post radiation side effects

Welcome to this group, however, I'm sorry you had a reason to join us.  Congratulations on getting through your treatment and I wish good news for you in your follow-ups.  As for the heaviness in the legs, it could be simple fatigue, or perhaps the swelling in your ankles is a sign of some lymphedema, which is common after this treatment.  As for the bloating feeling in your abdomen, your intestinal tract has been through a lot and if it's anything like mine was shortly after treatment ended, it is NOT happy!  Your shortness of breath could also be a sign of anemia, so I would suggest getting your iron level checked.  I was a runner and in good condition prior to my diagnosis, but remember having to stop mid-way up my stairs at home during my treatment at times to catch my breath.  I was found to have anemia, which my doctor tried to treat with prescription iron supplements.  However, they made me extremely constipated, so I discontinued them.  Talk to your doctor(s) about all of these symptoms.  I hope none of them turns out to be anything other than temporary lingering side effects from the treatment.

Hello bhjreading,

I just wanted to let you know that I had very similar symptoms around the same time. In fact they were severe enough to concern my mother (a retired nurse-they're the worst I had a lot of fluid retention in my legs and abdomen for about three weeks. I was continually short of breath, there just didn't seem to be enough space to drawn in air, breathing was almost a chore if I exerted my self in the least. I too was in good shape prior to diagnosis, but this certainly knocked the stuffing out of me!  Much of it has subsided now 3 months post treatment but my lower legs and feet do still swell especially on car trips or if sitting a long time. I believe the radiation (I had full pelvic due to lymph node involvement) either harmed or temporarily disabled the function of the lymph nodes causing the edema...that is just my thoughts. I can not get a Dr. to explain what happens to irradiated nodes!

I talked to the DR. about this, but, as with most of my post treatment complaints, my concerns are poo-pooed (?) and I am told it's probably not from the radiation/chemo. I don't know why the docs are so adamant about not acknowledging post treatment issues. Anyone else experience this?

All I can say is hang in there, it does get better. Your energy level should start rebound slowly. I started taking walks with my dog...he's really good at walking with whatever pace I was capable of and he kept me company! I found that exercise did not necessarily increase endurance, only time. I would recommend just keeping active but do not try to force recovery.

Best Wishes,

Chris

Toward the end of treatment I was very dehydrated and had several infusions for hydration.  At that time, my calves and feet were a bit swollen and felt heavy.  There was some thought that I might have had mild lymphadema, but that was ruled out by a pelvic floor physical therapist and it was probably a result of dehydration..  Gradually, the swelling subsided and the heaviness disappeared.  I think walking and some deconditioning PT helped.

I ask the docs alot of questions and, for the most part, do not allow myself to be intimmidated by them.  And "we don''t know" may sometimes be appropriate(ie how did we get this disease), but I don't want to bebrushed off.  By the way, the old joke in medicine is that whatever symptom the patient is experiencing, it is from another doctor's treatment!