Fatigue with radiation?

[IrvineFriend]

I'm seeing fatigue as a side effect of radiation. How much fatigue should I expect? My job has put up with this entire process, and my boss just asked what he should expect with radiation and I really couldn't answer him.

We also have a facility in Mexico that I haven't been able to get to because my onc. restricted my travel there. During chemo I ate at a salad bar for lunch, and ended up in the hosptital with a 103 (and it was still climbing) temp. that night. It's a nice hospital ... not sure if I would have gotten that level of care and good food on the other side of the border. Any issues with increased chances of infection?

This triathlon is almost over, just radiation and getting my permanent breasts on the TO DO list! I'm an optimist.

[jaykay]

I finished radiation May 22 and did find that I got somewhat tired in the afternoon. This was more at the beginning than at the end. I tried to exercise every day.

I was not told of any increase in infection risk due to radiation. I had heavy business travel scheduled (was grounded all during chemo) starting 5 days after radiation and all doctors (ro, mo) gave a thumbs up.

I'm with you - waiting for my skin to heal so I can get my permanent foobs placed!

The hard part is over (chemo). Radiation is just a grind but it does make you physically and mentally tired.

Best,
Janis

[NEDenise]

Julie,
I finished radiation on Friday and left for vacation the next day. My skin looked great, just a little pink, like sunburn. I remembered to wear my lymphedema sleeve on the plane.

About 6 hours after we arrived... the blisters showed up, broke and became very painful. The theory was that the change in cabin pressure on the plane may have caused it.
By the next day, I was in major pain, taking pain killers and so exhausted I sent the fam out to do touristy things while I slept an entire day away.
The next 3 or 4 days, I was tired, and in pain, but I was able to go along... and used a wheelchair when a lot of walking was expected.

Now, as we've noticed... I'm not too lucky when it comes to this sort of thing... so you might be just fine...
but my guess is it might be wise to give yourself a week or so between finishing rads and heading off on a business trip.

No one warned me about infection, and I didn't get one.

Hope this helps!
Denise

[linn65]

I was burnt and wore out my last week of rads. Good luck

[tricia keegan]

Rads for me were a breeze after chemo and I didn't burn but did get itchy and pink, I used 100% natural aloe vera after each treatment. I know people who have rads in their lunch hour and return to work, I had major fatigue and needed to get home and rest so there's no telling how you'll react until you begin I think. There's usually no risk of infection at all, you just need to be sure not to use any creams or lotions before the treatment, good luck!

[karen z]

I am not sure you can give your boss a definitive answer as everyone is different and responds differently. I did work through radiation but was increasingly fatigued.

[snolan]

Everyone is different, I didn't have any fatigue with radiation. Hope don't get any.

[bonnie]

I was very fatigued with chemo but when I had radiation, I felt better and better and less and less fatigued. I hope you experience the same. Of course, I did experience some burning and discomfort toward the end.

[IrvineFriend]

Thanks everyone! I feel 200% after chemo ending and don't want to give up this energy! I think I'll be fine. Denise, you do have some strange luck, don't you?!

Happy Friday!!!!!