Herceptin and radiation side effects
I am 5 weeks post chemo and about to start week 3 of 5 of radiation tomorrow. Hurts swallowing food as having treatment on nodes in collar bone, starting to get itchy on chest and so very tired alread...
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Nausea and diarrhea could still be happening due to latent chemo side effects and also due to the radiotherapy. Neck nodes are so close to the oesophagus so irritation could well be happening causing increase internal shedding which could result in loose bowels, swallowing difficulties and nausea. I think you need to just get through this next 2 weeks. It will take at least a month to settle and only after this time will you be able to be sure what's causing it. Meanwhile discuss your symptoms with your treating team as they may have ideas how to settle it.
I had a really unsettled tummy and bowel for a long time after chemo. I couldn't eat spicy or citrus foods for months after. I still have limited tolerance to dairy foods. Medications that assist with reflux increase bowel motility so if requiring this it may be contributing also. I continued herceptin (as long as my heart allowed) without too much issue so I hope the same for you as it all sounds pretty miserable presently for you. Kath x
I had a really unsettled tummy and bowel for a long time after chemo. I couldn't eat spicy or citrus foods for months after. I still have limited tolerance to dairy foods. Medications that assist with reflux increase bowel motility so if requiring this it may be contributing also. I continued herceptin (as long as my heart allowed) without too much issue so I hope the same for you as it all sounds pretty miserable presently for you. Kath x