topic Re: side effects of radiation in Treatments and side effects

side effects of radiation

lambshank — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 10:00:18 GMT

Hey, I am new to all of this, (though I have had cancer before) I have just finished radiation for throat cancer and was wondering if anyone had any tips on eating, if I ever see another smoothie it will be too soon but I can't swallow even with painkillers and Novocain, also have problems coughing up blood and phlegm.

Re: side effects of radiation

Jules2 — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 02:15:10 GMT

Hiya What about eggs, tinned spaghetti, soup? Soluble aspirin before eating? A soup might be your best option at this stage and maybe blend it before eating. Hope some of those help you out. It does get better albeit a tad slowly. Julie

Re: side effects of radiation

lambshank — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 03:09:18 GMT

Thanks Julie, I have tried some of those things, and will continue to persevere, but unfortunately my taste has changed too, and some things I think I'm going to enjoy taste really disgusting, but I'm trying to avoid a feeding tube if possible

Re: side effects of radiation

Jules2 — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 03:14:52 GMT

Yw lambshank ... just keep persevering. I lost my taste buds and looked upon eating as my "job". It kind of made it easier to tap into a work ethic, rather than trying to think it through at all. I had a feeding tube but only used it before treatment, not during or after. Just keep experimenting, it becomes a toss up between taste and what your mouth will tolerate but eventually you will hit on something that is a winner. I found omellettes particularly handy as they could be plain, with cheese, with vegetables (frozen were the best as they soften easier). Julie

Re: side effects of radiation

lambshank — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 05:55:14 GMT

I agree Jules, the longer you go without food the less you feel like eating, so it takes a greater effort and does feel like "work" I like omelettes, and at least you can vary the taste a bit, think I'll treat myself to a one from the Chinese when I go to town tomorrow

Re: side effects of radiation

Jules2 — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 07:33:29 GMT

lambshank ... I generally have an omelette when I go out for lunch at Chinese. Usually ask for extra sauce with it and then I don't have any problems. One thing that is worth looking at also is if you have adequate levels of nutrients. I found out I need to take Vitamin D aswell as magnesium also, plus I take a multi vitamin to cover anything else I am missing in my diet.

Re: side effects of radiation

lambshank — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 08:04:24 GMT

I hadn't thought about vitamin supplements, I think perhaps that's well worth asking about, I avoid the sun at all costs, and there can't be much in water which has been about all I've bothered with, I get exremeley tired very quickly, so a that's a good thought

Re: side effects of radiation

Jules2 — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 08:51:14 GMT

Fatigue is a side effect and probably not much you can do about that except just be kind to yourself and slowly build up your stamina. I did find that the vitamins helped with that once I got to a stage where I could think straight and actually do a little bit physically. I suffered from really bad muscle problems after treatment. I wasn't menopausal as I had a test straight after and was not even peri menopausal, which kind of suprised me. I find I just do not absorb Vitamin D by sunlight ... could be due to cetuximab that I had, not sure really. 🙂

Re: side effects of radiation

loupylass — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:15:06 GMT

I had radiation on my throat six months ago and found the only things I could cope with was scrambled eggs. The hospital dietician told me to get as many calories as possible in my food so I made my eggs with cream and butter and also started taking protein powder in warm milk with some honey as meal supplements stung my mouth/throat too much. Once the pain had subsided I just made sure I had 'gravy' type meals and even now I always have to have plenty of water as my salivary glands at the back of my mouth are shot! Taste buds are also gone so food has become more fuel like rather enjoyable to the degree that chocolate taste absolutely revolting!! Can you believe it! It's quite manageable though and I am quite used to it now.....good luck with the eating though, it is a bit of a struggle but soon gets better.

Re: side effects of radiation

lambshank — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 23:08:38 GMT

Thanks Jules 2 and loupylass, I tasted my coffee for the first time yesterday (all be it lukewarm) but hopefully that's a sign of good things to come), unsure how I will cope with fatigue and going back to work though, I need to make a decision as Iv'e been on leave for ages (had spinal surgery just prior to the cancer diagnosis)I am also requesting tests on my lungs and hope they are not also effected by cancer,the treatment may be free but all the other expenses soon add to the existing concern of the cancer itself

Re: side effects of radiation

loupylass — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 03:31:08 GMT

Good to hear that you are at least enjoying your coffee again...it is quite bizarre how taste buds are affected. A good latte is still my favoured indulgence although it tastes NOTHING like it used to...tea is ok and yet a delicate flavoured herbal tea is absolutely divine! All minor stuff in the broad scheme of things. I was extremely tired and learnt to pace myself and mastered the art of saying NO. I was always the "go to" person if anything needed doing and I just had to learn to gently decline and leave others to sort stuff out for themselves. A lesson for them and a HUGE lesson for me and it's turned out great. I gave up work when I got diagnosed, mainly because I live in rural Australia and my hospital checkups entail a two day trip away from home and at one point that was every two weeks and is still a monthly event. I am extremely lucky that it's not the end of the financial world for us if I don't work but it's an added stress if you do need to work. I wish you all the best in your return to work, I know others on here have started out with a 3 day week and built up from there so maybe you can consider that? Keep in touch and let me know how you're going.

