Hi , hubby has had one session of radium 223. It hit really hard. A massive increase in the pain ( which we expected). We were under the impression this would last for 72 hours approx . But his lasted for just over a week . Do you know if this pain will decrease as the sessions progress ? TIA
Dear Wifey1969,
Thank you for getting in touch with us and welcome to our online community. My name is Adrienne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists at Macmillan.
I’m sorry to hear about the pain your husband has been experiencing from the radium 223. Unfortunately, the pain flare from this treatment may last for a few days but could also last up to 1-2 weeks. It’s difficult to know whether this will decrease on his next session as everyone responds individually. However, it’s important to let his hospital team know how much your husband’s pain has increased so that they can assess him and manage this with appropriate painkillers.
We always recommend that any new, changing or worsening symptoms are assessed as soon as possible. It would be worth getting in touch with the hospital team’s 24-hour oncology number to explain what’s going on. If you can’t get through or aren’t sure which number to call, you can also contact NHS 111 where a doctor can assess your husband’s pain and help to get appropriate support and management.
You are probably aware but just a reminder that if he feels unwell at any point after receiving radium-223, particularly with shortness of breath, tiredness, bleeding (such as bruising) or infection (such as fever), please call the oncology department’s 24-hour Emergency Helpline number.
I hope you find this information helpful Wifey1969.
Please know, you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm), or you can send us an email.
Take care and best wishes,
Adrienne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref: AMc/KHa
