Problems long after rads

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happygran
happygran Member Posts: 38
edited August 2015 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I thought I should post this as a warning to others.

I had rads, after surgery & chemo, over 7 years ago. I've had 7 brilliant years but started having swallowing problems 6 months ago. An endoscopy showed damage to my oesophagus from the rads. I've had my oesaphagus stretched 3 times in 4 weeks (not pleasant) and am still struggling. I've lost 3 stones in weight and am eating meal replacements and sloppy foods. Not good.

I know these things are mentioned when having rads, but to be honest we don't really think about these things in the future...........

I just wanted to highlight the possibility.

Take care

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  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 3,257
    edited July 2015

    Thank you. I have not had many issues from rads but find myself struggling to swallow on occasion and suspect it is from this but it is minor in comparison to what you describe. I hope it does not get worse...sheesh, the gift that keeps on giving this BC! Hope all turns out well for you in the end and pray that you get your swallow back!

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  • MarieBernice6234
    MarieBernice6234 Member Posts: 202
    edited August 2015

    Hi All -

    I don't know where exactly this fits in our broad range of topics, so this may not be the right place. I finished up my radiation just before Christmas of 2014 - just about 7 months ago. I have come a long way in getting my energy back since that time. So I thought that I was in the clear. Until just towards the end of last week when I became sick with an upper respiratory infection. Started in my voicebox so I felt better than I sounded. I saw a co-worker on Thursday who had seen me go through the whole BC treatment. She said that I didn't seem to have the "bounce" as I normally do. The following day, Friday, I went to urgent care and found out that I had an ear infection, which is a garden-variety illness after BC, for sure. I am usually a "pusher" - having worked throughout my surgery and rads. Do rads really knock this much out of a person in the early months of recovery? Sorry if this is long-winded!

    MarieBernice6234

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  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 1,576
    edited August 2015

    Hello, I am over 7 years out and the last few months have been having a lot of trouble with heart palpitations and increased heart rate. I went to see a Cardiologist and he told me that closer to the 10 year mark, there can be side affects on the heart after rads.

    It's a scary thing all these things popping up. Who would deny rads when you have to do it to get rid of cancer? Ugh! Anyone else has suspected side affects Where are you after the fact?

    Artsee

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  • Beachlady28
    Beachlady28 Member Posts: 54
    edited August 2015

    Hello all. Here is a side effect question, should anyone else have the same...Been on Anastrozole (generic for Arimidex) since Oct. 2014. Had lumpectomy Sept. 2014 and finished rads Jan. 2015. I have osteopennia which can turn into osteoporosis which is loss of bone that can cause fractures.. The doc said to get Reclast infusion since the anastrozole can speed up bone loss. So I had the Reclast Monday and was sick as a dog yesterday with nausea, headache, low grade fever, fatigue, bone pain, chills - much like the flu. Called the Doc who said these are common side effects. I knew that beforehand from online research. Has anyone else had this? The Reclast is once per year, not sure if I want to go thru this again. I see there is a monthly shot instead-anyone doing this?

    And oh yes I go for my first mammography post surgery and post rads this Friday so of course I am in a panic.

    Thanks for any advice. Hugs to all.

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