Getting ready to start Radiation.....need advice

kawilson
kawilson Member Posts: 9
edited March 2014 in Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin) #1
So I have made it through 10 treatments of ABVD with one more cycle to go, I begin my appointments with my radiation oncologist next week...... What should I be prepared for? The pamplets speak about fatigue that would begin about 4 weeks into radiation and could possible last for several months......has this been the case with yall?? I have been okay with Chemo, only tired a few days after each treatment... Any advice??

Comments

  • dpomroy
    dpomroy Member Posts: 135
    #2
    Everybody is different, but I think you have been through the hard part already. I don't know what area on your body is getting "nuked", but for me it was my neck and chest. They tattooed a couple of tinier that freckle sized dots so they could line me up the same way each time. Once I got out of the waiting room each day, it only took about 10 minutes and I was out of there! I experienced some red, itchy skin...ask them what types of lotions and products you can use if that happens. My throat got scratchy and sore toward the end of my 5 weeks. I sucked on lots of lozenges. I also got kind of tired toward the end, but it was a great excuse to take a little power nap in the afternoon. The only really annoying thing about the whole process for me was the having to do something everyday, at the same time no matter what for 5 weeks. I don't think I'd even want to do something I LIKED everyday, at the same time no matter what, you know? Congratulations on finishing chemo and good luck with the radiation.
  • AlloMan
    AlloMan Member Posts: 47
    #3
    Use lots of good skin lotion in the radiation field, because you could be getting a burn from the radiation. I went through 12 weeks of Stanford V chemo then 3 1/2 weeks of radiation. As far as being tired, the chemo might not have knocked you out, but you may find the fatiguing (if that's a word) effect of the chemo and radiation may be cumulative. I was sleeping 2-3 hours every afternoon after chemo. I don't remember being tired for 7 months (it was back in 2001) but maybe a month or two before getting back to normal is the best I can recall.
  • AlloMan
    AlloMan Member Posts: 47
    #4
    Use lots of good skin lotion in the radiation field, because you could be getting a burn from the radiation. I went through 12 weeks of Stanford V chemo then 3 1/2 weeks of radiation. As far as being tired, the chemo might not have knocked you out, but you may find the fatiguing (if that's a word) effect of the chemo and radiation may be cumulative. I was sleeping 2-3 hours every afternoon after chemo. I don't remember being tired for 7 months (it was back in 2001) but maybe a month or two before getting back to normal is the best I can recall.
  • terpum
    terpum Member Posts: 4
    #5
    You are very lucky to have not many side effects from the chemo, The radiation, is not pleasant, but effective, if aimed properly, don't fear it.
    I had Hodgkins in 1980, and I am still here, I was lucky enough to have the best radioligist in the country. Don't worry, be strong and think every night how much you are defeating the disease, and you will. I experimentaly had to undertake 4 weeks more of radtiation, because he said it would guarantee a 90% cure rate, it was extrememly painfull, but only because I had had chest surgery to remove the chest tumors, they were all benign by then. Maybe from the first 4 weeks of radiation. maybe from the 6 months of chemo, who knows. Hang in there and think about what I said. Concentrate on defeating the disease mentally, every night before you go to sleep. it will help.
    Write me and let me know about your progress
    Thanks , hope to hear from you
  • cripper
    cripper Member Posts: 2
    #6
    We are on a very similar scheduel. I just finished 8 treatments of ABVD and I go for my C.T. scan on the 9/29/2003. I see the radiation doctor on 10/1/2003. So I expect I will start radiation soon after the 1st. I had stage 2a hodgkins. Treatment plan was 4 months cemo followed by radiation for i'm not sure how long.The cemo was every other week. It took like three hours on the IV each time. My hair is gone and my taste buds would leave for eight days after each treatment. Good luck, I will be reading replies to your post for my own info.
    Chris

Discussion Boards