Suggestions for pain and exhaustion 2 weeks after radiation to C3?

[Verbena1]

Hi, I had 5 radiotherapy sessions with cyberknife on the C3 about 2 weeks ago. I noticed after the 1st session that the pain on the right side of my neck got more and more intense, from my neck down through my right shoulder. On day 4 I didn’t think I could make the last session, but I was pressured into finishing - I finished the last session and was told there would be some inflammation for a bit.

It’s been 2 weeks and the pain keeps getting more intense. For the last few days, all I do is sleep. I’ve had radiation before, but never had this reaction. It’s to the point where the only time I get a small bit of relief is when lying down.

I don’t like to take pain killers (especially opioids, they make me feel bad) but I don’t know what to do. Does anyone have any input or helpful suggestions on what worked for you?

I have a pretty high tolerance for pain but it feels like this pain and aching will never go away!

[Kerryd22]

I’ve had radiation to the vertebrae but I didn’t have this reaction. As you don’t like opioids but you have intense pain you could try an external cream like Voltaren. An elderly friend who didn’t like taking pain relief said she found Deep Heat on her spine was effective.

They’re both easy to get OTC so that’s an advantage if you’re housebound currently.

I hope you find relief quickly as pain is so debilitating.

All the best

Kerry

[Verbena1 in reply to Kerryd22]

Thanks Kerry! I haven’t heard of it, I’ll be asking for it -

[life8888]

Have you tried zyrtec? I take it because of muscle and bone pains and aches from abraxane. I've slept a lot to recover from radiation in the past, but I found that if I go for a walk or do theraband exercises my fatigue gets much better. I hope you can find a way to manage your pain so that you can be more active and accelerate your recovery!

[Verbena1 in reply to life8888]

Thanks for the info!

I haven’t tried Zyrtec but I’ll try anything - I did try Claritin for bone pain because I was told that the loratadine in that + some other allergy meds helps but that one hasn’t worked for me lately.

[life8888 in reply to Verbena1]

Yea Claritin doesn't work for me either.

[NPmary]

I Know this does Not match up with your feelings but if you can repeat to yourself that this is not forever that while we live everything changes. I would talk to the radiologist about what he expects, how long the inflammation may last, when is the next scan, what's the desired outcome. When inflammation happens in the spine there is swelling and no room for it - it hurts. Take the pain med if you have too. For the indescribable deep fatigue that radiation brings - I know of nothing for it. Rest because you have too and you will still get up fatigued. But it will lessen and one day be gone. Your pain should change and lessen.Best, Mary.

[Verbena1 in reply to NPmary]

Will do, and thanks Mary. Good advice 🌸

[Coolcat122]

Talk to your Dr about the pain and inflammation. When I got the radiation in my spine I also had pain due to infammation and he gave me specific inflammation medicine which helped. The swelling went down and I felt much better. All the best to you

[Verbena1]

Glad to hear that, maybe there is something I can take for the inflammation- sounds like it was useful for you, hope you’re doing well

[awesome4ever]

So sorry you are experiencing this. Fatigue is almost a given after radiation treatments and usually starts about 2 weeks after your sessions end so it sounds like you are right on track with that. Be kind to yourself and do gentle exercises (such as a walk outside) and rest when you need to. It will pass.

As for the pain as others have said that would be due to the fact that radiation causes inflammation to the area. I assume you took dexamethasone(steroid) at the beginning of your treatments and generally for a few days after. This helps keep the inflammation down.

I would caution against putting creams such as Voltaren directly onto the radiated tissue/bone areas. Voltaren is great but I would definitely check with your radiation oncologist before using it. Don't be afraid to take pain killers if you need them but if able an anti-inflammatory like Motrin or similar may be beneficial.

I've had radiation to spine before...but not cyberknife so that could be what is causing the intense pain. Maybe ask them for guidance around what is appropriate aftercare after cyberknife. Radiation in itself causes much inflammation so I would expect having cyberknife at the same time would be traumatic to the area and your body's defense mechanisms are working overtime to fight it.

Take care and I hope it gets better soon.

[Verbena1 in reply to awesome4ever]

🙏 Thanks, that’s good to know that it tends to get worse around this time…I thought I was losing it! I’ll ask about the topicals too, I don’t want to make any bad moves - appreciate it, very helpful~

[Hopeful4Cure]

I feel your pain. I don't like taking extreme pills either. As I have mentioned in the past, I use rso oil and coconut oil in a clear capsule for suppository use. Just past your sphincter muscle. That way you will get the benefits and not the thc feeling. Ice packs to lessen the inflamation with lemongrass and peppermint essential with a carrier of olive oil. A dab of pepperment only on your crown will take care of your headache. My doc also prescribed celebrex if all else fails.

[Verbena1 in reply to Hopeful4Cure]

great, I’ll definitely try the peppermint, thanks~

I do have the rso oil but have been told to make sure to do it by mouth as well…so much info out there!

[Hopeful4Cure in reply to Verbena1]

Yeah, I tried it via oral and even the tinniest bit, like a half a grain of rice, gave me the thc feeling and I did not like it. I use maybe 200mg with coco oil in a clear capsule and it works well.