Radiotherapy

Hi Monica1234 It’s nearly 10 years ago since I had mine so hopefully someone with more recent experience will pop in but here’s what I remember 

I found it to be very tolerable and no real side effects if I’m honest although I’ve seen other posts where people have suffered with fatigue. People with rectal tumours often have 4 weeks of radiotherapy with chemo tablets alongside which may contribute to the side effects. As the radiotherapy continues working for several weeks after the actual treatment finishes then side effects may begin then. 
Loose bowels and sore skin may be experienced so soft toilet paper and un perfumed wipes may be useful. The radiographers will give her a cream to use on the area being treated for any soreness as it’s important not to use anything that might have miniscule ‘metal’ particles in.

 Radiotherapy care top tips ! 

Hope it goes well

Karen x

Hi Monica,

I just finished my radiotherapy in March for stage 3 rectal cancer- it sounds like how your mother will be treated is slightly different (I did mine over 25 sessions in 5 weeks, and each session was probably 5 minutes actually being treated.

Hopefully some of my experience will be useful.

- I didn't feel anything during the treatment itself, and in the first few weeks of treatment it massively improved all my previous symptoms.

- My side effects peaked around 10 days after finishing treatment, which was mainly when going to the toilet. That was agony, and I was given liquid morphine to help. I also had a few days of diarrhoea around the same time. It gradually got better over the next few weeks and I now have close to no pain when going to the toilet.

- I think the position of the tumour can really impact side effects, mine was quite low down so it caused a lot of skin issues. Essentially a very painful sunburn.

- I had some tiredness, felt similar to feeling jet lagged but it wasn't too bad.

I don't know if all hospitals have this, but where I was treated (Royal Marsden) there were really helpful specialist nurses in radiotherapy, who provided different things to help. I was given soothing antiseptic gels, aloe vera cream etc. I was recommended not to apply any shop bought moisturiser unless it was checked by the team first.

I am 35 years old, and was told that did help with how my body reacted to it - but hopefully still useful info!

Thank you for this info. Really helpful! I shall ask for any medications that will help her relieve any sideffects.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it’s really helpful and reassuring to hear from someone who’s been through it.

I’m glad to hear you’re now doing much better and that the pain has improved.

Would you also mind sharing the names or brands of the products they recommended or gave you (like the gels, creams, aloe vera etc.)? I’d love to add them to my list so we can be a bit more prepared before my mum starts treatment.

Thank you again and wishing you continued recovery