Radiotherapy

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Discussion

Dan_1981

Original Poster:

17,537 posts

206 months

Friday 6th November 2009
quotequote all
What are the side effects?

Understand they are not as bad as chmeotherapy?

Any help appreciated.

Cheers

Dan

AMLK

407 posts

192 months

Friday 6th November 2009
quotequote all
Side-effects depends on what area of the body is being treated, generally it is not as bad as chemo as it only has a localised effect whereas chemo is systemic. PM me if you want more info (I am a radiotherapist)

Dan_1981

Original Poster:

17,537 posts

206 months

Friday 6th November 2009
quotequote all
Thanks for that - it's to treat anything that's left from a fairly large sarcoma(?) that was attatched to a thigh muscle.

However it's my grandma - and she's 84!

ShadownINja

77,458 posts

289 months

Saturday 7th November 2009
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Bad sunburn, I thought?

AMLK

407 posts

192 months

Saturday 7th November 2009
quotequote all
If they are just treating her thigh then the side effects will be quite minimal. The main side effect will be temporary damage to her skin, but if she follows skin care guideline this can be reduced. The side effects build up, so the worst is at the end of treatment and for a few weeks after.

Her skin may become red, itchy, sensitive and possibly feel quite warm. During treatment she should only use simple soap or baby soap when washing the area - NO bubble baths, and pat the area dry not rub it. She should only use aqueous cream or E45 in the area treated. The doctors will prescribe other creams if they are required.

Another side effect is tiredness - this effects people differently, but we advise people to carry on with their normal daily routine, but if they feel tired listen to their body and have a rest, don't overdo things.

For treatment to the leg area we would also advise that she does not wear tights (as the don't allow the skin to breathe properly), but to wear loose fitting trousers, preferably made of natural material.

If she requires treatment to lymph nodes, then she may get diarrhoea, but we would just advise to take immodium, which the doctors will prescribe.

All of the above side effects will depend upon the dose they are planning to give her. Where is she having treatment?

If you want anymore info, I am willing to help if I can.

Dan_1981

Original Poster:

17,537 posts

206 months

Monday 9th November 2009
quotequote all
Thanks for all of that - very useful.

I may well have further questions going forward.