Meeting with Radiologist - Lymphomas Message Board

singer78 · 06-27-2007, 08:51 AM

I thought I'd start a new thread, in case anyone has any suggestions for me.
I have a consultation with my Radiologist in a little while, and I am a little pensive. I've read many posts where radiation does seem to be a "follow-up" to chemo---in my case 20 sessions (5 daily with weekends off, for one month, following chemo).
Linda from this forum, has armed me with lots of questions--so, I'm ready in that respect, but I still am leery of all the side effects I've read, plus I'm worried about secondary cancers.
I'm feeling better today (post 5 days after chemo) and I'm sooo hoping I can bounce back some. I think it was the Neulasta and Procrit (?) that "set me back some" in my side effect-department....my poor aching body.
It's odd---they give you all these "poisons," and then give you med's to treat all these side effects. It's "Catch 22," --if you know what I mean.
Anyway, to all who's reading this, have a great day.
We're having lovely weather in the Northeast--almost picture-perfect! I intend to enjoy it as much as possible. When I'm feeling better, my bicycle is waiting!

HUGS!

Nassau one · 06-27-2007, 10:54 AM

That's the way to think!

As to the radiation, I have heard that it is very effective if the node(s) are in an area that can be radiated...mine are not. It is sad that we feel worse from the treatment than we do from the cancer but remember it is all in a good cause. It might take time to feel better once treatment is finished but it will happen. I found I was a bit impatient with myself and just had to give myself time....I now feel absolutely perfect!

Love,

Ails · 06-27-2007, 11:45 AM

Hiya

I never had radiation therapy - when it came to the end of my treatment my team felt it wasn't necessary!!

I too am in the northeast (albeit in another country) and I am soooo sick of the rain - it's freezing cold (11 0c) - where's my summer? No fair, I want my money back!!!

How are you feeling today?

Ails xx

singer78 · 06-27-2007, 03:12 PM

Thank you Alison & Ails,
I always love hearing from you.
I had my meeting with my Radiologist. He's a younger man (30's) and very informative...answered all my questions, and most of all --put me at ease.
I will have radiation only on certain areas (which I already knew) but, he explained in detail where they will be targeted. It only lasts 10 - 15 min. each session, but they're daily, 5 days a wk. It's funny--when I asked him "how does radiation kill cancer cells exactly?" He said, "We really don't know." I found that refreshing AND kind of sad, that technology has come so far--yet, they really DON'T know fully. At least he was being honest with me.
He said (after looking at my x-rays) that I caught my Hodgkin's at the very beginning, and he's seen excellent results with the treatment I'm having. So, I'm hopeful once again. Of course, I LOVE hearing the word, "cure" which he used. So, thanks for asking....it was a positive meeting, although I'm still aware of certain risks involved.
We stopped on the way home & actually ate at a restaurant! I didn't think I was up to it, because now (here at home) I'm not quite as good---I still think I'm feeling the aftermath of those shots to boost my blood count. Yuck. From what I understand, I will have to receive them again. Bah-humbug. It's like adding insult to injury. Oh well....I need to focus on the "getting well" part, that you wonderful people keep reminding me.
I have a while to recoup---so, this is always a welcome time, even in the midst of a few aches & pains.
As always, thanks for asking & hope you have better weather, Ails.
It's actually too hot and humid today---we could use some rain.