Radiotherapy questions

Hi, I had a 5 week course of radiotherapy, 5 days a week, last year and I was lucky and had no nausea. Towards the end of treatment the pain started, and continued for a coupke of weeks, but they gave me strong painkillers and a medicine to swallow before meals that coats and numbs the area. I also had medication for sickness a and diarrhoea but didn't need those.

The staff were very good, explained everything that they were doing and what to expect.

Everyone reacts differently, but they do warn you of all possible side effects. Just let them know while you are there how it is affecting you and they can help.

I hope it all goes well for you

Sharon 

Thank you Sharon. Hope you are doing well.

I might also be having a course of radiotherapy over the next few weeks so any feedback is very helpful..

Perhaps we can compare notes as to what we are experiencing.  Anyway best luck to you once your treatment starts.

I forgot to mention I did have to wear a mask that they made for me. This is just to help you keep still during treatment. It is moulded to your face and attaches to the bed. So you may have one of those , I think it depends where the cancer is located and mine is very high up.

Sharon 

Hi. Just wanted to send you my best wishes as you start your treatment. I am a similar age to you and had 5 weeks radiotherapy back in 2023 along with chemo. It is not sensible for me to advise you on the effects because we all react differently. I was fine until week 5 but then got very sore for the next couple of weeks. My adverse  symptoms were more owing to the effectc of the chemo. and that was a rather different story. Your Upper GI nurse specialists will help you with any problems you have and my advice is to stay in regular contact with them if you have any issues of concern. Hope all goes well for you. 

Thank you so much for your reply to my post.  I do hope things are positive for you after your treatments.  Can I ask were the chemo and radiotherapies given at the same time, or on another day  ?  Poor you, having both.  One of my friends has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and she has to have the two. All the best to you.

Hi again. I was on a preop. treatment protocol of 23 radio and 5 chemotherapy sessions carried out concurrently. I understand this protocol was developed in Holland. At the time I wrongly assumed that all people heading to an Ivor Lewis operation received the same treatment schedule. It was only when I came onto this site some months later after my operation that I realised that a number of different protocols existed. I also realised at that point when I started to read some of the more difficult stories here that I had been extremely fortunate in my outcome. My purpose on being on the site is to try and give encouragement to those just starting out on this difficult scary journey. 

Thank you for reaching out to others like myself.  Do hope your treatments have paid off and you are doing well now.