Radiation Treatment: Managing Your Side Effects

This video has 4 presentations. Dr. Elizabeth Kurien, a radiation oncologist, explains how side effects depend on the area of the body getting treatment and the amount of radiation given. She talks about when side effects usually develop. Safiya Nanji, an oncology nurse, describes some common side effects. Matthew Scott, a radiation therapist, explains the 2 most common side effects and gives some tips on how to manage them. Kallee Marshall, a registered dietitian, talks about the importance of nutrition and hydration (getting enough fluids) and to maintain your weight during treatment. Two patients also share their experiences.

[johnhomeho]

I just completed my radiotherapy (radiation) 1week ago

[LW-jlze]

Dr. Kurien really helped me understand what is occurring, with the side effects I am experiencing, following my Brachytherapy. Her explanation of the physiology, reassures me that these symptoms will hopefully be temporary. My body just needs to adjust and heal. So glad I found this video! Thank you.

[susiepingleton]

27 treatments to right chest wall. The burns were really extreme. We had to stop for 10 days before last 7 treatments. My plastic surgeon intervened and saved me from more problems. My radiologist did not explain how severe my side effects were going to be. I am an RN. I believe in teaching. I believe in truth. I was a hospice nurse for 18 years. I saw so much lying. After all big money is the main concern for clinics. Why were all of my breat cancer women bald before they died?

[RayPaganJr]

Just got done with radiation to my soft pallet. I’ve been working out for years so I was muscular when starting therapy. First four weeks I stayed strong and worked out hard, ate well. After 4th week I couldn’t eat as much. Couldn’t work out since my body lacked the fuel to do the job. I lost a total of 20 pounds. I’m 150, 5’10”. I look like crap now and am starting to slowly eat a little more, but not enough. I’m going to wait and restart my workout in November.

[Nattleby]

I wouldn’t be surprised if all of these radiation oncologists would refuse the treatment themselves even if they had cancer.

[heatherrose]

I had a total of 43 treatments back in 1988 for Hodgkin's Disease. I was 19. There was virtually no support or information. I'm glad to see that there is more help and support for patients <3 Foolishly I worked full time during my treatment, wouldn't do that again!! :)

[dianebartosiewicz]

Well done. This was very helpful and informative. Thank you!

[ferdinandblose]

Side effects radiation post prostatectomy are very serious and Urologist and Oncologist can not help. Is there any cure for burning urethra and perinium pain

[LoLa-ffcs]

Im scared for my Dad is going to start soon, By heart aches for all ppl dealing with this disease

[rajrk]

How to control / reduce ther rt theray side effects

[rajesh.gkumar]

Really it was very helpful information. Thanks to all of you

[evarabas]

I had 2 rounds of radioactive iodine treatment, for my thyroid canser. I had total thyroidectomy last oct 2020, then after 5months follow my radiation therapy. I had flakes in my scalp, fatigue, dry skin and i vomit when i in hospital.

[GiacomoVeteran]

Thank you so much for video and info. I am scared to death. Traumatized by the Cancer and would love to runaway forever due to the Treatments needed. I have spoken to the doctors and they always seem to 'not understand this FULLY'. I am also claustrophobic so the MASK and machine will be a huge problem. I have asked for a Sedative. Anyway, just finished 3 cancer surgeries on throat, esophagus, lymph-nodes etc. Pet/Ct Scan came back with PROBLEMS. Needing immediate Treatment. Radiation and possibly chemo. The damage it seems to do to Saliva Glands and Good cells is a real problem. They seem to SLIDE PAST THESE SIDE EFFECTS & DAMAGE so as to keep you in you seat and from running out. lol I noticed in the Video the patients staying away from the real problems which CAN OCCUR. Like 20% weight loss forces doctors to install a PUMP in your stomach. Swallowing is a problem (even water) so how can you eat? They respond: 'Some are worse than others'. wow! I do not have a choice. I have to do the treatments or die by June 2020, I kept getting 'Oncology Opinions' all over town and the doctors kept saying 'basically the same thing'. We were HOPING surgery would do the trick but, the PET SCAN ruined that idea. Lymph-vascular Invasion sounds horrific. And throat, tongue, esophagus cancer. A War zone. I am a soldier, Veteran 9th Infantry Division. Vietnam so this caused some deep seeded PTSD to raise its ugly head in me....Yes, seeing a psychologist. Trauma Specialist. We shall see. Maybe I'll check back in 2 months or more and tell you all, 'IT WASN'T AS BAD AS THOUGHT IT WOULD BE'. ?? I am begging the hospital for SUPPORT. 100% SUPPORT. We shall see. Sometimes they promise a lot and deliver little. I was in the hospital and pain mgmt. sucked. Horrific pain issues never addressed. Bless you all. Thank you for allowing me to vent this. I start December 9, 2019. City of Hope. Damn! Lt this War begin. I need to fight, I know and try to stay as positive as possible. reading above you wouldn't think I could do that. I am not that depressed just scared. Frightened of the mask etc. The sedative will help I am sure. Psalm 46:10 Be Know that I am God. Is my favorite verse and in my Screenplay. A Movie I wrote about my life. Starting in an Orphanage in Maine. Faith Based. It is in God's hands.

[iaragomes]

My brother had in the head and die, 4 weeks after radiotherapy in brain for 2 tumors. Lost all his head, burn his face skin, very tired and weak. There was zero positive side.

[Michaels-Birds-Wildlife-Videos]

I am in third week of radiation tonsil and lymph node treatment. My mouth is very sore. No saliva, can't swallow, can't eat, can only sip very small amounts of water.

[ritafernandesfernandes]

Side/effect I hv rediation for my andomen itish and derhira liquid is best diet

[stgiles]

skin getting red??? mine turned dark purple and then black and then peeled off and i am a white woman

[jon]

is brain radation caused by using phone or not?

[saleemtobe-fit]

I'm a yoga instructor & Fitness Trainer, I appreciate you, keep it up, 🌹

[christineleclerc]

Were you still able to work immediately afterward or do you need days off?