hillfamily Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 A very dear friend of mine is starting radiotherapy (pelvic area) next week and I want to help her as much as possible and support her wherever and whenever I can...and I need a few queries answered if anyone can help. What side effects is she likely to experience I've been looking things up on t'interent and it appears that sickness and exhaustion seem the most likely. Also some soreness after a few treatments in the area where the 'rays' go in. I'm thinking that I can help practically by cooking some meals, doing shopping, chores around the house. On an emotional level, I will be available to offer a friendly ear and a hug whenever needed. Any words of wisdom and advice would be gratefully received ... thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I'm sorry to hear about your friend having to have radiotherapy. I'm afraid I've not been in that situation, but if I was, I think I would be most grateful of the help around the house, shopping and making dinner. But most of all, to have someone who I could call when I was feel particularly bad would be a godsend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I'm thinking that I can help practically by cooking some meals, doing shopping, chores around the house. On an emotional level, I will be available to offer a friendly ear and a hug whenever needed. Any words of wisdom and advice would be gratefully received ... thank you It sounds like your friend is lucky to have you to care for her It will be the little things that count, having a cup of tea made, even running round with the vaccuum cleaner as she won't feel like too much house work etc. I hope everything goes well for her Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Your poor friend . I've no advice, just wanted to wish her lots of luck . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 From what I gather the sensation is something akin to sunburn and of course the general exhaustion. Your friend is fortunate to have you to help out. I hope that everything goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggregiousness Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I think it affects people quite differently. It will be lovely for her to have your support however it affects her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 My friend had to have her pelvis treated in this way, and unexpectedly, she had quite severe diarrhoea for a couple of weeks. It did settle, but it is useful to know this may happen. Best wishes to your friend. She will appreciate lifts to and from the hospital. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Have spoken to OH about this as he finished his a few months ago. Extreme tiredness was the most obvious side effect. He wasn't at all nauseous, but that could be down to the individual treatment. He would sleep at the drop of a hat, usually falling a sleep an hour or so after waking up! The side effects lasted about 6-8 weeks after treatment finished. She will probably be advised to use 'Simple' toiletry products, as normal shampoo, creams and conditioners etc contain trace elements of metal and need to be avoided. Aqueous cream is a god send, to stop the itching that sometimes accompanies the radiotherapy. things to read whilst waiting to go in every day is helpful. Lots of little meals that can be popped in the microwave would be appreciated, I'm sure. Just being there for her will be great Pam. She is lucky to have you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 My brother had radiotherapy and he had really extreme tiredness too so any help you can offer to her would be appreciated I would think. Sending best wishes to you and your friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I'm so sorry to hear tis Pam, I hope that it goes as well as can be expected. She's lucky to have you as a friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleTree Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 My grampy had radiotherapy for prostate cancer. He was very tired, and had upset stomachs. I remember my dad telling me the areas where he'd had the treatment were sore. As others have said, anything you offer to do will be a big help. Hope it all goes well for your friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMO Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Hi Pam Sorry to hear about your friend. I suggest that she uses Aloe Vera gel on the treated area after each treatment - this helps prevent the 'sun burn' effect some people experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitchens Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 What about a few i pod playlists (of course if she has an i pod) some of them could be happy some could be from her teen era and one could be chill out? Most of all you just being around for her at a very tough and difficult time will be worth its weight in gold. Wishing her and you my dear all the best. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 Thank you all so much for your advice and thoughts, I knew I could rely on you guys to help It is muchly appreciated. I'll put together a little pamper hamper of Simple products, some Aloe Vera cream, magazines and a few tasty homemade treats It's my turn to help and look after her after the some of the difficult times in my life, that she has seen me through...but then that is what bestest friends are for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Hugs for your Friend x & you x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilda-and-evadne Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I suggest that she uses Aloe Vera gel on the treated area after each treatment - this helps prevent the 'sun burn' effect some people experience. Your friend should seek medical advice before putting ANYTHING on the irradiated area. When I had radiotherapy, I could not even wash the affected area. Particularly I remember my surgeon saying that if I put warm water on it I would be "in real trouble". During the radiotherapy I took a Chinese medicine to offset the effects of the radiotherapy, and when the treatment was finished I put lavender essential oil neat on the irradiated area - with the result that the burned skin came off like a giant scab. But I am NOT suggesting that your friend does this but instead takes medical advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted October 14, 2009 Author Share Posted October 14, 2009 Your friend should seek medical advice before putting ANYTHING on the irradiated area. When I had radiotherapy, I could not even wash the affected area. Particularly I remember my surgeon saying that if I put warm water on it I would be "in real trouble". She is a very thorough researcher and I know she will have checked and double checked what she can and can't use :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
