Brain radiation side effects

cher76
cher76 Member Posts: 292
in Esophageal Cancer #1
As I posted back in November, it was discovered that the cancer had metastisized to the left frontal lobe of Rickie's brain. Radiation was done for 10 days the end of Oct. This helped greatly with the movement in his right leg and arm. We were told some of the side effects would be hair loss (that happened)Slower cognitive abilities and a sunburn look to his forehead. We were also weened down to 2 mg of dexamethasone a day. My concern is some things that are going on now. Don't know if they are radiation related or progression of the disease. His forehead turned brown and then peeled and is still peeling somewhat, but also all over his body he has turned a tan color and then it looks like it's cracked and is peeling everywhere, much as his forehead did. Could this be from the radiation? Also his feet, legs and hands are swelling. There is not really any swelling in the abdominal area. I have asked the hospice nurses but they don't seem to know or really care. the hospice doctor was here last week and he called it edema. Also mentioned that the swelling in his right arm could be from the Pic line that was pulled in June due to a blood clot. He said that sometimes the blood clots are still there for a long time. ( I've never heard that before). I read the list of side effects from radiation on the head and neck page and it seems like Rickie has many of those ( of course they seem to be everything under the sun!). He also has been having difficulty swallowing, and mucous issued. His blood pressure is very good most of the time as is his heart rate. So I am confused as to if these are end of life issues or radiation side effects. Since his radiation was to the brain, would these side effects apply? Thanks for your input,
Cheryl
Wife of Rickie, dx stage IV EC, Oct. 2010
Mets to brain and bones

Comments

  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    #2
    My SIL underwent whole brain
    My SIL underwent whole brain radiation for metastatic brain cancer. Some of the side effects can occur up to 6 months after the radiation has stopped.
  • chrissiebass
    chrissiebass Member Posts: 56
    #3
    Ginny_B said:

    My SIL underwent whole brain
    My SIL underwent whole brain radiation for metastatic brain cancer. Some of the side effects can occur up to 6 months after the radiation has stopped.

    thinking of you
    Sorry I can't answer your question, but just wanted to say a quick "Hi" to you,and to let you know you both are in my prayers. Hope you find the answer from someone here. Have a peaceful and Joyful Christmas. Thinking of you
  • cher76
    cher76 Member Posts: 292
    #4
    chrissiebass said:

    thinking of you
    Sorry I can't answer your question, but just wanted to say a quick "Hi" to you,and to let you know you both are in my prayers. Hope you find the answer from someone here. Have a peaceful and Joyful Christmas. Thinking of you

    Thanks, chrissie!
    Been thinking about you also. Hope all is going well for you. Merry Christmas to you and a wish for all good things for the coming new year!
  • lindadanis
    lindadanis Member Posts: 235
    #5
    brain radiation
    hi, you do not know me but I was on this site for over a year, my late husband had whole brain radiation due to mets in his brain. We did this type of radiation for six weeks straight, he had a tumor in the back of his head and could not walk which led us to the er.
    One thing I noticed mid way through radiation was Ed was very different, could not walk well, slept alot, face looked burnt, forgetful, tired, more fatigued and eventually not with it at all, which I totally blame on this type of radiation. The radiation did not shrink his tumor, in fact, it grew considerably but we did not tell him this. It would have made no difference to tell him what he went through was a total waste of time, in fact, the radiologist that we spoke to before the radiation gave him only a 20% chance of shrinkage, so we knew what we were getting into. I believe that radiation did not help Ed, in fact, I believe it was the beginning of his demise. If I can be of any help to you, please contact me. I hope I am not too blunt with you but felt impelled to tell you what I knew.

    Linda
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #6
    Cheryl,
    The swelling could
    Cheryl,

    The swelling could be from the effects of the tumors in Rickie's liver and it not being able to function as well. Have they given you anything to help relieve the pressure from the edema? Is Rickie uncomfortable because of the swelling? I would try to get a better determination as to what is causing the swelling and what can be done so it doesn't create pain for Rickie.

    I know you must be exhausted - perhaps you could call or email one of Dr. Ajani's nurses and seek some guidance. They always seemed to be responsive and not just leave us hanging.

    Enjoy the next few days, hopefully you and your family will have some precious moments together.

    Love, hugs and prayers,
    Cindy
  • rkc
    rkc Member Posts: 1 *
    #7
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/232557/brain-radiation-side-effects

    Cher75,

    My name is Ken. 67-year-old male. I have (SCLC) Small cell lung cancer. In 2022 my free yearly lung screening showed and issue. The doctor that scheduled it never read the report. 11 months later my daughter who is an NP in oncology for the last fifteen years suspected an issue with my appearance and got into the system and read the report. By then it was considered extensive. It was in my lungs and liver. Did 6 rounds of carbo/etopiside with Tecentriq Immunotherapy. I continued the immunotherapy drug every 3 weeks until 4 weeks ago. I had 15 radiation treatments to chest and liver and 26 tumors removed by cyberknife. 4 weeks ago, I had a brain mri and the next day a chest CT with barium and contrast. CT showed cancer in lungs progressed, tumor in colon, several lympth nodes, liver still clean. Brain MRI showed mucho small tumors and a couple of larger ones. I started whole brain radiation week before last. I have 2 more to go for a total of 10. Since this mess started I never stopped or slowed down. I never got nauseated, I added a room to my home 85% by myself. 3 weeks ago, I chopped with an ax almost a cord of wood.

    I started an Alzheimer drug the morning I had my 1st WBR treatment 2 Thursdays ago. By Friday night until Sunday my brain became swollen and I sat with a barf bag unable to get off of the couch. Never threw up but wanted too. Lost my hearing totally 2x. Took some prednisone and 2 hours later felt better. Monday got Dexamethasone. It is helping. The rad computer was down this past Thursday so I had no rad. Friday I had a cancerous Lymph node removed from my left armpit and did not have rad. I started my 6 tx Monday with 2 more to go. I have lost 16 lbs in 2-1/2 weeks. My mouth started burning Monday afternoon and I got Biotene mouthwash which instantly helped. I did a bit of research and WBR can and does cause Mucocitosis (sp), burning of mucous in the mouth. I spoke to the rad tech about it and she said no way. I asked to see the doctor and the Dr said it was not thrush, could possibly be the steroids and yes, could be caused by the same reason my head and face feels hot and is red. She prescribed me a bottle of Magic Mouthwash. I t has opioids, Lidocaine, antibiotics and other nasty stuff, It works, instantly. The Biotene from the shelf helps a lot also.

    My radiation Oncologist is one of the best. he is young, gifted and cares. he also gets a lot of referrals from my Daughter. He is thorough with me. Without saying it outright he basically said that within 4 to 6 months there is a high probabilty I will lose 40% of my recent memory and things can get much worse from there. He said this understanding that I am aware that statistically I will be in Hospice within 90 days and gone within 120. The name of the Alzheimer med is Memantine. It can help stave off the extent of the dementia. I am having mood swings and I am getting angry. WBR is no joke. I cant remember what advice or info you were looking for but feel free to ask.

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