Radiation Therapy

I just finished a 3-month chemotherapy treatment. I am scheduled to have the next treatment which is radiation but I am scared to think that I will be injected radiation into my body. The CTscan came out good so why do I need to take a radiation treatment? The oncologist said that if I won't have radiation the cancer will come back. I am on short-term disability from my job and I just received a letter that if I won't go back to work as soon as possible, I will be terminated. During my chemotherapy treatment I had all the bad side effects of chemo. I lost interest in life and I was so depressed and lost self-esteem in spite of having a very supportive and loving family. I need a second opinion on radiation therapy. I would really appreciate it if somebody will talk to me about this. Thank you very much.
hcc

You really should consider the radiation treatment. I have just finished my treatment, and am now in hyperbaric chamber treatment (helps recovery). My treatment was diferent than yours. I had the chemo and radiation at the same time. The chemo as explained to me exposes the cancer cell making the radiation treatment more effective. Good luck.

Alan,

If it is not too personal a question, I would appreciate knowing why you are having the hyperbaric treatments. Does it have anything to do with cancer's inability to withstand oxygen?

I have had 68 dives and feel like a veteran (my dives were not related to cancer).

I'm sorry it has taken me this long to reply. The "dives" done in the chamber are at 45 feet and you breathe 100% oxegen. You do this for 3 thirty periods. It is supposed to help the cells regenerate faster. Has nothing to do with regular scuba diving, different animal there.

Alan,
I firmly believe and also have read many articles tying the use of the chamber to helping restore cells. The dives I made were for gangrene caused by a blood clot; the chamber saved my hand. God bless you and I will watch for your progress---Constance

Hi Alan, I am schueduled for Radiation and Chemo, instead of Surgery and radiation, I have squamous cell carcinoma in the throat, still finding out which to do, how were your side effects with your R & C? Thanks Ron

Hi Ron, First best of luck going forward from here.
Let me give a brief overview of my treatment. Week one and six I had both radiation and chemo. The rest was radiation twice a day. Weeks one and two went pretty smoothly, only minor irritation when swallowing, and an increase in feeling tired. And you start to loose your voice. The third week was the worst time. It was 10 days after chemo stopped and my white blood count went way down. I was neutropenic, which isn't good with an infection that raised my temp to 104+ for a bit. After that week 4,5,went okay. You notice that your neck is swollen and anything by mouth is a no no. Your tongue feels like razor blades on both sides. When you want to yawn don't open your mouth, it will hurt. Your neck is getting blasted and by now you will be able to see where you will never have to shave again. Your neck looks like its been sunburned. Get a cream called "aquaphor" from a CVS or Walgreen’s (16.00 a jar) get the tube if they have it, a little goes a long way. Put the aquaphor on your neck, it helps to keep it from drying up. Also your going to have a problem breathing and here is where the trach comes in handy. Week six is week five only with the chemo again. But this time you know what to expect. Now my only problem is getting to eat again, I feel as if I have a clump of something stuck in my throat and I can't get rid of it, a lot of coughing and spitting junk into a jar. I guess natures recovery time is more than I allowed on my timetable. Still everyday something different and the more it stays the same. Best of luck, hope this gave ya an idea what's coming. Alan

Alan, thank you for your post. My husband has been diagnosed with nasophraynx cancer and will begin treatment in a couple of weeks. He too, will have two chemo treatments along with his radiation treatments just the way you did. I am trying my best to help him keep his spirits up. We are rally afraid. Especially of the radiation treatments. I am glad you have made it through the treatments. How are you doing now? How long has it been since your last treatment?
My prayers are with you.
Rhonda

Hello Ronda,
I'm sorry to hear of another that has gotten this cursed cancer. Yes I did mention the hyperbaric chamber treatments, but more about that later. Has your husband had a PEG feeding tube put in yet? If not you WILL need one. Also a Tracheotomy? This would be really helpful cause breathing is going to be really nasty at times. Now that is out of the way, yes the radiation along with the chemo at the same time is about the worst combo that you can think of. The hyperbaric chamber sessions (called dives) consist of increasing the body pressure to 2.5 atmospheres. Going down to about 45 feet. You are given 100% oxygen to breathe for three hours at half hour intervals with ten min breaks between. The theory being and being a SCUBA diver the theory is sound; the air molecules are compressed small enough to allow twice the air to go into the lungs. Here it is picked up by the red blood cells and taken to the injured area. They also use this on wounds that are hard to heal. But this is all done AFTER the radiation treatment. Best of luck and keep praying.

hi i am currently undergoing radiation (35 total treatments) i am on on treatment # 22 so far i have had minimal side effects some esophageal burning with the feeling of trying to swallow around a lump at the bottome of my throat. I do rad 5 days a week. also am on chemo 8 day cycle on rest of the month off day 1 is 6^ hours day day 2.3.4.5. is 3 hours long day 6 asnd 7 are weekend days then day 8 is 6 hours long i am on cisplatin and Etoposide. I have been lucky and have no wt loss hair loss or nausea from chemo. After i have finished this chemo and radiation i will have a removal of 3/4 of right lung removal of lymph nodes of chest. Hope this helps you Donna