What are the side effects of radiation treatment?
Cathy B., Ontario, Canada: Despite being told of the possible side effects of my radiation treatment, I found I wasn’t truly prepared. In retrospect, I think much of it was ‘glossed’ over. I was told I would experience issues with my bowels. I did and still do, one and one-half years later. I first experienced ‘loose’ bowels about four weeks into treatment. Up until a few months ago, mornings meant staying close to home because the urge to void is fast and furious! For months after radiation I had lower back and leg aches. No one could truly offer an explanation for it, but I sense that much of what I felt was nerve and tissue damage. Bending or squatting down was especially painful. Being fast-forwarded through menopause has a huge impact for many of us, especially if we are not in the traditional ‘age range’ for it. Sterility is another. These are two very big, life-affecting losses. I sought out emotional support for these issues especially and found it helpful.
The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the radiation dose and the area being treated. Many patients will complete their therapy with few or no side effects at all. Generally, the side effects of treatment are limited to the area being treated. You will notice, however, that you may tire more easily when you are getting treatment. Radiation therapy can cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells and platelets in a patient’s blood. If this is a possible effect for your treatment, you will need periodic blood tests which your physician will monitor. Before you begin treatment, your radiation oncologist will explain all of the common side effects to you. If you notice anything unusual or are experiencing some of the mentioned side effects, tell your physician or nurse. Many of these problems can be controlled with medication or diet. A number of information sheets will be made available to you regarding nutrition, activity level, skin care, and other topics of importance t
Cathy B., Ontario, Canada: Despite being told of the possible side effects of my radiation treatment, I found I wasn’t truly prepared. In retrospect, I think much of it was ‘glossed’ over. I was told I would experience issues with my bowels. I did and still do, one and one-half years later. I first experienced ‘loose’ bowels about four weeks into treatment. Up until a few months ago, mornings meant staying close to home because the urge to void is fast and furious! For months after radiation I had lower back and leg aches. No one could truly offer an explanation for it, but I sense that much of what I felt was nerve and tissue damage. Bending or squatting down was especially painful. Being fast-forwarded through menopause has a huge impact for many of us, especially if we are not in the traditional ‘age range’ for it. Sterility is another. These are two very big, life-affecting losses. I sought out emotional support for these issues especially and found it helpful. I was surprised to f
