I just found out my Dad has a brain tumor in his peituatory gland...he had one in the same spot 3 years ago, they operated and he was fine, but now it's back. He was told this time he would need an op and radiotherapy. Can somebody please tell me any helpful info on what this will involve, and possible dangers/side effects etc, cos I am really worried and would rather be well informed than kept in the dark!!
Thanks in advance :-)
2007-09-17 03:38:08 · 4 answers · asked by ShelFish 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
The only certainty, is that everyone responds differently to radiation therapy. The degree and location of the radiation will be the difference.
I can sympathize with you in your worries; no one can tell you not to worry... .but I can remind you that it's easier for you (and your Dad), if you take things one day at a time. ....
A link below to a helpful site... much luck to you, your dad, and your family.
2007-09-17 06:53:17 · answer #1 · answered by Granny PJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear about your father, and this is a very scary time. Last year we discovered my husband had a brain tumor. He underwent surgery, radiotherapy, and chemo. He's now doing great.
The effects you will see from the radiation, will be loss of hair in that area. My husband went ahead and shaved the rest of his hair so he didn't look so odd. The first couple of weeks are not too bad, but around week 3, your dad will probably need a short nap during the day. The skin in the area that is being treated will start to get red like a sunburn. It's very important to either get the cream the doctor recommends, or pure aloe. Not the stuff for sunburns, but pure aloe from the health food store.
We've noticed that the hair in the area of my husbands radiation is not showing any signs of growing back - but hey - it's just hair, and I'd rather have him healthy and bald. My hubby continued to work 8 hours a day during radiation...with a nap for lunch.
It's very important that he eats very well during this time to keep his energy up. No junk food, lots of veggies, lean protein, fruits and whole grains.
Good luck, and my thoughts are with your family.
2007-09-17 13:33:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry about that. Hope everything will be fine. Sorry but I know nothing of that procedure. Just thought I'd let you know that I'm listening.
Take care
2007-09-17 11:33:31 · answer #3 · answered by Rambooze 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a great radiology page here:
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/radiation-therapy-and-you
2007-09-17 15:19:58 · answer #4 · answered by thinkingtime 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