[2022-02-15] Radiation recovery
Now that radiation is done, I no longer see my radiation oncologist on Mondays. Nevertheless, I decided to share an update on my recovery.
When I was finishing my radiation therapy last week, various members of my healthcare team—radiation oncologist, therapists, nurse—advised that I would continue to react to the treatments after completing the 25 rounds. Some suggested that I would decline for 3 to 5 days before starting to get better, while others pegged the period of decline at 7 to 10 days. I liked the sound of the first range, but I am now resigned to the fact that the second range is more realistic in my case.
It has now been 7 days since my last radiation treatment. Some aspects of my health are improving, while others continue to deteriorate. While I still experience bladder and pelvic pain, it lasts for short bursts, then subsides. Similarly, the tingling (pins and needles sensation) has started to wane, but the itching continues. The greatest challenge is with my skin, which is red and raw, like what you would experience with a very bad sunburn.
Before starting radiation, I had no idea of what the side effects would be. Once I read about them, I had a better understanding of the potential impacts of the treatment, but they turned out to be more severe than I had anticipated.
I share this not because I am looking for sympathy (I know that I will make a full recovery) but because I think there is value in documenting my experience with radiation therapy and increasing awareness of the effects of this type of cancer treatment.
I hope to round the corner soon.
