by Rneb on Fri Oct 09, 2015 5:09 pm
First off, sorry you are getting a crash course in Multiple Myeloma.
Second, Radiation is a Process and it is CUMULATIVE.
I thought it a piece o' Cake---until 3 weeks passed in of a 7 week course of treatments. Of course, it carries on for Months, afterwards....because at the end, you have accumulated quite a bit of Radiation in your body. Different types of aches, pains, sensations, and nausea's hit your body...and your brain. Food begins to taste like cardboard. Sleep can be disturbed.
My Radiation was to 2 places: my Head and hip. Right above my left eye and just inside the illiac crest of my right hip--1/2 way to my Pubis Ramus.
Third, it effects people, I would suggest, on a more emotional basis, than chemo does.
Cancer is an "Isolating" condition, in and of itself. With Radiation you are on a cold, hard, table with a huge "Transformer" looking menacing device rotating around you, making all sorts of bizarre Whirrs, clicks, buzzes, whines, and groans. You are told to lie there (alone) in semi-dark room, completely still, with radiation protocols observed. Pretty much naked. Then they leave the room and shut that 2 ton Lead door. If that isn't isolating--I don't know what is.
With Chemo--the RN's/ Techs/ MD's are in / out and all around you. You don't feel quite the "Freak" as you do, with Radiation.
Fourth, Chemo fog is well known. Radiation Fog is real , but slightly different than Chemo Fog. You feel like you have been electrocuted, but are pretty numb--not really aware of all things you were before. It feels like you just came back from a space trip--and need to take things slowly.
I still get "flashers" in my eyes, once or twice. It's been 3 years.
The Upshot: Go easy on your family member. Move slow. Be Patient. They are still trying to plug back into "the real world", and it may take some time. Some people react in fear--others in subtle emotional ways. Go Slow. Let them talk it out. If they want to sit quietly and process things, let them do it.
If they are nauseous tell their MD. The meds do help. Fatigue is expected. She may "Hit the Wall" at some point. ( Really feel extra tired and weak) Be supportive. Adjust your Expectations, and listen. I'm sure she will do fine--but for some, it is a struggle.
They will also do labs and watch her blood and her vitals closely.
It is also a process that lasts for awhile, after the Gray doses stop.
Tell her to ring the hell out of the Bell. She has earned it.
Good luck.
