I recently had a PET scan and my first radiation treatment and have a question about side effects. Help?

Question

After my first treatment I got very nauseated and I could tell that my mouth was effected. Food tasted different and the center of my toungue could not taste anything. Also, my inside of my cheeks feel "thicker" and numb. My hair on my head has also began to fall out just a little. I had radiation to the pelvic area for uterine / cervical cancer and was told that I shouldn't have side effects anywhere other than the treatment area and most of the side effects would not occur until about the third week of treatment. I had a PET scan two days prior to the first radiation treatment. Could it be possible that the radioactive dye caused these symptoms or that the treatment was worse due to the residual of the dye? The cancer center is closed during the holidays so I thought I would try to get answers here. Thanks in advance.

I did not have chemo. I drink very little (maybe at the most 24 ounces per day.)

Answer 1

I doubt the PET had anything to do with it. Most people do experience these symptoms a couple weeks after first treatment, but it varies from person to person.

Even though only your pelvic area is being raidiated, it is effecting the rest of your body. The hair loss, nausea, and mouth issues are common.

You should already be on anti nausua meds, if not, get a hold of the oncall doc and get an rx for some. An antacid will also help.

For your mouth, you need to use saline mouth wash (you can mix your own salt and water if you want, warm water is better), and brush with an extremly soft tooth brush (my experience is that you cant find as soft as you need in reg stores... may need to ask your pharmacy or treatment center). You can also get an rx called magic mouthwash. It is medicated to keep any sores from getting infected and has lidocaine to help with any pain. The radiation messes with the saliva, which is why your checks feel thicker and numb.

As far as taste goes... eat things with a strong taste, use plastic utensils instead of metal. Suck on hard candy.

Answer 2

I had a nasty metallic taste all during radiation but it shouldn't cause hair fall out. Are you also doing chemo? That might cause the hair loss. The dye used in the PET scan should have already been cleared from your body via liver and kidneys. Your primary doctor should be able to answer your questions, or whoever is on call for her/him.

Answer 3

i was told the same thing, id don't think that the PET scan had anything to do with it. my radiologist oncologist said Evey time i did not feel good was that it had nothing to do with the radiation treatments. i felt as if my throat was closing up and that i had pains in my chest area. I have breast cancer, i also felt nauseous and he said it had nothing to do with radiation he said that it was coming from the chemo. my cancer oncologist blames it on the radiation. so who ever, what ever. we just have to deal with it. sorry to say!

Answer 4

I can't answer your question But I Do know whatever the cause its very important that yo udrink lots of fluids and lots of nutritious foods JUST STAY HEALTHY and you should feel better soon God bless you And enjoy the Holidays!!!