Forum Discussion

starsparkles's avatar
starsparkles
Member
7 years ago

radiation / nausea and fatigue!?

hi i had lumpectomy  6th june   -left breast-  (grade 1 ductal carcinoma) 1 lymph node removed  (hadnt spread there)
6 weeks later im having 3 weeks and 2 days radiation 
 I know im extremely lucky to have got it so early and feel like bit of a lightweight!
 as after 8 days treatment im feeling quite nauseous (that and fatigue hit in the arvos...)

anyone else have nausea with radiation.
I know what im going through is NOTHING compared to what alot of other people are going through!
diagnosis
radiation
side-effects
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hey, @starspakles I know you're now finished and I hope you're going well.  I just thought I would add to this thread in case someone else comes looking for some answers.  I am having radiation at the moment and one of the things I was told in the review clinic the other day is that it can cause feelings of indigestion.  Now, I struggled with indigestion and reflux all through chemo and it had only started to settle down before radiation but it can make you feel quite nauseous.  I'm now back on the Nexium full-time and taking the Ativan on occasion as the nausea is back.  Not as bad, but definitely there - fuelled, I think, by both fatigue and by laying down.
  • starsparkles's avatar
    starsparkles
    Member
    7 years ago
    Thank you everyone for your time and advice.
    i had told nurse/dr bout nausea! I got some meds but only taken bout 4 over the whole 3 Nd half weeks!
    i come to the conclusion that the nausea is a reaction to fatigue! If I don’t rest then nausea kicks in! (can’t help myself I was carrying on like normal!!) lol
    last day of treatment today yippee
  • Beryl_C_'s avatar
    Beryl_C_
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi @starsparkles I think Joey Liz may have identified the possible core issue of your nausea. I have been having herceptin infusions, CT Scans, Heart scans and taking Anastrozole for seven years. A few weeks ago a biopsy revealed a recurrence under the masectomy scar tissue and I am to start radiation treatment soon. Since hearing of the recurrence I have felt 'off colour' and a bit 'spacey' in the form of making mistakes in my diary and short term memory problems, also decrease in appetite. I knew something was not quite right so I phoned a counsellor with the WA Cancer Council and felt very reassured by her words, 'Beryl, its been seven years! Let's think about that!' From what I've learned about radiation on this discussion list your nausea could be both physical and pyschological. I agree, talk this over with the nurses and if the nausea continues then maybe your GP and/or counsellor. Over the years I have had 'talks' with the hospital chaplain and mostly its been about negotiating life with a serious health issue. I always come away feeling a bit 'lighter'.
    Please let us know how you are getting on. xBeryl
  • Romla's avatar
    Romla
    Member
    7 years ago
    @lrb_03 great redirect for @starsparkles. Just thought I’d let you know @JoeyLiz is a radiographer as well as having had breast cancer.
  • JoeyLiz's avatar
    JoeyLiz
    Member
    7 years ago
    @starsparkles so sorry your feeling so nauseous, we wouldn't expect nausea to be a side effect of breast radiation as we are not in that area (radiation side effects are very site specific) it could simply be the fact that you are going through such a tumultuous event and this is how your body is responding. Definitely mention it to the staff and ask to see the nurses tomorrow so they can get you some relief and also if something else is at play.
    Keep in touch and hope you feel better soon x
  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi @starsparkles, and welcome. I 'm glad you've found this site. As with any component of our treatment, we all respond differently. The nausea isn't something I've heard of before, but could it be related to your fatigue? I know when I get overtired, I can get quite queasy.
    @JoeyLiz, any thoughts?
    As has already been recommended, speak to your treating team about how you're feeling, to let them know, and ask for management strategies. 

    Please, please don't feel that what you're going through is somehow less. We've all heard those words " you have cancer", nothing lightweight about them. @SoldierCrab has kindly put together  some helpful navigation tools to  the site, which I'll copy here. 


    Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. 

    It can be a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. 

    Navigating the online community formerly the what and how thread.
    Breast Care Nurses
    My Journey Kits and other resources. 
    BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258
    If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. BCNA’s helpline will now be open from 9am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Fridays.  
     
    How to understand your pathology reports

    Stay in touch, and take care
  • Romla's avatar
    Romla
    Member
    7 years ago
    That makes 3 - no nausea for me - had lumpectomy and 16 rounds radiotherapy 2017 .Fatigue hit and hard AFTER radiotherapy ended for about a week.Please talk to your medical team as they may need to reassess your treatment.I know anaesthesia knocks you around for quite a while and can cause those symptoms as can real flu.
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi @starsparkles

    I had similar surgery tho had 3 nodes removed .... followed by radiation for 4 weeks (including booster.) 

    I don't recall feeling nauseous or any excess fatigue ..... I was still able to get out & kayak fish when I wanted, tho my sleep was pretty disrupted thru a variety of reasons.  

    Absolutely, make sure you tell your Rad Onc Specialist AND the Rad Nurses that you are not feeling well ..... they may need to reassess your regime.

    Be kind to yourself .... rest up when you need to .....  take care

    I hope you are feeling better soon xxx