radiotherapy

[arthurpops]

could anyone set my mind at rest as regards the side effects of radiotherapy as i am due to start a course shortly. Thanks

[Appletree25]

Hi, l finished a short course of 5 sessions on my lung and also the lacrimal gland behind my eye two weeks ago. Actual treatment was absolutely fine, l did get tired, needed a daytime sleep which isn’t normal for me and had a small rash on my chest, the main side effect was an increased cough and slight lung pain and loss of appetite. I was given cough medicine, anti sickness tablets and take paracetamol but now two weeks later those side effects have gone apart from a very slight cough, so only on paracetamol but that is more for hip and back pain from bone mets. Good luck and don’t be afraid to ask the radiotherapy team they couldn’t have been nicer.

[Hidden]

Hi Arthur pops, I had 10 sessions of radiotherapy early January at 30 gy on my lungs, median lymph nodes and one in the neck. Treatments are painless and I had no fatigue issues. However right at the end my oesophagus was in a bad way and struggled to eat and drink for 2 weeks. Steroids did sort that out. My back was very sore and itchy and hydrocortisone cream did the trick and it is now clear. Still have light oesophagus pain at night but mild and nothing else. So do not fear and hope it works well for you.Chanie

[scraapi]

I was diagnosed last June with cancer in my spine which is where the pain is and a scan showed primary cancer in my lung. Anyway 4 days in I had a 5 day course of radiotherapy on my back, Apart from being tired I had no other side effects.I wish you well with yours x

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Arthurpops

Welcome to the forum where as you can see from the replies, there is plenty of support and encouragement.

Radiotherapy treatments are painless and the staff are great in providing advice and support during and after your treatment.

This link will take you directly to our booklet on radiotherapy and what to expect with side effects and recovery: roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

Everyone responds differently, and most side effects can be managed well.

This link takes you to our booklet on 'Managing lung cancer symptoms' roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

If there is anything you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600

Hope all goes well for you.

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Hidden]

Hi Arthur opsRadiotherapy is very targeted and pinpoints exactly where to put the markers on your body. It is very effective. You will go under a CT scan and the consultant will discuss the results. It can sometimes give you a sore throat and cough.

Hope this help.

Let me know how things go.

Pam

[arthurpops in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that, I may be getting ahead of myself here but after how many treatments do you begin to notice an improvement in your health?