Side Effects after Treatments

Hi Ladies,
I was diagnosed in August 2008 with 1b2 squamous cell. I started treatments in November 2008. I had 5 rounds Cisplatin, 25 External and 5 Internal High-Dose Radiation Treatments. I recently had my first follow-up appointment. The Doctor said everything looked well and that I would have another exam in three months and then a Cat Scan in the Fall. I told him that I still have lower back pain (dull) at times. Also I make several trips to the bathroom in the mornings. And in the past 4 weeks I have been having nausea. Usually after I eat something. And I have it sometimes all day. He didn't seem real concerned. He said that he would write me a Prescription for Nausea Meds and that this was all side effects of the Treatments. It has been 3 months since I ended treatments. Can you guys tell me how long I can expect these side effects. Or could it be recurrence? The nausea really bothers me and it seems to be getting worse. Could this be Radiation Enteritis? My stomach seems to feel bloated and I get full really quickly when eating a meal. Thanks, you all have been a wonderful inspiration along the way. I cannot tell you how many posts that I have read
since I was diagnosed.

By 9catnaps
Posted June 2, 2009 at 6:45 pm
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HI Annie,

I was diagnoised with Stage IIIB in May of 07.
Some of the radiation side affects come and go.
I did not have nausea, but the feeling full after
a meal seems to sometimes happen and sometimes
not happen. I have been a little concerned about
that.
Hope you are feeling better.

By its_my_goliath
Posted June 2, 2009 at 11:23 pm
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Hi there, it's all different for different people. But I'm one year out of my first round of treatment and 14 weeks out of my second.

What helped me with the back pain was exercising. Walking mostly. Stretching and back exercises will help.

Not sure on the sick feeling, but I would guess it's probably from everything you've been through. Usually they say about a year for the side effects but for some it seems to last longer.......

By crickett305
Posted June 3, 2009 at 2:57 pm
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I have to agree with goliath. I have been out of treatment for about 6 weeks now.I also did 6 weeks of cisplatin, 25 external and 6 internal radiation. I was stage 1b1. Exercise and really watching what I eat has helped so much. I'm not sure how long the side effects will last, I think it is different for everyone. I really think that the exercise and diet have worked the best for me. I don't eat any red meat or pork. If I do eat meat, its usually turkey. I don't add extra salt to anything and I eat alot of fruit and veggies. I go to the gym 5 days a week, plus walk on my treadmill 2 miles every day, yoga at least 3 times a week, and stationary bike 3 times a week. I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. I hope you start feeling better soon.

By Annie_
Posted June 11, 2009 at 10:10 pm
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I am feeling better now. I think the nausea was anxiety, worry and dreading the follow-ups. I usually only have backaches when I have to stand all day.
Wow Crickett, You are very active. I really need to be as disciplined as you and stay on an exercise program. I am 41 and the doctor said, "no hormones" so I really need calcium and the excercise to prevent bone loss.
My after treatment symptoms/side effects are getting better, I'm happy to say that I am slowly getting my energy back.

By chickracer
Posted June 12, 2009 at 2:40 am
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It does take time. I still have low back discomfort, and fatigue, but the yoga really helps with that. The bowels were the WORST. I couldn't be more than 10 feet away from a bathroom for the first 3 months. I started making my own yogurt at home, plus take a probiotic to help increase the good flora in my gut and intestines.
I am glad you are starting to feel better! Just keep an eye on your diet. Nothing white or refined, and no sugar. Limit your meat intake, even the turkey/chicken.

By tbuchheit
Posted June 13, 2009 at 10:31 am
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I'm not a doctor, just a patient! Hope you find this helpful:

I have also had tremendous challenges with side effects from radiation. My treatment (summer 08) consisted of 6 rounds of chemo and at least 35 external radiation treatments. I also had two internal radiation procedures.

Avoiding the following has helped me to reduce nausea and bowel problems:
all dairy except yogurt,
all white bread and most starches, pasta
red meat
garlic and other spices

Any healthy foods that keep your bowels moving, soft and small will make it easier on your system / digestion. For me, "grazing" on small amounts of food, frequently during the day, is a lot easier on my intestines. Eating a large meal and then sitting or resting is a recipe for nausea.
Drinking a lot of very warm tea (especially green, herbal, rooibus, peppermint, echinacea) has been the best treatment for me.

I also read about a study using vitamin C and E supplements to ease symptoms of radiation proctitis. I tried it and it helps me. You can take 500 mg Vit C and 400 IU of Vit E a couple of times a day and see how it works. Just don't do it during any chemo/radiation treatments, because it works against the toxicity of these treatments (that kind of toxicity you need at the time!).

I just keep telling myself that this will improve, and I'm blessed to be alive.

All my best.

By crickett305
Posted June 13, 2009 at 9:55 pm
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Annie, I am glad you are feeling better. I do try to stay active. My family tell me all the time to "slow down". I tell them I did slow down while I was going through treatment, and I am NOT going to slow down again. I refuse. I have my husband and 16 year old son at home, plus my daughter, her husband and their two babies living in my home. I do probably 85% of the cleaning, 98% of the cooking, and about 75% of the household laundry. I also run my own business full time. I have another grown daughter with a family, and two more grown sons with familes. I am a 38 year old grandmother of 5, with another grandbaby due in December. I am trying everything in my power to fight this cancer from returning. I have also learned from the cancer experience. I learned how to live and have fun. I was also told before I began treatment to find homes for my three inside dogs. It killed me to place them, but I did. I recently got a puppy from Walmart parking lot. The lady who was giving them away was also a cancer survivor, so I knew that puppy was meant for me. I think this puppy has helped me so much. My kids also went in together and got me a tattoo for Mothers Day. It is an angel with the word survivor above her. That is a daily reminder to me of where I have been, what I have overcome, and where I never want to go again. My major complaint about treatment at this point is the "sudden onset menopause". I don't think I have ever sweated so much in my whole life. I love not having a cycle, but hate the sweating and hot flashes. I have learned to laugh through them. My family thinks its funny to see me standing with my head in the deep freeze!

By esca
Posted June 15, 2009 at 12:27 am
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I also was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and had a radical hysterectomy, radiation and cisplatin. Completed all last July 2008. I am so so tired and my bones and hips HURT a lot. I am getting PT for women and it has been helpful. I am taking effexor for hot flashes.......i also developed some neuropathy...and just my doctors think that my symptoms are too much...but they are so real...thye need to do more research..thanks for this!

By JenLG
Posted June 16, 2009 at 1:22 am
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HI, I went to a naturopath and went on a diet to reduce the inflammation in my stomach and intestines. No red or processed meats. No wheat products. No sugars(only natural ones) No tomatoes or eggplant. No dairy or eggs. I did this for a month and it really helped. I also started taking fish oil and flax oil which has helped a lot.
Try pepperment capsules for the nausea.

By L473
Posted October 21, 2009 at 8:33 pm
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Hi Annie,
Sorry you are having issues with your stomach....I am currently going through my treatments but I was interested in your post....because I will be where you are at some point! I am glad you are getting your energy back.....that has to feel great so that you can be a energetic mommy to your girls....that is my biggest guilt right now...I feel horrible on the weekends when they are home and they have been so sweet to me they are 11 & 13....I love them with all my heart! I just want to be the fun MOM I was before where we did everything together and right now I just can't do what I normally can!!!! But I keep looking forward....I would rather be a zombie for a litte while and be here for many more years!!!!

Welcome to Inspire!

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