Re: side effects of radiation

Pabs25 — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 05:26:57 GMT

elow ..my father will undergo radiation therapy what should he expect and preparation to do?he has tongue cancer and the pain is severe and he can't eat well now..thanks...

Re: side effects of radiation

Pabs25 — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 05:27:00 GMT

elow ..my father will undergo radiation therapy what should he expect and preparation to do?he has tongue cancer and the pain is severe and he can't eat well now..thanks...

Re: side effects of radiation

lambshank — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 06:49:28 GMT

loupylass, Your right about learning to say no, it's very difficult (I'm admittedly probably a bit of a control freak too!)but I'm learning to sit back and let others do things Iv'e always done myself, I'm madly adding up finances to see if it's possible to give up work, the cost would probably just be my clothes fetish, which in fact I can entirely do without, especially if I'm not going to meetings etc. I live about 3 1/2 hours from my doctor, not as far as you but must this pain under control it's truly debilitating, endone and oxycontin just don't seem keep it in check and only work for a short time, do you experience this also? glad to hear you enjoy your latte, amazing how thrilling little things can be, like tasting coffee...wow

Re: side effects of radiation

lambshank — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 07:01:36 GMT

Pabs25, There isn't a lot he can do in preparation and hopefully the multi disciplinary team and Oncologist will monitor him, if he can manage protein drinks or anything to maintain a healthy weight before radiation is about all I can think of, his mouth will probably blister into the treatment so any weight he can put on now would be helpful,a dietician will see him once treatment begins but if he's already having problems it would be good idea to get some advice now, I found that the neutral flavour hospital strength Sustagen drink was good, he can vary the flavour and also add it to other foods (mashed potato etc) fatigue is a common problem and he may need lots of rest.I am a few weeks out of treatment now but find I still need to break up chores, pace myself, and don,t expect too much, rest is important

Re: side effects of radiation

Jules2 — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 11:41:39 GMT

I tend to disagree a bit ... I believe there is a lot he can do in. He can care for his skin before it gets burnt, which means salt water soaks straight away. He can find out about oral hygiene, bicarb soda and salt water worked well for me and was recommended by my dentist. He may need a peg tube and could discuss this with his oncologist before treatment begins. The drinks such as sustagen are good and fatigue is a factor both during and after treatment. Good luck with it all. Julie

Re: side effects of radiation

loupylass — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 16:19:37 GMT

Although I didn't do any preparation for my radiotherapy I was given absolute first rate information and help by the nursing staff during my treatment. My dentist also recommended the bicarb and salt water and it worked really well (toothpaste would have stung too much anyway) I was given sorbolene for my skin but then was changed to white parafin jelly which was just marvellous! I could not even drink meal replacements as they stung my mouth too much but I did find that whey based protein powder in tepid milk with honey did not sting so bear that in mind later down the track. Just follow all advice given by your medical team as they do know their stuff and make sure you ask for good pain relief if you need it. I just rested and looked after me..both physically and mentally. My treatment is successful and after six months I am beginning to get some saliva back and my neck doesn't ache anymore. Good luck and take care.

Re: side effects of radiation

lambshank — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 10:03:56 GMT

Yes, I agree about the pain management, very important to get a handle on it early and have it reviewed as required, I use Aqueous cream (water based) to keep the area moisturised as I'm very allergic to a lot of things and this is very mild, also a complete dental check, forgot how important it is to have all dental work complete and prevention strategies in place, the use of products such as Biotene and non alcohol based mouth washes

Re: side effects of radiation

Jules2 — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 11:43:40 GMT

Just a bit of a side note here. I experienced all my pain before treatment and once treatment started my pain started to diminish. I ate all through my treatment and had no mouth sores whatsoever. My skin was horribly burnt but I kind of expected that as I have very sensitive neck skin, but we managed to get through and thankful for antibiotics. It does happen this way but probably not the norm, so not wanting to give false hope .. but perhaps a small glimmer. All the best with the upcoming treatment. It is doable but difficult! Julie

Re: side effects of radiation/ spread of cancer

lambshank — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:03:08 GMT

Hi, I just had my records moved from Brisbane to a more local oncologist, a very nice man and also more open to sharing information about my throat cancer, I've been experiencing a more intense pain in the lung area, he has been very honest and expressed concern about a PET scan so soon after completion of radiation, he has also suggested chemo would be a realistic option at this point, I have also recovered from atypical TB which apparently puts me in a high risk area, I have little information and at this point am willing to try anything, has anyone tried complimentary therapy for head and neck cancer? all else appears to be failing, as is my faith in any future, so I am willing to give anything a try at this point