Alarming side effects from radiotherapy

Hi Robin E25 well done on getting through your first week. I had mucous at the end but nothing like you are describing unless i didnt notice. Im sure its fine but i would check with your team at your next session. Xx

Thank you Bungle1  that's helped so much even having one reply as its a pretty gross topic and hard to talk about with loved ones. I will speak to my nurse specialist when i see her today. Thank you again, and best wishes for a happy New Year X

Hi Robin E25 

I have an end colostomy but I’ve never passed anything except through my stoma because my rectum has been removed and nothing can pass that way now. Others can pass some mucus and stool but I appreciate this must have been alarming for you.

I’d  definitely mention it when you go today. It’s likely due to the radiotherapy but best to get some reassurance. I hope your treatment continues smoothly for you.

Sarah xx

Hi Robin,

Yes, I definitely passed some weird stuff and when I mentioned it to someone medical (sorry, it was a few years ago now) did say to me the tumour does break down and you pass it; I'm actually sure they said to me 'Where do think it's going to go?' 

I have looked it up and have never actually found anything to verify this but I definitely did expel some alien goo, and it just tapered off  after a few weeks. However, I would mention this to your radiographers, just in case, especially as you have a stoma.

Good luck, and please let us know how you get on.

Thank you SarahH21 

Thank you Mrs Vanilla this made me laugh as the logical part of my brain knows that it was never going to just evaporate and it had to go somewhere! It was just so unexpected and, like you say, alien. I had my review just now and a very kind nurse looked at my photo and reassured me that it's entirely normal and as long as not causing pain, not to worry. So, thank you all again for calming me down :-) 

Hello Robin E25 

I am pleased to see that the nurse reassured you, quick thinking on your part to photograph the evidence!  I haven't heard of that at all, definitely some bleeding but not actual tissue, so it is good that you have posted about your experience.  Every account of what may/may not happen is so useful for those about to start treatment.

And a warm welcome to the forum, all of us have been through or are going through what you are right now, so if there is anything at all we can help with just shout out.

And keep marking off the days of treatment on a calendar, it is wonderful to see the end-date looming.

Irene xx

Thank you Irene75359 for your wise words, I've found this group to be so supportive to all members, new and longstanding.  The time taken to ease worried minds is appreciated so much, particularly in the early days when everything seems new and scary. Wishing all fellow members a very happy new year and wish you all the best for your 2026. X

Hello RobinE25,

That does sound like an alarming experience and good that you were able to check it out with the team.

I do remember having some gruesome discharge but not as worrying as yours. If it’s the tumour breaking down , which makes sense, then that’s got to be a good sign and let’s hope that it’s a sign of a really good response to the treatment.  

Wishing you all the best for week 2 and hoping that you’re as ok as possible. 

xx

Hi Robin E25 , I’m pleased to hear that you had some reassurance from the nurse that you saw, hopefully this has stemmed your panic. Nobody pre-warns you of these things do they? I hope the rest of your treatment goes smoothly & you don’t experience any more unexpected appearances!

Nicola