topic Re: radiation? in Community Chat

radiation?

debfla53_1 — Sun, 18 May 2014 23:47:41 GMT

I found out I have neck & lym node cancer & they are going to start with radiation . Has any one gone threw this? I am so scared & hope someone can give me sum info.

Thanks, Deb

Re: radiation?

151949 — Sun, 18 May 2014 23:54:27 GMT

I had radiation tx for breast cancer 30 years ago - it was not really any big deal then and I understand they have greatly improved it more recently. I would get tired very easily but was still able to work part time.

Re: radiation?

lulu2 — Sun, 18 May 2014 23:56:19 GMT

I understand you being frightened. I had it more than 20 years ago. The biggest pain was the fact I needed to be there 5 days a week for 6 weeks. It took longer to travel there, than the actual treatment. There was no pain. I was a bit burned, almost like sunburn in that 1 spot. As I recall, I was given some sort medicated cream or salve.

I became friendly with many patients who were there at similar times.

You will do fine.

Re: radiation?

debfla53_1 — Sun, 18 May 2014 23:57:46 GMT

Thanks Happy, Hope your doing well now. Deb

Re: radiation?

debfla53_1 — Mon, 19 May 2014 00:01:40 GMT

I will be 2 hours away, But we will stay with my daughter. The Drs said it will not be easy but they know I can do it. I have not read about it because I am so scared thats why I thought I would ask you ladies. Thanks Lulu2

Re: radiation?

JaneMarple — Mon, 19 May 2014 00:08:53 GMT

OP the best of luck to you and a speedy recovery.

Re: radiation?

LyndaGee — Mon, 19 May 2014 00:21:26 GMT

Hope everything goes well for you, Deb.

Re: radiation?

debfla53_1 — Mon, 19 May 2014 00:28:03 GMT

Thankyou all for your kind words, They told me what I have is the same cancer Micheal Douglas had. I will know more Tuesday after all my Drs get get together .

Re: radiation?

debfla53_1 — Mon, 19 May 2014 00:39:21 GMT

I just went threw the history here on radiation & really learned a lot. I did not know you could do that. Thanks again ladies I will keep you posted. Deb

Re: radiation?

esmeraldagooch — Mon, 19 May 2014 00:43:08 GMT

Please post this over at the Health and Fitness section of the forum. You will get more responses there. I hope you're well soon. (((((((((((hugs))))))))))) ezzy

Re: radiation?

Suziepeach — Mon, 19 May 2014 00:47:17 GMT

deb, my husband is in the radiation therapy business & went through radiation on his neck too- your throat is going to get very sore, please, please do not get discouraged. When mine had his, a couple patients literally stopped their treatments because of that- he was asked to talk to them but it didn't do any good. Please know the food he could eat without discomfort was cornbread and milk- it was very soothing to his throat and at the same time the cornbread was gentle on his throat. I spoke with one of the girls at the Minnie Pearl Cancer Center in Nashville about another matter when I mentioned this about my husband- she said she'd be sure and tell their patients of this because you might lose some of your appetite because of the soreness but my husband ate this and it truly helped. He was treated at a well known hospital in Atlanta and since he's very familiar with all the Doctor's and staff, they love having hints given to them that might help another patient with the same type of radiation and for them to not get discouraged and stop treatment. He went everyday for 6wks and didn't miss a day of work- we didn't miss one Tennessee football game or our trip to Disneyworld.. Others might go on and on about cornbread and milk but this is different- you eat what is comforting to your throat- it's a progressive soreness that just comes with radiation.. It does eventually get better!! Much good luck to you, my friend! I so know where you are coming from and I'll keep you in my prayers...

Edited by the Peach.

Re: radiation?

debfla53_1 — Mon, 19 May 2014 01:06:11 GMT

On 5/18/2014 Peachysue said:
deb, my husband is in the radiation therapy business & went through radiation on his neck too- your throat is going to get very sore, please, please do not get discouraged. When mine had his, a couple patients literally stopped their treatments because of that- he was asked to talk to them but it didn't do any good. Please know the food he could eat without discomfort was cornbread and milk- it was very soothing to his throat and at the same time the cornbread was gentle on his throat. I spoke with one of the girls at the Minnie Pearl Cancer Center in Nashville about another matter when I mentioned this about my husband- she said she'd be sure and tell their patients of this because you might lose some of your appetite because of the soreness but my husband ate this and it truly helped. He was treated at a well known hospital in Atlanta and since he's very familiar with all the Doctor's and staff, they love having hints given to them that might help another patient with the same type of radiation and for them to not get discouraged and stop treatment. He went everyday for 6wks and didn't miss a day of work- we didn't miss one Tennessee football game or our trip to Disneyworld.. Others might go on and on about cornbread and milk but this is different- you eat what is comforting to your throat- it's a progressive soreness that just comes with radiation.. It does eventually get better!! Much good luck to you, my friend! I so know where you are coming from and I'll keep you in my prayers...

