Cisplatin & radio/brachytherapy side effects

Hi 

I did the same regime as you and started it mid dec last year . I used cold cap during the induction chemo so I was lucky to not lose much hair . The cisplatin does not cause hair loss . I could only do 4 out of 6 treatment as my bloods was shot and not recovering well enough although I did have blood transfusion . I was told that would be ok as radiotherapy is main treatment . When I was told it’s radiotherapy for 5 days a week for 5 and bit weeks I was worried it would be to hard . I was having to do it everyday using public transport and it was tiring but it was ok it’s manageable. I fortunately had no problems with my skin being sore from radiotherapy. I had a few bowel problems wind and cramping which I was told was usual but again it was manageable ( I was warned to carry a pair of clean pants and use pads lol ) . Brachertherapy was what I was worried about due to having to lay flat for durations of the rods being in place . The nurses were brilliant at making sure I was comfortable etc . I finished my treatment end of March . I still have a few bowel problems but my oncologist says can sometimes happen . I sit here now being a yr since my diagnosis and I can’t believe how quick this year has gone and have had a clear mri since treatment finished , I will have 3 month checkup and that’s a bit worrying every time a checkup come rounds but glad that they do it regularly. I hope all goes well with your next cause of treatments good luck and ask any questions you have . 
kind regards 

val x 

Hi WelshCake79b3e33d 

It’s good to know you had little side effects from the induction chemo. I didn’t have this, but I did have 32 sessions of external radiation and. 4 out of 5 sessions of Cisplatin chemotherapy.

The side effects I experienced kicked in at the start of week 3 of treatment, and related to the radiotherapy. I was very tired as treatment went on, and suffered from cystitis and diarrhoea. I was given things to help with this. I don’t believe I had any side effects from Cisplatin-I was never sick or even nauseous. Radiotherapy is the main treatment, and I did find it more challenging, but none of my side effects were long term. My diarrhoea and cystitis cleared up quickly after treatment ended 

I was given Diprobase cream to use on my skin, but had no problems at all with my skin during radiotherapy. I used the cream as a moisturiser as my skin did feel very dry, but had no reddening or burning in the treated area at all. Your team should advise what creams to use, as not all are suitable when having radiotherapy.

Some ladies have some side effects, some have none, so it will depend on your individual reaction to treatment once it starts. But feel free to ask any questions as you go along.

I hope this next stage of treatment goes smoothly for you, and you have good results from it.

Sarah xx