Side effects radiotherapy

I cant speak for others but I have similar problems to you because of the radiation, and that was some years ago, and nothing has improved. You dont say if you have a peg which you ought to have. I cant see why the stomach should shrink. There must be something you can drink and eat. Weight loss is quite normal for this and after years I am just about keeping my weight certainly not gaining and no where near where it was before. It gets everyone down, it is a new type of life and not for the better. One has to make the best of it. 

Hi this is hazel I am 2 years post radiotherapy for tonsil cancer with several affected lymph nodes   All I can say is wecare all different but in my case I had a n g feeding tube for 6 weeks 3 during snd 3 weeks after. Eating cane back slowly my pet ct scan was at 18 weeks. I would say I got the light at the end of the tunnel feeling around 6-9 months but I found positive mental attitude helped me I wasn’t going to let cancer define me. I had 35 radiotherapy session s and 3 10 hour chemo sessions. Treatment brutal recovery long but now I am hill walking and riding my bike ok not as far as I used to. I too am 63. 
there is a good article online by a sr at my cancer unit. Dr Peter Harvey After treatment whst happens next. Give it a read it may help. Remember your body’s taken a battering

Hazel x 

Wow that has made me feel worse  if it  gets no  better what was the  point as before treatment I  had a  normal life,  I had a peg  when I was having treatment but this is  six months after treament has finished. 

I think  my  stomach has shrunk because it was not getting the food, the same as it would stretch if someone was to eat lots of food.  I  can't eat hardly anything without it really up setting my stomach, hopefully the scan will  get to the bottom of things. 

Thank you for your reply. 

Hi Hazel 

Thank you for your reply,  I hope my taste comes back but even if it does at the moment my stomach seems to not want food and the smallest amount of food makes my stomach churn for hours after, I hope the scan  I will be  having in a couple weeks will find out what is going on with my stomach and I get some help to start eating again. 

I want to enjoy life and at the moment I am far from doing that, I haven't worked since January. 

Andrew. 

Good evening Keavan1, please do not be so downbeat, you are well on the road to recovery and i can assure you there is light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, you and your body will learn to adapt to the new "you " and your eating will slowly get better as well as drinking it just takes time to get the taste buds on track. Most people lose weight after treatment but you must at least drink that food supplement the hospital gives you, but you could ask to try a different company if you don't eat or drink you will be straight back in hospital as they are very strict with weight loss, i have known off quite a few on here that have been re-admitted, the stomach will shrink but in time it will gradually get back to normal, its because its not been used properly for nearly 6 months. Being off work since Jan is not unheard of as I was off for 6 months after my first cancer of the mouth, everyone's recovery is different some are quick yet most are fairly slow. 

     I can tell you that in a years time you will be a different person, its not easy and it can get us down having good and bad days along the way but, with positive thoughts im sure you will start to see things change for the better. We are right behind you and will offer support and encouragement along the way. All the best, stay strong.

                                                                                             Chris 

Hi Keavan1. Don’t despair - the 6 months after treatment are the worst - many of us find the radio (or chemoradio) very brutal treatment, but are partially prepared for the toughness of it. But the after-effects are something else, about which we are not usually warned as effects are so varied. I’m so sorry your eating has been so affected as this is such an essential part of recovery as well as being one of life’s pleasures - when you can do it! Please do ask/demand some help from the Dietician and your Team in general. Make sure they see you F2F and talk at length about how you can put some weight on. You appetite and eating ability will improve, albeit at their own speed. Until then keep persevering - look upon food as medicine to help your recovery.

I know very well how dramatic the changes to one’s life are after treatment - I was reeling at your stage. How could I go back to work when I took an hour to eat a small lunch, had little strength or stamina and couldn’t move from room to room without drinking water. So I didn’t go back to work for 11 months, not until I was ready. I would add that I referred myself to a Macmillan Counsellor at my hospital and she helped enormously in my recovery - I was so stunned by what my life was like and not dealing with it well, and talking to a Counsellor was v useful - something to consider.

So yes - there is life at the end of the tunnel and you are currently at the darkest part. I’m 2.5 years post-treatment and back in my old job and enjoying life, with some compromises, but doing what I want to do. I think the key for you is to ask for some support from your team - help with eating, support to move towards getting back to work (not too soon) and maybe some assistance  from a Counsellor. You’ve been through a lot and you can’t be expected to just ‘get on with it”.

Very best wishes,

Hilary

Hi Hilary 

You hit the nail on the head when it comes to how I feel,  thank you for your reply,  I  am  sorry  this  reply  short as I just had a bath and feel as if I  am  going to pass out so laying down for a while. 

Had half piece of small brown toast this morning washed down with water, will have a build up drink soon. 

Thanks again for your support. 

Andrew. 

Hi  Chris thanks for your reply and words of encouragement, this reply short as I have just worn myself out having a bath so laying down resting. Thanks again. 

Andrew. 

Hi Keavan. 
Hilary has said it the best. 
I get the impression you are on your own? Sorry if that’s wrong. 
I certainly would be worrying my dietician. Having somebody listen to you and offer proper constructive help makes the journey not only easier but gives life a reason.
You might approach your GP for some antidepressants while you organise some counselling. There no shame in it. Us OP patients have been through a lot and while we look normal inside that’s the last thing that we are..... for a while. 
You will get some of your taste back though it might not be in HD anymore and your saliva will recover enough to keep you comfortable. 
I have an article on acupuncture in my blog. It’s a protocol for xerostomia. It might give you food for thought.
Meanwhile  try  mint free/sugar free chewing gum to get your remaining salivary glands going. 
Good luck. You will get there 

Hi Beesuit,

No i am not on my own ,my wife has also got cancer altough she seems to be doing well, eating well and doing everything right.

I on the other hand have no energy and can not eat barly anything,I am having a phone call from the dietician on Monday and a pet scan in the next couple of weeks.

I have seen on here that acupuncture can help although this is out of the question having been on sick pay since January I can not afford that. Hopefully things with change soon once I have my scan to find out what is going on in my stomach, the trouble is as you know no-one can see you what with the lockdown so they can not really see how bad things are.

Andrew.

ARH