How can I help my husband with pain after radiotherapy?

  • 3 replies
  • 48 subscribers
  • 300 views

My husband has just finished his course of radiotherapy and this last couple days mainly today he's struggling to eat as its so painful in his oesophagus.. At what point do we ask about a food tube into stomach? He's lost 2 kg and we know he needs to ensure he stays fit for surgery.  He has one more chemo left on Tuesday. We're about 6 weeks prior to the op. He was reluctant to take paracetamol/ibuprofen.  Do these painkillers help and are they ok to take? 

  • After radiotherapy I was prescribed a liquid formulation of local anaesthesia and antacid for pain relief as well as liquid paracetamol. I was advised that taking the paracetamol in this form and before a meal helps. 

  • Thank you that's really helpful.  How long did the pain last when eating? 

  • In my case, I tolerated both radiotherapy and brachytherapy well and did not need to use any pain relief medication. We are all different. I was responding to let you know that paracetamol is ok to take and there may be other options for your husband.

    Hope he recovers from his radiotherapy quickly x