Radiotherapy side effects - suffering

P.s diarrhoea is the main problem - not constipation.

Hi KT89 

I only had radiotherapy as 5 sessions for symptom control but I had the same symptoms. It was like electric shocks spasms and very intense. I was advised to clean the area after each toilet visit and use zinc based cream and I used sudocrem, which started to ease it slowly and it took a few weeks to clear.

I would get advice on creams from the radio team first though as I'm not sure if zinc creams can be used if your radio is still ongoing. You could also get advice from the nurses on the Macmillan helpline, this is the link to contact https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/contact-us

Hope this helps but get medical advice first.

A x

Thank you  

Yes that is exactly the type of pain and it is like a burning too.

I would love to be able to use Sudocrem but not allowed for me apparently. It is great stuff.

I am relieved to hear it did eventually clear as this is surprisingly difficult to manage. I wake up in the night needing the loo too.

Thanks for your reassuring reply.

Are you allowed to use Drapolene, a friend had radiotherapy for anal cancer and she said it helped....

Hello B74 

I will ask about that.

Thank you 

Sorry you’re having this problem KT89 - don’t use anything containing zinc, which I believe Sudocrem does. Not sure about Drapolene and metal?  Anything containing metal is advised against. Have you checked your diet again? Maybe the jacket potato skins and satsumas need to go? I used WYPE gel on the toilet paper after wiping and it was very soothing, plus meant I wasn’t having to wipe so often. I had bloating and urgency, and slight looseness but not diarrhoea thankfully but the WYPE greatly reduced the amount of wiping needed which reduced the risk of external soreness. Wype was originally on Dragons Den! 

Hi Kim

I am sorry to hear that you are having such uncomfortable side effects with the radiotherapy. 

When you have your next appointment maybe ask about tenesmus and whether this could be part of the cause. If it is they can give you something to help. I did not have this but remember them asking about it. What you are describing is similar to how they explained it to me.

With the pain and diarrhoea you could ask about whether codeine phosphate could help. I was prescribed this for the diarrhoea but it would also have a pain relieving effect. 

With the soreness I wonder if they can recommend anything to put in your bath to help with the soreness- an emollient type preparation. 

For most people most of the side effects from the radiotherapy will start to ease a few weeks after the radiotherapy has ended. 

Well done for getting to the half way stage, talk to your radiotherapists about how you are feeling as there is so much that they can do to help with the unpleasant side effects. 

Jane

Hi MarmiteFan59 

Yes the satsumas and potato skins days are well over!

Everything is much more bland and boring these days.

Will check out WYPE gel 

Thank you

Thank you Jane - much appreciated  

This exacerbation started at the same time as increased nausea and loss of appetite.

It is a case of grin and bear it and get to the end with as much help as possible.

My sympathies go out to anyone else struggling with this.