Side effects after treatment

Hi, Brandygirl, well done to your hubby on his treatment. Unfortunately during the recovery after treatment, it throws many challenges at us. I did suffer from a little dizziness from time to time, as for tremors I did have this quite a lot, in fact it was about 6 months before I could do my signature which looked anything how it did before. So these things your hubby is experiencing seem to be par of the course, however if you are worried, mention it to his team. 

All the best to you both.

Regards Ray.

Hi BrandyGirl, 

I think many of us have had these symptoms to a greater or lesser extent. I know I did and I’m still having ongoing issues now, 14 months post treatment. you have my sympathy, especially dizziness, and fatigue which are so uncomfortable and debilitating. 

The good news is it all gets better over time, but the best advice I was given is that any improvements don’t follow a constant upward trajectory (Sorry) things can be unpredictable and frustratingly slow. I think what I’m trying to convey is to take one day at a time and take it easy if you both can, especially as it’s very early days. 

I think definitely speak to your husband’s team about any ongoing symptoms. They might make others referrals if necessary, if not, his GP might be able to help. I’ve had regular blood tests at my GP’s to rule out and keep an eye on a few issues caused by treatment.

I wish you both all the best 
 

Thanks Old Biker for your insight.  At times it is hard to know when to panic and when ignore and just wait and see.  Thats why this forum is so special.

Cheers

Margaret

Hi missFitz

Thank you for your input.  It certainly eases the concerns to know others have had the same or similar symptoms and that it is probably just part of the journey.

I am going to contact his team tomorrow just so that they are aware and see what they suggest.  Our local GPs surgery admit they dont have 'much knowledge' about hubby's cancer treatment and it seems they need to be 'guided' by the MDT at the hospital so probably best to start there.

We both learnt very early on in this journey that we have to take it one step at a time, one day at a time and deal with whatever that day brings.  We then face the next day the same way.  It works for us.

Thanks for your kind thoughts.

Just to let you know I get the dizziness from time to time when I get up and have walked three of four paces, it is bad at the moment as I have the cold thing that is doing the rounds, I can't see any pattern to when it comes on so can't help, I can get really shaky when I do to much that I put down to not being ably to eat allot and I find it difficult to drink as well, a GP when I asked a couple of years ago told me it was dehydration, I don't see a connection between the amount I drink and the spells or how long they last. This isn't much help but the only thing I know is to not overdo things and if you feel it coming on stop before it gets to bad, and with the dizzy spells just lean on something until it's over.

My OH didn't have this problem to any great extent, but it makes sense that balance could be affected by the treatment as it is managed by the inner ear. Tinnitus is a common side-effect of Cisplatin (my OH had that one, and still does to some extent), and that is also inner ear. I also could imagine that the RT might damage the little cilia in the ear which help to govern your sense of balance.

Hi Ron 51

Thanks for your input.  The dizziness is a new symptom for hubby although the low blood pressure isnt.  Hubby is not really doing that much at the moment as the fatigue is quite bad.  From my own point of view I get 'shaky' if I go to long without eating.  I know that dehydration can cause low blood pressure and that can cause dizziness / light-headedness, but thats not an issue as he is drinking quite well.  Going to see GP this afternoon for a check up and will take it from there.

Thanks for your advice.

Hi Alichapp

Thanks for your input.  Interesting about the cilla in the ear.  Hubby has not mentioned tinnitus (he knows about that as I suffer from it due to hearing problems) but he is losing hair from all areas of his body, including his head and even his nasal hair so it is possible that the cilla could have been damaged.  Food for thought.

Cheers

Hi Brandygirl

Just to add to all the helpful comments made so far, do ensure your husband has regular blood tests as well as blood pressure tests.  It is fairly common for people to suffer with underactive thyroid after radiotherapy although this generally becomes apparent a few months after the end of treatment.

All the best to you both.

Linda

Hi Brandygirl. You’ve had some good advice for others, but I wanted to let you know my experience. I had some dizziness in the early weeks after treatment finished, but much less than others had. It quickly resolved so i hope that will be your husband’s experience. However, I had really shaky hands from about 4 weeks after treatment for several weeks. I was quite alarmed by the intermittent tremors, but it slowly improved. I was also incredibly unsteady on my feet and worried that I was going to become prematurely weak, frail & giddy  - happily this was not the case! 

I appreciate that it can be so hard in these early weeks after treatment when new symptoms start to appear that you did not expect and you have no idea whether or not to panic, worry or just soldier on. You’ve done the right thing in asking here, but keep your team informed as well. I hope your husband continues to improve at a steady pace.

Best wishes,

Hilary