Can anyone tell me about experiences of radiotherapy? DH to start it soon.

[SleepySuzy]

For anyone that doesn't know, DH has Hodgkins disease (lymphoma cancer) for the third time.

He has about 6 weeks left of his chemo, which he has had lots of in the past. When he's finished this, they are hoping to administer radiotherapy for about 21 days.

I know they will go through it all with us, but we would like to know from someone who's been through it, or knows someone who's been through it. DH wants to know what to expect, and how he should expect to feel.

My MIL and also SIL's mother recently undergone courses for breast cancer.

Both said it was the overwhelming tiredness that bothered them most. Nausea was very minimal.

They were warned that they might suffer localised burning; MIL used the supplied aqueous cream but SIL's mum used liberal amounts of aloe vera cream both before and after treatment. MIL suffered from small areas of localised burning, SIL's mum didn't so aloe vera seems effective.

HTH

I can sympathise with you as my dad had Hodgkins disease diagnosed on 29th April 2004, the day after dd2 was born (actually dh brought me and dad out of the hospital together).
He had 6 months of chemo but luckily didn't need radiotherapy, but unfortunately his splean burst due to chemo and he spent last easter in having it out.
He is better, but not great and still struggles with everyday things.
After he had the all clear he was told about loads of benefits he should of had, I assume you have these but if you want you can cat me and we can discuss.
Hope things get better soon, love to you all.

Thank you SaintGeorge, that is really useful. How are they now?

Thank you also Tegan - the only benefit he gets atm is DLA, and he is just getting basic sick pay until it changes to incapacity. He has a benefits adviser, but tbh, I am a bit dubious as to her abilities.

SIL's mum is 18 months on from her treatment and doing great, all clear so far. She was back to her cheerful, lively, bubbly self within a month of treatment finishing.

MIL only finished her radiotherapy 10 days ago so very early, but everything looking good so far.

Forgot to mention also, he needs to keep up his fluid intake during treatment. Thirst was another big side effect.

Best wishes to you and yours x

SS, so sorry to hear this - my long term boyfriend had Hodgkins disease, diagnosed just as we were starting our finals.

I agree, he was exhausted and used to sleep in the afternoon after his radiotherapy sessions and he suffered localised burns but I don't remember them being too troublesome - do remember rubbing cream into it. He had radiation to the neck area so an area of his hair fell out at the back too.

Hope everything works out for you ss xx

Thanks again, he has had to drink loads all the way through really, so that won't change.

Thank you for your kind thoughts. x

sleepysuzy can relate to what you are going through, my mum has non hodgkins lymphoma and has been having rounds of chemo, she was told she may have to have radiotherapy tho she hopefully has had her last chemo (waiting to find out this week) I will keep an eye on this and hope everything goes ok for you

sleepysuzy - my dad was told sometime after the all clear that he could claim a clothing and heating allowance,all transport for chemo will be paid for or he could have someone pick him up before and drop him off after chemo for free, also he has now got a blue badge, his car tax is free and is getting a mobility car of his choice in september.