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Beatrice,
I have not had WBR. but here is a list of side effects that I have saved:
Whole Brain Radiation Therapy Side Effects
Very Likely:
Hair loss, which may be permanent
Dry mouth and/or change in taste
Nausea and/or vomiting
Scalp reddening or tanning and irritation
Tiredness/Fatigue
Less Likely:
Headaches
Less Likely But Serious:
Temporary aggravation of tumor symptoms such as seizures or weakness
Drainage from the ears or plugging of the ears with decreased hearing
Memory loss, behavioral change and/or increased sleepiness (occurring four to ten weeks after the radiation therapy is completed and lasting for several days up to two weeks)
Cataracts and eye damage with the possibility of blindness
Severe local damage to normal brain tissue (necrosis), which may require surgery
Certain drugs used in the treatment of brain tumors may cause kidney damage. Patients are given large amounts of fluid while taking these drugs. Patients may also have tingling in the fingers, ringing in the ears, or difficulty hearing. These problems may not clear up after treatment stops.
Fluid accumulation in your middle ear may cause you to experience a feeling of "plugged" ears and decrease your hearing in the ear that is in the radiation treatment field. This fluid accumulation is usually temporary and can result from inflammation of the middle ear. Should you develop this problem, your radiation oncologist may prescribe medication to help "dry-up" this fluid. Also, your ears will be inspected for any signs of infection which may occur with the irritation and fluid build-up in the ear. An antibiotic will be prescribed should this occur.
Long term injury from radiation is much less common than the side effects noted above. Your radiation oncologist will talk to you about these less common side effects.
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