. I am a worrier, but am learning to appreciate life by moments. My gratitude journal helps a lot. My life will probably be different, but that is ok. 

Byr15 said:

I am new

Hi, I am new to this site, so not quite sure how to get in the thread here. It is reassuring, sort of, but inspiring to read everyone's posts! I have UPSC IIIC1, just finished 6th chemo Dec 24, and will start External Pelvic Radiation next week, Jan 21, it seems so sudden. Have already had my CT planning/mapping appt, took 2 1/2 hrs, I was exhausted, still fatigue from chemo. I finally understand that the radiation is targeted at the clear margins - I guess the surgical margins- it is recommended for my aggressive high stage cancer-although I did some research and asked a lot of questions. The long term effects of radiation concern me more than the chemo. I will make myself more familiar with this site, and hopefully don't become as repetitive here, since I am not quite sure where to post. 

Thank you all and good luck. Terry

Glad you found us but sad that you had to.  This is  good place to be.  The ladies here are great with information and encouragement. Feel free to ask anything.  you will notice that everyone is a little different with treatments, side effects, and recovery.  After all we are all individuals.  Radiation was not to,bad for me.  I had less side effects then I did with chemo.  Fatigue was there, but I was able to teach through out.  Diahrea was Controlled by Imodium and a very bland diet.  I had no burning.  The only long lasting effect has been to my bone marrow in my pelvis.  Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

NoTimeForCancer said:

Yes, I did cut out high fiber

Yes, I did cut out high fiber but found BRAT (bananas, rice, applesause, toast) too boring for me.  I liked eating cheese as it was a good source of protein, calcium and had 'binding' effects.  Again, I did take probiotics throughout, still do, and believe that helped.  

I knew the radiation would effect the bone marrow in my hips, and getting enough protein to finsih the back end of the chemo was always in my mind as well.  I think the dietician who specializes in helping cancer patients is a great idea.  Knowing what to eat, especially at a time when you need the most nutritious punch, was a plus.

this is my first post. I have searched many cancer forums and this is the first one I have found with many recent posts. Thank you! I tried low fiber with radiation and sometimes I had constipation and other times diarea. I wish I had looked more into probiotics as it seems it has helped others. I have had one internal radiation now and will have 2 more. I am still going to get some probiotics as I'm told my side effects may take 2 ekes to subside. I am grade 3c and was told that my cancer could effect vaginal cuff so that is why I am having internal. I see the oncologist on February 11 and will find out then when chemo starts and what kind. I'm wondering how that will effect me too. Right now I'm afraid to eat almost anything. I'm not obese but am close to the right body weight right now, mot heavy.

Soup52 said:

Radiation and intestinal problems

this is my first post. I have searched many cancer forums and this is the first one I have found with many recent posts. Thank you! I tried low fiber with radiation and sometimes I had constipation and other times diarea. I wish I had looked more into probiotics as it seems it has helped others. I have had one internal radiation now and will have 2 more. I am still going to get some probiotics as I'm told my side effects may take 2 ekes to subside. I am grade 3c and was told that my cancer could effect vaginal cuff so that is why I am having internal. I see the oncologist on February 11 and will find out then when chemo starts and what kind. I'm wondering how that will effect me too. Right now I'm afraid to eat almost anything. I'm not obese but am close to the right body weight right now, mot heavy.

Hello Soup!  I'm glad you found us.  The ladies here are great and will give you their honest opinion on just about anything.  I have not had any radiation but the chemo caused a lot of problems with my digestive system.  My doctor recommended the probiotics and I do believe they have helped.

What was your diagnosis?  What Stage are you?  Did you have a total hysterectomy?

Wishing you all the best!

Love,

Eldri

Byr15 said:

Bone Marrow in pelvis

Lou Ann, yesterday at my Dry Run appt, I asked more questions and the Rad Onc said the radiation will be deep, and into the bone marrow of the pelvis and hips. I can't believe I didn't hear that before. What are your long term effect from that? Does it weaken the bones? Or reduce your blood count? The doctor did say because of this my weekly blood test/count will be important.

Thank you! Terry

Sorry I am so late with an answer for you.  I think it effected both, my bone strength and my blood counts.  I have had trouble with my blood counts during chemo ever since the radiation .  The counts do return to close to normal when I am not on chemo.  it is worse when I am on Taxol/Carbo than it was when I was on Doxil, one of the very few good things about that.  Lou Ann

One of the medical oncologists on the Friday panel mentioned weight loss as a result of radiation.  Did anyone here experience that? That's always a concern for me because I am so slight, though I managed to get through chemo just fine.  Still trying to make a decision re:radiation.

Editgrl said:

Curious about weight loss

One of the medical oncologists on the Friday panel mentioned weight loss as a result of radiation.  Did anyone here experience that? That's always a concern for me because I am so slight, though I managed to get through chemo just fine.  Still trying to make a decision re:radiation.

I didn't lose any during chemo,  I would be down a pound or 2 for a week and then it would come back they next week.  I don' think I lost any while I was on radiation.    They only time I really lost weight was while I was in the hospital before and after bowel surgery in September.  Then I lost 20+ lbs in 12 days and haven't put it back on yet.  Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

Editgrl said:

Extended Field Radiation

Okay, one last question.  Yeah, right.  Has anyone had extended field external radiation?  Because I had that one positive peri-aortal node, radiation would go a little farther up the abdomen than usual.  Which could possibly mean not only the diarrhea, but possibly nausea because it is closer to the stomach.  Just wondering if anyone here went through that particular protocol?

Chris

Chris...I did and unfortunately experienced diarrhea and weight loss, which was your previous question. I had 28 radiation treatments and the more I got, the worse the diarrhea.  I had no other issues, no burning and nausea was not too bad. I attributed the little nausea I had to the 2 rounds of Cisplatin I had along with the radiation.  I followed a low fiber and BRAT diet, but unfortunately that didn't fully help.  Good news is the diarrhea quickly cleared up about a week after radiation.  As you know our bodies all react differently and you may be just fine....Nancy