Radiotherapy

Hi Can, I had radiotherapy (x 25) last year (April-May) and I didn’t feel anything like that, and I’m not aware of either of those things being usually associated with pelvic radiotherapy though it can vary from person to person  (it’s usually bowel related stuff which I had mildly during weeks 4 and 5). How are you feeling about treatment - are you anxious at all? I’d recommend telling them today when you go for your treatment so that they can advise you. What will likely happen is that they will note it and the duty registrar may come to have a chat with you. You may also be due anyway to have a first review soon to see how you’re doing. Are you using any cream or lotion on that area at all? (I was advised not to) Also, I was also advised to make sure I was eating enough during treatment as it’s important to get the calories in as our bodies need more during radio. I always took a snack to eat straight afterwards as I was driving home - usually crisps and a piece of fruit - and had chocolate or ice cream when I got home (my appointments were mostly late afternoon/early evening), I did also change my diet to the guidelines in the radiotherapy leaflet they gave me. 

Hi Can,  I had radiotherapy 5 years ago.  I started to feel nauseous and had the runs by the 3rd day of treatment.  I was told the same as you that it could take a couple of weeks but not for me!  I took anti-sickness meds and Loperamide (Immodium) prescribed by the hospital.  It continued all the way through although the medication helped.  I have heard of other people too having early side effects.  I already have Irritable Bowel Syndrome and think that possibly that might have contributed to it and I have long term side effects/damage too but not everyone does.  I kept to a bland diet during treatment, and I cut out coffee mainly because I didn't fancy it.  Hopefully they will give you some meds and it will help you.  I didn't have any problems with my skin but they gave me Aqueous cream to use in case I did.  Also, drink plenty of water!

Hugs, Lesley xx

Hi Lesley,

thanks so much for your reply. Been really helpful to know that I might not just imagening it. The nurses said to keep watching.

Best Can xx

Can, have you adjusted your diet at all for the radiotherapy as it might help. 

Hello- I had tingly skin pretty much from the start but it never progressed to anything more. I had 25 daily treatments. Felt nauseous and slight diarrhoea from 2/3 rd treatments. Was given anti sickness and anti diarrhoea meds which helped me get through to the end of the treatment. One of the radiotherapists caught me on a bad tummy day and gave me different meds that got things more under control, Good Luck with your treatment. 25 sessions feels a lot when you first start but I found I soon got into a routine

Hi MarmiteFan59 

Haven't done anything regarding diet. I eat very healthy anyway apart from cake  and chocolate, which my Oncologist said is fine. She also advised to drink a lot of water.

What diet advise were you given?

Xx

Hi Can, it was on the pelvic radiotherapy leaflet that my CNS gave me - basically (from memory), white bread rather than brown, and not seeded, no more than two pieces of fruit per day, steering away from brassicas, if jacket potatoes then not to eat the skins  -  and to keep up the calories so was told to eat chocolate, cake and ice cream in the evening if necessary! I used to also take a snack with me to eat straight in the car after each treatment session - crisps and a banana usually.

Ah interesting. I didn't get the brachy info. Will see the team next week. Will look at taking some food stuff out of the diet then. I have gained at least 1 kg per chemo and after a week of radio still gaining weight so probably shouldn't up the calories too much yet.  

Hi Can, it wasn’t on the brachy info. I had 25 x external beam then 2 x brachy and the dietary advice was in the external beam pelvic radio leaflet.

Well I’ve found the online link to the leaflet, and some of it is on there (and things I forgot to add). I think it was my oncologist who added to it and told me about the bread, potato skin and the fruit, www.uhs.nhs.uk/.../Preparation-for-radiotherapy-treatment-to-the-female-pelvis-2093-PIL.pdf