Edited by the Peach.

peach, Thank you for all you told me!!!! I had to step away after I read your post it made me cry but in a good way. It's only been 6 weeks since they told me & have gone threw more tests than I have ever had my whole life.It was our 42 annv. when they told me. I have never been sick in my life except for a ruptured appendix 9 years ago & almost died & would never go to a DR. again. Well found the lump in my neck 1 year ago to the day they told me, So I have no one to blame but myself. I new it was not go news. & I am so mad at myself for waiting so long to go to the DR. I think I was just hoping it would go away.. Well I Hate milk & cornbread LOL but I will try it !!! Thanks again for your kind words.. Deb

Re: radiation?

debfla53_1 — Mon, 19 May 2014 01:08:22 GMT

On 5/18/2014 debfla53 said:
On 5/18/2014 Peachysue said:
deb, my husband is in the radiation therapy business & went through radiation on his neck too- your throat is going to get very sore, please, please do not get discouraged. When mine had his, a couple patients literally stopped their treatments because of that- he was asked to talk to them but it didn't do any good. Please know the food he could eat without discomfort was cornbread and milk- it was very soothing to his throat and at the same time the cornbread was gentle on his throat. I spoke with one of the girls at the Minnie Pearl Cancer Center in Nashville about another matter when I mentioned this about my husband- she said she'd be sure and tell their patients of this because you might lose some of your appetite because of the soreness but my husband ate this and it truly helped. He was treated at a well known hospital in Atlanta and since he's very familiar with all the Doctor's and staff, they love having hints given to them that might help another patient with the same type of radiation and for them to not get discouraged and stop treatment. He went everyday for 6wks and didn't miss a day of work- we didn't miss one Tennessee football game or our trip to Disneyworld.. Others might go on and on about cornbread and milk but this is different- you eat what is comforting to your throat- it's a progressive soreness that just comes with radiation.. It does eventually get better!! Much good luck to you, my friend! I so know where you are coming from and I'll keep you in my prayers...

Edited by the Peach.

peach, Thank you for all you told me!!!! I had to step away after I read your post it made me cry but in a good way. It's only been 6 weeks since they told me & have gone threw more tests than I have ever had my whole life.It was our 42 annv. when they told me. I have never been sick in my life except for a ruptured appendix 9 years ago & almost died & would never go to a DR. again. Well found the lump in my neck 1 year ago to the day they told me, So I have no one to blame but myself. I new it was not go news. & I am so mad at myself for waiting so long to go to the DR. I think I was just hoping it would go away.. Well I Hate milk & cornbread LOL but I will try it !!! Thanks again for your kind words.. Deb

I will be going to the cancer center in Palm Beach FL. They all are very nice & they make me feel they really care!! Deb

Re: radiation?

Suziepeach — Mon, 19 May 2014 01:15:28 GMT

deb, I am well familiar with those tears- my husband would say, "Why you still crying?" But he'd let me cry- sweetie he had a lump in his neck that a sample was taken from and was negative but when they took it out, there was a nasty little lymp node hooked on which was squamous cell.. Well we both, as you were, completely floored but once we pulled ourselves up by the shocked boot strap, he started all that testing too, just like you. Don't think for a moment we don't know what you're feeling or going through because we do!! One of his guys had thyroid cancer and had to go through all of this. Don't force yourself to like cornbread and milk, that was just a friend to friend suggestion because of my husband's situation.. You do what works for you but don't stop treatments!! Ask your radiation oncologist about your throat getting sore- mention the cornbread and milk to him too. anything that works for you or someone else is wonderful!! Just so you'll know, my husband didn't get his lump looked at for a long time- I kept nagging and nagging and nagging until he went!!

Hang in there- you've got us here for you and your family will be tons of support!!!

Re: radiation?

Suziepeach — Mon, 19 May 2014 01:18:16 GMT

On 5/18/2014 debfla53 said:
On 5/18/2014 debfla53 said:

I will be going to the cancer center in Palm Beach FL. They all are very nice & they make me feel they really care!! Deb

deb, Hubby is checking something- let me get back with you..

