How long before side effects from radiation?

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UltraRunnerGale
UltraRunnerGale Member Posts: 13
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Hi all,

I started radiation this week. I understand everyone is different, but how long was it before you started feeling side effects? What were they and how severe? I am a long distance trail runner and have a 50 mile race in 4 weeks. I'm a little concerned with fatigue, but really concerned with skin issues as it's going to be very hot and there will be a lot of sweat and dirt and not so pleasant things going on.

Also, did anyone have issues with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea? Those can be issues in and of themselves in a long distance race, but I'm hoping not to had additional issues because of the radiation.

Thanks, in advance! Cool

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  • kestrelgurl
    kestrelgurl Member Posts: 266
    edited May 2013

    UGGale,



    I am a runner also and was able to run all through radiation albeit at reduced distance and pace. My skin didn't get irritated right away, so that wasn't a problem.....fatigue and stress were.

    I used Miaderm cream 3x a day and believe that helped. Liberally use of Body Glide ( on unirritated skin) could also be helpful during you event.

    Sun exposure can be painful and should be avoided, so you might to consider a full coverage SPF cooling top (like Craft makes) to keep you more comfortable.

    My RO fully supported my running. What does yours say?

    In the end, make your race decision based on how you are feeling at the time. Your body has been through a lot and recovery is hard work. It's only a race.....there will be others. Tough for us endorphin junkies to stomach, but try nonetheless. :-)

    Gail

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited May 2013

    Good for you guys running...not for me; I do Zumba, walk and the treadmill. Anyway I had some burning but at the halfway mark of my 33 RADS treatments the fatigue really set in. My ONC told me to be prepared for that. All in all not bad though.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2013

    While you wait for more members to respond you may want to check out the main breastcancer.org site on managing side effects of radiation therapy.

    We hope this helps. 

    The Mods

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2013

    Everyone responds differently, but I was able to hike rigorously and keep up my regular bikram practice throughout chemo. I didn't have many skin issues other than redness that looked like a sunburn, a bit of peeling on my nipple, and scatter radiation burn on my back (right shoulder). 

    I used Vit E in capsules--used a pin to open the capsules and squeezed out the oil, recommended by my RO, and aquafor and Xclair. The Xclair I got from my RO tech.

    I did get a little tired about two weeks before the end. I realized that I'd drive to Sedona to get my tx, then hike for about 45", then come home--and take a hour nap, something I'd never do otherwise. But I feel I sailed through overall pretty darned good. I just kept up my usual activity and kind of ignored the fact that I was getting radiation but I'm stubborn.

    Claire

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