My husband started radiotherapy and is on his second week and is now complaining that he is not feeling well since he started and he dreads going to the hospital for it. Is it really that bad? He has to wear a "mask" as the cancer was under his jaw in the submondular gland.I see the dread in his eyes now and he was always a jovial person before having this problem.
2007-06-19 11:58:42 · 2 answers · asked by beyond paradise 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
No it usually isn't that bad. The mask doesn't help either.
However I had nine weeks of radiation in the mask in 2002.
The first week or two I was very nervous, especially as I was alone but after a couple of weeks the tech said I appeared to be less worried - I was snoring!
Seriously, though, it is going to be worth it!
2007-06-19 13:02:39 · answer #1 · answered by thinkingtime 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, It effect different people in different ways. I expect RT around the jaw area can effect the throught and other sensitive parts that may become uncomfortable. I recently completed a 6 week course of RT (60Gr all up) in the mediastinal area and appart from losing my chest hairs and some fatigue found it OK. But it is all relative, as prior to that I had 5-months of chemo and then a sternotomy, the RT was by far the easiest! However, as I said everyone is different and the side effects do vary. If he is having any issues he should discuss with his radio oncologist. It is fortunate that he can be treated and although difficult, he should just take it a day at a time and focus on the good aspects, as there always is some good and it is only for a short time. I'm sure your support will be of immense help, during what can and is a very trying and scary experience! All the very best.
2007-06-19 19:16:14 · answer #2 · answered by John 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