Re: radiation?

shoekitty — Mon, 19 May 2014 01:23:44 GMT

I have had radiation in the breast, and developed thyroid nodules from it. The radiation was not painful to me at all.The worst part is the anxiety, and getting up and going everyday! BUT, I think peachysue had the very best advise, and was truthful about side effects. I had a cousin who had cancer in the jaw. Radiation to that part of the body has it's side effects. The throat gets burned a bit, and your thyroid could get effected. But it will all soothe out shortly after the treatment stops. Any damage to the thyroid is totally fixable, but you will need to modify your diet through radiation and after. Get advise from everyone, prepare your diet ahead. The treatments now a days are so stream lined and exact. They have come a long, long way just in the last 5 years. Sometimes there can be a little burning to the skin toward very end of treatment. There are ways to avoid this, and you can take precaution. What really helps is finding a chat, or help line online, or a group you can be with. The knowledge that comes from those who have been through it, is amazing. My husband had a very aggressive prostate cancer that required 2 surgeries and a long (12 weeks)course of radiation, including highbeam.The radiation was right near the bladder, and he had some issues with that, and a little pain. But here he is a year later, doing fine. He is looking back on it now! He took Bio Curcumin (tumeric) all during radiation, and he belives it helped with side effects of radiation. Recent studies the Doctor said have shown this is true.

Good Luck

I can understand your apprehention, and fear. It is normal, very normal. Cancer is scary, and the unknown (getting treatment) is even scarier. After the first treatment you will be in the know, the anxiety will reduce and you WILL get through it. I am sorry you have to go through this. Let us know how you are doing.

Re: radiation?

AnikaBrodie — Mon, 19 May 2014 01:36:52 GMT

I had radiation therapy in 1998, first for endometrial cancer and then for breast cancer. I recall being very tired and having some burning from the treatments. But the treatments themselves were quick and painless after the tattoo markings. I had daily M-F treatments for over six weeks each time. My radiation technicians were the best. I've been in remission for 16 years.

I wish you well in your treatments. I'm sorry you have to go through this journey with cancer and wish you well in your recovery and subsequent remission from this horrible disease. Take care and stay positive. (((((Hugs))))) Come back and let us know your progress, and if you have further questions or just need to talk we are here for you.

Re: radiation?

Suziepeach — Mon, 19 May 2014 01:39:03 GMT

Deb, would it be possible to just give initials of center? If you aren't comfortable doing that I'm so understand. Hubby said they have several machines in Boynton beach and West Palm Beach. Regardless of where you go, you'll be in good, caring hands. And Hey you've got us!!!!!

Re: radiation?

debfla53_1 — Mon, 19 May 2014 01:45:55 GMT

On 5/18/2014 shoekitty said:
I have had radiation in the breast, and developed thyroid nodules from it. The radiation was not painful to me at all.The worst part is the anxiety, and getting up and going everyday! BUT, I think peachysue had the very best advise, and was truthful about side effects. I had a cousin who had cancer in the jaw. Radiation to that part of the body has it's side effects. The throat gets burned a bit, and your thyroid could get effected. But it will all soothe out shortly after the treatment stops. Any damage to the thyroid is totally fixable, but you will need to modify your diet through radiation and after. Get advise from everyone, prepare your diet ahead. The treatments now a days are so stream lined and exact. They have come a long, long way just in the last 5 years. Sometimes there can be a little burning to the skin toward very end of treatment. There are ways to avoid this, and you can take precaution. What really helps is finding a chat, or help line online, or a group you can be with. The knowledge that comes from those who have been through it, is amazing. My husband had a very aggressive prostate cancer that required 2 surgeries and a long (12 weeks)course of radiation, including highbeam.The radiation was right near the bladder, and he had some issues with that, and a little pain. But here he is a year later, doing fine. He is looking back on it now! He took Bio Curcumin (tumeric) all during radiation, and he belives it helped with side effects of radiation. Recent studies the Doctor said have shown this is true.

Good Luck

I can understand your apprehention, and fear. It is normal, very normal. Cancer is scary, and the unknown (getting treatment) is even scarier. After the first treatment you will be in the know, the anxiety will reduce and you WILL get through it. I am sorry you have to go through this. Let us know how you are doing.

Thanks shoekitty, I never expected so much needed support from you ladies.I am learning a lot. It sounds like both your DH HAVE REALLY BEEN THREW IT ALL. So happy they are doing good. It means so much to me. I will keep You posted on it all . Thanks for caring I feel much better now after talking to you . Deb

Re: radiation?

debfla53_1 — Mon, 19 May 2014 01:50:52 GMT

On 5/18/2014 Peachysue said: Deb, would it be possible to just give initials of center? If you aren't comfortable doing that I'm so understand. Hubby said they have several machines in Boynton beach and West Palm Beach. Regardless of where you go, you'll be in good, caring hands. And Hey you've got us!!!!!

Sure its The cancer center of Jupiter fl. & The cancer center of the palm beaches. What does he think about them