I have Hodgkin's lymphoma, and just finished my chemotherapy (8 cycles/8 months). In 2 weeks, il be having radiation, for 6 weeks. During chemo, I experienced tiredness, nausea, mouth sores, jaw, back, shoulder, bone and muscle pains. Will the side effects be the same for radiation? Thanks.
2006-12-05 13:40:31 · 11 answers · asked by martian26 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Also, ive lost my hair during the chemo, and yes, im bald now, so do i start growing my hair back during radiation?
2006-12-06 04:52:02 · update #1
I had Hodgkins lymphoma a little over a year ago. Congratulations on finishing chemo treatment!! Sounds like you had a long road, but I am glad its coming to an end. For hodgkin's, less radiation is given than many other cancers. For most people with hodgkins disease, radiation is much much easier. There is no nausea, or hair loss (unless there is hair on the area thats being radiated). The main reported side effects for rads is usually redness and sore throat. I didn't have a sore throat and only slight redness, but I did have sharp pain in my neck and shoulders for about two days. The rest of the six weeks seemed pretty much side effect free! Hope you feel better and better now that chemo treatment is over. If you want to talk my email address is madenthe80s@hotmail.com There is also a very cool Hodgkins forum at forums.webmagic.com I talked to lots of other cancer patients and survivors there when I had treatment, made great friends and got great answers to questions
Best wishes!
2006-12-06 16:00:50 · answer #1 · answered by rockn2country 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2005. I had 6 cycles of ACT followed by 30 rounds of radiation. I had a tougher time with chemo. I had body aches, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, and of course, I lost all of my hair (and I do mean all). During radiation I experienced a severe burn (make sure you ask for the cream before you burn) and a little bit of tiredness, but nothing compared to the chemo. As for the hair, mine started coming back in the middle of my radiation. I think it really depends on the kind of chemo you had and how long the interval is between chemo and radiation.
May God bless you as you endure this challenge. I know He did me.
2006-12-06 11:53:46 · answer #2 · answered by leonacary 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chemo absolutely the worst. I had 25 rad. treatments after chemo. There was little discomfort. Sunburn effect, but they have pretty good salve to control that. At times you can feel fatigue, but no where like chemo. The actual treatment is painless & quick, Start to finish maybe 10 mins. You said 6 wks of it, & I think that is where much of the fatigue comes from. Long & drawn out. Every day except for weekends. Travelling back & forth to the hospital. That wore me down. Somehow you get through it, & the end comes. You are definately glad to see that day. Good Luck!
2006-12-08 12:05:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My zofran was my best friend! With that med, the only side efffect I had from chemo was fatigue and as soon as I was feeling better, chemo time again! The rads weren't bad at all. Ruined my taste buds for the longest time, still not completely back yet. The skin on my face and head turned a dirty brown color, never burned me. Lost my hair where rads entered and exited. It's all grown back now, except at the surgery site, where the rads went in. That side of my head is still swollen and the hair will probably never fill in there, but the only noticeable area is the hair in front of my ear. I'll take one sideburn over the alternative anyday! Kisses and hugs to Dave and Sam!!
2016-05-22 22:49:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Congrats on finishing the chemo, that's the worst, and boy do those nasty mouth sores hurt! Did the dr recommend a mouth rinse of any kind? Prevention which is sold at walgreens is really good, so is a mixed dose of benedryl liquid, maalox and lidocaine your doctor can order.
Radiation is not as bad, you will still be tired and achy, and it can burn you, some areas quite badly like a sunburn but it's not as bad as chemo. The dr can give you lotions to use so be sure to ask for them.
Good luck to you.
2006-12-05 14:19:05 · answer #5 · answered by Tina of Lymphland.com 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chemo definitely. Radiation the worst is skin break down, but the Dr. can prescribe cortisone cream for that. And wear old cotton Tee shirts, so your skin doesn't get chafed
2006-12-05 14:45:08 · answer #6 · answered by shelley_gaudreau2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mom has terminal cancer. The chemo was very hard on her,it made her sick . Radiation never seemed to bother her much. I hope you win your battle. She hasn't been as lucky with either.
2006-12-05 16:00:43 · answer #7 · answered by Nevada 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it depends on the medications used, but my grandmother had a harder time with the chemo.
2006-12-05 13:47:40 · answer #8 · answered by dggrgl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son didn't have a problem with either. The radiation did seem to make his already dry skin drier, but that was it.
2006-12-05 14:16:42 · answer #9 · answered by tessasmomy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The side effects of radiation are burns, soreness, burning sensations, ect. Seen it with my mother when she went through all that...........best of luck to you..........
2006-12-05 13:59:18 · answer #10 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