The two most common side effects of radiation therapy are fatigue (extreme tiredness) and skin changes (redness, dryness, peeling, or blistering similar to sunburn) in the treated area, with other frequent issues including hair loss, mouth/throat problems, and digestive upset, all depending on the treated body part.
Heartburn or Difficulty Swallowing
Radiation to the chest or spine may cause heartburn or discomfort in your chest when you swallow food or drink liquids.
Joint pain and stiffness
Radiation therapy and some medications can cause inflammation in your joints. Some chemotherapy drugs cause joint pain (arthralgia).
Some of these side effects happen because radiation can cause your brain to swell. Medicines are usually given to prevent brain swelling, but it's important to tell your cancer care team about headaches or any other symptoms. Treatment affects each person differently, and you may not have these side effects.
Breast and skin changes
Over time, your breast may feel firmer, or it may become smaller or larger. You may also have mild tanning of the skin or red discoloration where the breast was treated, especially around the surgical scar(s). These changes may be permanent.
Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer
What exercises can help prevent or manage knee pain? Walking is excellent exercise, not only for the knee, but also for the cardiovascular system. Many cardiologists suggest that a brisk 30 minute walk three times a week is more beneficial for the heart than high intensity gym exercises.
The radiation oncologist will want to see you at least once after your treatment ends. The doctor who referred you for radiation therapy will schedule follow-up visits as needed.
Identifying Knee Pain Red Flags
Severe swelling: If your swollen knee feels warm and looks red, it might be a condition requiring medical evaluation. Inability to bear weight: If you have difficulty putting weight on your knee, it may indicate a serious injury.
As noted previously, the most sensitive organs are the blood forming organs and the gastrointestinal system. The biological effects on the whole body from exposure to radiation will depend upon several factors.
For instance, drinking through a straw, chewing gum and talking while eating can all promote gas production. Avoiding these behaviors before starting treatment may help reduce gas and bloating symptoms. Physical activity and making sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water may also help with digestion.
Radiation enteritis causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps in people receiving radiation aimed at the abdomen, pelvis or rectum. It's most common in people receiving radiation therapy for cancer in the abdomen and pelvic areas.
The main side effects from chest radiotherapy include difficulty swallowing, sickness, weight loss, breathlessness, lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment, and heart problems.
A common side effect that is not necessarily dose-limiting but considerably troublesome to patients is cancer- and treatment-related fatigue. The CAM therapies that may alleviate some of the side effects of radiation therapy include probiotics, psyllium, exercise, melatonin, honey, acupuncture, and calendula.
Radiation can cause changes in the brain tissue. Blood vessels may slowly become scarred and blocked, reducing the blood supply to some areas of the brain. This can have an effect on your brain function.
Important signs to be aware of include persistent constipation or diarrhea; black or red blood in your stool; black, tarry stools; more frequent urination; and blood in your urine.
After treatment is completed, follow-up appointments will be scheduled so that your radiation oncologist can make sure your recovery is proceeding normally and can continue to monitor your health status. Your radiation oncologist may also order additional diagnostic tests.
The #1 mistake making bad knees worse is excessive rest and a sedentary lifestyle, leading to weaker supporting muscles, stiffness, and a vicious cycle of more pain; instead, gentle, consistent movement (like walking, swimming) is crucial to strengthen the joint and improve function, though it must be balanced with avoiding activities that cause sharp pain. Other major errors include ignoring pain signals, carrying excess weight, wearing unsupportive shoes, and poor movement patterns, says Parkside Sports Physiotherapy and Coastal Empire Orthopedics.
Adjust your sleeping position
Sometimes knee pain at night has less to do with your knee and more to do with how your body is positioned. “If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to reduce pressure on your joints,” says Dr. Burns.
As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. If you can't set aside that much time, try several short sessions of activity throughout the day. Any amount of activity is better than none at all.
Breast cancer most often spreads first to nearby lymph nodes, especially those in the armpit (axillary lymph nodes), because they are the first to drain fluid from the breast through the lymphatic system, acting as a filter for stray cancer cells. If it bypasses these nodes, it can also spread to nodes near the breastbone (internal mammary) or directly to other organs like the bones, lungs, liver, or brain via the bloodstream.
Some common signs of metastatic cancer include:
Cervical radiculopathy is common in the general population and may be encountered in breast cancer patients during any phase of their disease. Radiculopathy may present as pain, paresthesias, numbness, or weakness of the shoulder, arm, and/or hand.