radiation question

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › radiation question

  • Post
    • August 13, 2011 at 2:11 am
    lhaley
    Participant

      I finished radiation today on my arm, it was aimed at the ulnar nerve to clean up where they could not get a margin from lymph node removal.  I was told that I would only have a little fatigue and would only be slightly pink.  Well, that didn't quite happen.  I'm exhausted and quite burnt.  The radiologist commented that I must have sensitive skin.  Yeah, I'm a redhead and pale!!!  Melanoma…. hmmmm   After day 4 when I was already blistering and after talking to Debbie from Va I questioned and they stopped the bolus.

      I finished radiation today on my arm, it was aimed at the ulnar nerve to clean up where they could not get a margin from lymph node removal.  I was told that I would only have a little fatigue and would only be slightly pink.  Well, that didn't quite happen.  I'm exhausted and quite burnt.  The radiologist commented that I must have sensitive skin.  Yeah, I'm a redhead and pale!!!  Melanoma…. hmmmm   After day 4 when I was already blistering and after talking to Debbie from Va I questioned and they stopped the bolus.

      Anyway, my question is those that have had the severe fatigue, how long does it last?  I assume that I would start bit by bit getting better quickly.  The tech commented that it could take quite some time since the radiation continues working for 90 days.   

      Also, she took me off of my vitamin E and D before treatment. I did forget when I saw her yesterday to ask when I could get back on..  When I asked the tech today that's when she told me that the rad. continues working for 90 days so she wasn't sure. I was advised to call on Monday to ask (appointment was late this afternoon).  Any thoughts?  From what I read online those vitamins are not advised during radiation because of something with the free radicals. 

      I was treated locally since I couldn't go the distance to Charlotte everyday. I am used to questioning what is going on with my health plan but they have not liked all of my questions.  I guess they are used to patients that just trust their word. 

      I've been so grumpy and emotional that I'm even bothering myself! Can't imagine what my poor hubby has been feeling.  I am excited though to be finished!!  Now just hope that it can help to save the nerve.

      Linda

    Viewing 9 reply threads
    • Replies
        • August 13, 2011 at 10:14 pm
        triciad
        Participant

          Linda,

          I can't offer any information because I will just be starting radiation on Wednesday.  Congratulations on finishing it!  I hope the burn and fatigue go away soon!

          Keep smiling…you're never grumpy!

          Tricia

          • August 13, 2011 at 10:14 pm
          triciad
          Participant

            Linda,

            I can't offer any information because I will just be starting radiation on Wednesday.  Congratulations on finishing it!  I hope the burn and fatigue go away soon!

            Keep smiling…you're never grumpy!

            Tricia

            • August 14, 2011 at 1:05 am
            King
            Participant

              Hi Linda,

               

              I can't answer any of your questions since I've never had radiation.  However, I wanted to congratulate you on completing your radiation and thank you for all your input on MPIP.

               

              It has to be so discouraging to be so fatigued especially when you weren't expecting it.  Melanoma is tough on the patient and the family…we know that.  Maybe some time with the grandchild (or maybe children by now..) would help your emotional status.

               

              One day at a time.

               

              Stay Strong
              King

              Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

              • August 14, 2011 at 1:05 am
              King
              Participant

                Hi Linda,

                 

                I can't answer any of your questions since I've never had radiation.  However, I wanted to congratulate you on completing your radiation and thank you for all your input on MPIP.

                 

                It has to be so discouraging to be so fatigued especially when you weren't expecting it.  Melanoma is tough on the patient and the family…we know that.  Maybe some time with the grandchild (or maybe children by now..) would help your emotional status.

                 

                One day at a time.

                 

                Stay Strong
                King

                Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

                • August 14, 2011 at 1:29 pm
                ValinMtl
                Participant

                  I had radiation in January 2010…all I can remember is the pain so I'm sure the tired feeling will go away eventually!  Don't forget about 'calendula' cream since it is natural product, you can use more than prescriptions.  They told me at NIH that radiation can exhaust you for months so I guess it's an expected thing.  Take care Linda…hope it works to save that nerve.  Val

                  • August 14, 2011 at 1:29 pm
                  ValinMtl
                  Participant

                    I had radiation in January 2010…all I can remember is the pain so I'm sure the tired feeling will go away eventually!  Don't forget about 'calendula' cream since it is natural product, you can use more than prescriptions.  They told me at NIH that radiation can exhaust you for months so I guess it's an expected thing.  Take care Linda…hope it works to save that nerve.  Val

                    • August 15, 2011 at 5:14 pm
                    jag
                    Participant

                      test

                      • August 15, 2011 at 5:14 pm
                      jag
                      Participant

                        test

                        • August 15, 2011 at 5:46 pm
                        djpayn
                        Participant

                          linda,

                          after my 6 weeks of radiation i was exhausted ALL the time… it lasted about 2 monts in total but the severe stuff (sleeping all day, etc..) only lasted about 2 wees for me.

                          Hope you are feeling better soon!!

                          dawna

                          • August 15, 2011 at 5:46 pm
                          djpayn
                          Participant

                            linda,

                            after my 6 weeks of radiation i was exhausted ALL the time… it lasted about 2 monts in total but the severe stuff (sleeping all day, etc..) only lasted about 2 wees for me.

                            Hope you are feeling better soon!!

                            dawna

                        Viewing 9 reply threads
                        • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                        About the MRF Patient Forum

                        The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                        The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                        Popular Topics