Hi all
Finished radiotherapy last week. Felt ok bit tired. Skin has broken down a bit but nothing terrible. However am hit by utter exhaustion and aching in bones in lower back and down legs. Anyone experienced similar? X
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i can’t say I had this but I did find I got badly burnt and I couldn’t sleep due to the pain. it was a great relief when i had finished my 15 sessions. i rewarded myself with tubs of haagen daz icecream for two or three days after
I didn’t have this but I was told to ring them if I had any problems and I’m sure they rang me with a follow up call 1-2 weeks after to see how I was doing, make sure you tell them how you are.
Hope it improves soon, sorry I have no constructive ideas
Xx
Didn’t have any aching but finished treatment on Wednesday and was hit with a wave of fatigue and nausea on Saturday . Barely got out of bed that weekend and it took about 10 days to lift then another couple of weeks to get back to normal activity but it was still coming and going for a couple of months - which could be difficult for planning anything as if it came on I just had to stop whatever I was doing and rest. Are you on an AI or Tamoxifen or any other anti cancer meds or other meds that may be causing the aching ? I’ve found that when I’m at a low point side effects / symptoms / old injuries and chronic health problems tend to gang up on me just to make things that bit worse .
Make sure to drink plenty of fluids as the treatment can cause dehydration which won’t help the aching .Keep doing the post - op exercises to stretch the tissues and look after your skin . Rest up and I hope you feel better soon , contact your BCN if you’re worried or don’t feel better .
With love xx
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Hello
I had 20 sessions and its been 3 weeks since my last one…
I am struggling with bone pain, coupled with the neuropathy in my hands…it is quite intense…Did you have a boost?
I dont really know how to help it but just hope it eases after a while…i feel like ive aged 10 years…
My oncologist that i have only had 1 F2F consult before chemo started, then only a quick call before each cycle.
I dont feel theres any point in contacting my oncologist anymore as theres been no support during and after my chemo.
I hope it gets better for you soon…
I am so sorry to hear this, that isn’t acceptable. May I suggest you contact your oncologist again as you should have had a F2F prior to radiotherapy I would have thought. I would maybe cc in PALS (Patient Advisory Liaison Service) for the hospital that you are with and say you in email that you don’t feel you are receiving an acceptable standard of care.
Did you have PACLITAXEL as that is renowned for causing neuropathy in hands rather than radiotherapy. Yes I have had a boost so guessing that really adds to the tiredness and pain. Do you have a check in with your oncologist coming up?
Zx
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Hello
Fatigue, aches and skin changes are very common with radiotherapy
Please let the radiotherapy team know about your skin as they can prescribe creams . I was given tons of medihoney which helped along with cold bamboo flannels and lashings of moisturiser 3 times a day for months ago doing gentle massage on the boob and skin to help it heal. My nipple went dark brown but now 9 months or so later is almost back to a peachy pink!
Talk to you breast team about the aches and pains as again they can offer different things and pain relief
The 3 most important things to do is rest, hydrate and moisturise
When you’re body is ready some light daily exercise or pilates will help
Take care
Thanks
I had 4 cycles of EC and 4 of Docetaxel…i did have a consult with a Radiologist consultant befor Radiotherapy started… but nothing from the Oncologists.
I do have a f2f appointment in a few weeks, but my last one was meant to be a F2F. But then the NHS app changed it to a phone call.
This was to discuss Tramoxafin and then they said i needed to have gresereline injections and zometa…it was a 10 min call so didnt get much time to ask questions as i was only expecting the Tramoxafin…
My fist gresereline is tomorrow.
Im begjning to think thst all these side effects. Bone pain, numb hands. Sleepless nights. And sweats and ringing in the ears, are too much…Are taking all these drugs really worth all the side effects…
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Hmm I think I would demand a F2F. This is all a lot to take in frankly and you deserve to speak with someone properly. I do believe in making a fuss when it comes to your health, or nothing gets done as you would hope.
You need your oncologist to clearly state what exactly the drugs are doing, how they will affect you and how side effects might be managed. x
I agree about old aches ganging up!
I’ve just finished radiotherapy and my back and hip particularly is playing up. Trying to move around more and walk a bit further everyday as although it hurts it seems to ease it too! Anastrazole I think may be contributing but immobility during ill health can contribute too. Think I’ve made sitting an Olympic sport!
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Yes I would imagine Anastrozole is contributing . Keep going with the gentle walking and stretching - a couple of times I had a lie down in the afternoon and listened to Headspace or music rather than sitting which was aggravating my back ( old injury) . It’s good to build up but if you get an odd day where you feel you need to stop then just listen to your body and take it easy . It can be hard to accept sometimes that that’s what you need to do but it gets better xx
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I couldn’t take that. The muscle and jiont pain were unbearable. I did yoga all thru chemo and radiation. But the after meds are kicking my butt.
I have bone ache around my ribs to the left side. My oncologist said this is post radiotherapy side effects which can come at any time and may go or may stay! Everyone is different. Xx