Infections etc after radiotherapy

Hello Michael MichaelR 

Radiotherapy treatment has the side effect of weakening your immune system so you are more prone to pick up colds etc. I was told it can take up to 18 months to recover completely.

The fatigue is another side effect - the answer - exercise. 

I was also told to exercise more (HT has helped me put on weight) Eat well and avoid anyone who has any illness.

I hope this helps and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi, 

I am in the midst of 37 fractions of RT, and I relate to the fatigue. 

My method of dealing with it is to have a plan - when to get up, what to do, and plan the day around the radio therapy. 

She I get back I have a kip on the sofa.

Sets me up for an afternoon of semi production. 

I think that RT beats you up somewhat, and you have to give it time to heal. 

Keep slogging on! 

Steve

Hi MichaelR ,

Yes and yes! It's nearly six years since I completed my 20 sessions of RT in March 2019 and I still remember the fatigue and the infections. Before the RT I was very active as a volunteer gardener with the NTS, kayaking, walking and rowing; but after it finished I was completely flat. A few weeks post-RT my friends from the rowing club noticed that I wasn't doing much and formed a rota to take me out for a walk every day. we managed just a few hundred yards at first but were soon walking several miles every day.

I also remember the ear infections (particularly nasty as I have to wear hearing aids), but they were soon sorted out by the GP with a course of antibiotics and no hearing aids for two weeks. That bit was rather a nuisance but everyone soon learned to shout at me!

I am now well over 77 and try to walk at least 5 miles every day, swim a mile twice a week (in the pool) and go rowing as often as I can. In 2024 I walked, swam and rowed a total of just over 2,000 miles, so there's light at the end of the tunnel for you. It's not an easy road but you can do it.

I hope your recovery continues to improve.

Salvage radiotherapy 4 months ago, I cannot kick a mild phlegmy cold. Reading was my solution to fatigue!