Radiation

I didn't suffer any fatigue at all from radiation. On the other hand I did experience quite bad burning, which was very unpleasant. But most of the people I know who went through radiation for bc had very few side effects all - no burning or fatigue. So good luck....you'll probably do great. And you're getting close to the end.

sassysally said:

Barb, radiation is a breeze compared to chemo. There are not really any side effects until maybe the end. Ask for alot of aloe gel or something to that affect and put it on the radiated area frequently. This will help with the burning. Also, after awhile your clothes will start to be uncomfortable. WEAR COTTON. You will be able to function just fine.
I did all of mine on my lunch hour from work.
Are you sure your Oncologist knows anything?? No offense, but geeze. Stick with one who deals with this everyday.. the radiologist. If you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer what I can. Hang in there.

Hi Barb,

I'm one of those that thought radiation was signficantly easier than chemo. Yes, I burned and was quite uncomfortable. Sween Cream helped my burn a lot (if it's not stocked at your pharmacy, your pharmasist can order it for you), but to me anything is better than that sick/rotting chemo feeling.

I was pretty tired during and after rad. But the thing about the fatigue is how do you know where your chemo fatigue ends and your radiation fatigue begins? Let's say that radiation on it's own is not as strong as the chemo fatigue; but regardless, it's already tired just building on more tired, even if it is mild. I started rad about six weeks after chemo. I was VERY tired through and aferwards, but I think that's because your body just hasn't had adequate time to recover from everything -- surgery, chemo, now rad. It's a long, hard road! Who wouldn't be tired? I know they say the chemo is out of your system within six weeks, but I really have to disagree. I finished treatment last July, and took a couple of weeks off afterward to get my strength back, but you know what? I'm STILL tired.

You're going to get tired of hearing E.O.I.D ("Every One is Different"), but I guess more and more, it's true. When I'd complain of side effects, my radiologist would blame it on the chemo, and my oncologist would blame it on the radiation! Few will give you a straight answer. So . . . try to focus on the good points of rad: your nausea will begin to diminish and your hair will begIn to grow back. I know, sounds like cheese on a poop sandwich ;0) But that's what I did. You will function and get thru it fine. You're close to the home stretch!

Kim

I also was one of the lucky ones who had very little problem with rads. I ended up taking the last few weeks of chemo off work because of the fatigue and low blood counts (I work in public), and chose to just work part time during rads since I'd heard I might continue to be very tired. I actually could have worked full time all through, but the part time gave me a chance to get back in the swing gradually. I only had significant sunburn the last two week of rads (33 total treatments), and then it wasn't bad--I continued to wear my bra all through, just took it off when I was staying in the house. Hope you have as little problem with it as I did.

Good luck and God bless, Di

I finished Radiation 2 weeks ago (the last week of Radiation was the boosters, or the more intense but superficial electron beam). My energy started to slowly pick up after the last of the photon deep beams (that was the first 28 rad treatments). My energy is now back to normal. Wow, can't believe how it is to have energy again, as I had started to feel fatigue about 6 months prior to my cancer being discovered. I agree with the others,that the fatigue was counteracted somewhat by walking. I did take naps, and slept longer at night then usual. It would have been possible to work full time, but especially the last week or two, would have been more difficult to focus; due to the fatigue.
The bigger your breasts, the more lymphedema or swelling you will have; (therefore, more pain/aching type of discomfort). The swelling, depending upon how much you have, may take up to 6-9 months to resolve completely.
Your skin integrity will be assisted significantly by following your Radiology skin care program to the letter. I did, and suffered no significant burn, excoriations, discolorment, etc..
Roxanne