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Jen79x's avatar
Jen79x
Member
8 years ago

Side effects radiation ?

Ive read fatigue is the main side effect of radiation ? How does the fatigue compare to that of chemo ? I’ve had ac fortnightly by 4 and now having taxol carboplatin weekly by 12 

hoping it it will be easier than now ?! 

Any tips appreciated !

8 Replies

  • Radiotherapy was ok but the day after it ended I joined a very gentle Stretch and Balance exercise program. My first class lasted one hour and most participants were well into their 70s .After class I went home and slept 4 hours I was wiped out. Engulfing tiredness has not persisted but other side effects have .I have had an infection requiring a lengthy course of antibiotics  , an inverted nipple which freaked me out as is a sign of cancer so off to doctor full check up - mammogram , ultrasound , needle biopsy all clear . Also my cancer was LHS deep in my chest above the heart and have had sharp chest pains also checked by ECG and declared ok.Radiotherapy can cause bone pain and I have had that in my ribs too. Whatever worries you get it checked out though .One of my annoyances about radiotherapy is I was never advised either by medical staff or the My Journey Kit of longer term side effects .
  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    Radiotherapy made me feel very tired, but I’d just finished 6 months of chemo and was working 4 days a week. The worst side effect of radiotherapy is the thickening of the tissue under my skin which has affected reconstruction. The skin is very tight. I had 6 weeks of radiotherapy to the area around my mastectomy and the area above my collar bone. I also got quite burnt, but I think tings have improved since I had it.  It’s different for everyone. It was way, way easier than chemo. All the best. 
  • I agree with Joannie I slept more peacefully while going through rads. 
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    Anonymous
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  • Oh thank you ! That makes me feel better! Farewell other side effects !
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    Anonymous
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