Question about radiation after chemo - Lymphomas Message Board

singer78 · 06-11-2007, 10:16 PM

Hi...
I was wondering how many people have had radiation treatments, following chemo. On this forum, the friends that I've made, thus far, seemed to all have been treated with chemo, only. I have Hodgkin's stage 2A, and was told by my Oncologist that I will receive the "smallest" amount of radiation, targeting 'only' those spots necessary. I've had a few people already respond to this particular question, and was wondering if anyone has experienced it firsthand. I'd love to hear from you--or anyone that has any knowledge about it.
I'm not quite sure what to expect with radiation, although I've heard it tires you out and makes you appear "reddish." I should probably do some research online, but to tell you the truth, I'm fed-up with researching. Prior to my diagnosis, for 2 to 3 weeks, that's ALL I did 24/7.....some sites out there, tend to scare me---so, I'd actually rather hear it from this forum. Besides, this is one-on-one. I've gotten invaluable info from here---not to mention how many lovely people I've met. Thanks. S.

tybalt · 06-12-2007, 07:07 AM

I had fifteen radiation treatments after being diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma in 2001. My malignant node was on the right side of my neck, which is a very sensitive area. I felt no side effects until the 10-12th treatment. Then I began experiencing burning, like a really awful sunburn. There are medications and ointments to help you cope. I didn't begin feeling tired until my last two treatments. The tiredness passed about a week after my last treatment. The worst part was that my skin took on a purplish red tinge which took a few months to disappear. Overall, though radiation was not as bad as I'd feared and certainly better than a lot of stories I've heard about chemo. All the best in your battle. I'm now still cancer free, fingers crossed and God willing, I'll remain in remission.

BeachJen · 06-12-2007, 08:07 AM

Singer,

I had 8 sessions of total body radiation before my transplant. It was 2x a day for 4 days. They had to kill every bit of cancer cells and needed to suppress the function of the stem cells in preparation for the transplant.

Most people don't need this much but I'm hoping that you don't. I still look like a purple ogre but hopefully in time it wil fade. Compared to the ICE chemo I had it was a walk in the park.

singer78 · 06-12-2007, 09:07 AM

Hi Tybalt & Jen (& others)
After my chemo (which is actually just beginning) my Oncologist has me scheduled for one month totally "off" (the sound of that sounds terrific!) but, then the following month, I will have radiation, only on the small, targeted areas, 5 X a week / weekends off / for one month! A total of 20 treatments. So far, I haven't heard anyone on this forum discuss this amount.
My Oncologist assured me, after I told him about a friend here (Linda) warning me of the risks of radiation (as well as chemo) said he's used this particular combo with wonderful results...as in "curable."
I've mentioned before, I love my Oncologist. I'm seen him mentioned on "patient's" websites, as a doctor they recommend and love in my area---I'm also falling in that category. I think he's somewhat "cutting edge" and very thorough--but, that still doesn't keep me from wondering if I'm doing the right thing.
I don't understand why radiation causes tiredness? I understand the "redness." Linda (from this forum) stated there's a risk of secondary cancers---and that's the reason for this posting.
Anyway, congrat's to you both, as well as anyone reading this who is in remission--or hopefully cured. I know this is a long haul & I'm trying to remain as upbeat as possible. Ails (our great comedian on here) has taught me that. Humor can get you a long way in beating cancer---as well as "life" in general.

BeachJen · 06-12-2007, 05:18 PM

Singer enjoy that month off.

I did a lot of research when I was first diagnosed and thought that was almost the "norm". But I wasn't responding to the chemo and decided to take the loooooooooooooooooong way in being in remission.

I really don't know if I was tired from the radiation or just the whole mess. I hope you breeze right through it and these weeks fly by for you.