Radiotherapy side effects

Is his team aware of how he's feeling?  You should definitely let them know so they can delay the next cycle if necessary (and so he doesn't turn up on the day only to get sent home).

Generally speaking, side effects of chemo are cumulative and will worsen each cycle.  It's important that his team knows about them so they can manage them.

Thanks for responding it’s much appreciated. Yes we will let them know. I didn’t realise the side effects would get worse each cycle but I suppose that makes sense. After the last cycle his haemoglibin was low and they offered a blood transfusion for a quick fix but he decided against it and took iron tablets instead. Has anyone else had a transfusion and did it help?  Many thanks x

Hi Tessa B  radiotherapy fatigue can continue for weeks after treatment has finished, but as Lolie has suggested it is best to speak to his team about it. I hope all goes well with his next round of chemo/immunotherapy x 

Thanks Chelle   Big hugs to you x

I had a blood transfusion after one of my cycles.  My haemoglobin was still on the lowish side afterwards but not low enough to delay my next cycle.  My understanding is that it takes several weeks for iron tablets to do their thing.

Hi Tessa

Low blood counts were my only side effect from the chemo. I had transfusions after both my 3rd and 4th cycles of chemo.  On each occasion I could barely walk down the hospital corridor to the transfusion room as I felt so weak; 2 units later I was almost skipping back to the car.  Did they help, oh yes, yes, yes. 

I had asked my consultant if taking iron supplements would help, and the answer was a resounding "No".

Hope this helps a bit.

Kegsy x

Hi I also had radiotherapy to the spine one week ago. Only now feeling the fatigue but I am coping by learning to rest something I resist all the time. Been fortunate I think as other aide effects are minimal. It has certainly helped with the pain. I suppose we all react differently. I hope your husband feels the benefits soon.

Thanks everyone. He was given his chemo as his bloodcount hadn’t gone down any further. However they said if it gets any lower they will advise a transfusion. Hopefully he will listen to them next te. I’m building him up with all the Irin rich foods but I know the chemo will zap it all away again but fingers crossed his level will remain the same . All keep yourselves well