simulation then radiation

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In last Friday’s post ‘10+‘, I concluded with the following –

The pain in my right groin area has increased.  This first started with just an occasional pain and now is constant.  This groin pain as well as my other pains is affecting my walking, sitting and standing and I have extreme difficulty sleeping at night.  I currently am experiencing many different pains daily and they are all becoming worse.

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Image Provided by: Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants

My current cancer, pain and health condition were discussed with the Radiation Oncologist Dr. M.

I will update you on Monday with the results of this appointment.

Thank you everyone who sends prayers, thoughts and hugs every day – they are appreciated.

In today’s post, I write the following –

My discussion with Radiation Oncologist Dr. M. was a positive one.  He feels that I would benefit from receiving radiation.  Thursday of last week, I had an appointment for a Simulation & Treatment Planning.  The simulation involved me being placed into my “treatment position”, for which I will use for every radiation treatment.  I then had 3 small permanent ink dots called ‘tattoos” place on my treatment area that will be used to ensure the positioning and accuracy of my daily treatment.

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Image Provided by: Emedicine Medscape

I will receive between 15 to 18 radiation treatments that will begin Monday, June 12.  These treatments will be for 5 days a week with weekends off.

The possible side effects include fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, urinary frequency, burning with urination, rectal irritation, skin irritation at the treatment site and vaginal irritation.  There are several of these I do not have to be concerned with; vaginal irritation (because I don’t have one), and burning with urination & urinary frequency (I no longer have a bladder).

My expectations are I will have little side effects; as I dealt with chemotherapy fairly well.  Radiation treatment is new to me, so I may be affected totally differently than my expectations.  The whole purpose of the radiation is to help reduce tumors and hopefully reduce pain I am experiencing.

Tomorrow, I will meet with m Oncologist Dr. L. to discuss my future treatment for my cancer.  Because the most recent chemotherapy was not working, he may want to try an immunotherapy treatment, another chemotherapy treatment or possibility a clinical trial.  My understanding is, the next treatment would not begin until after the radiation treatment is completed.

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Image Provided by: ainsworthinstitute.com

You may remember from my post ‘Looking for Pain Relief‘, I mentioned my 2nd appointment with Pain Management, I will receive a Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block.  The reason for this procedure is due to the increase pain in my groin area.  This procedure is also more precise in blocking nerve pain in the pelvic region.  This procedure will be a ‘simulation’; meaning temporary, and if it seems to work, then another procedure will take place for long acting pain relief.

This first ‘simulation’ procedure is scheduled for this Friday.

My hope is between this procedure and the radiation treatment, I can finally find some relief to this incredible pain I have experienced for months now.

43 thoughts on “simulation then radiation”

  3. I’ve recently completed 30 radiation treatments, although in a different area – my neck. Out of the side effects you listed I experienced fatigue, nausea, and skin irritation and burning both on the outside and the inside of my neck, along with further side-effects pertaining to neck irradiation. I think fatigue is common to all radiation treatments though, as the body tries to heal the cells damaged by radiation. Also nausea is common too, but I was prescribed Domperidone and Ondansetron which took it away. Skin irritation at any treatment site will probably be experienced too. I wish you good luck.

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  4. When I got my permanent dots I asked for butterflys but no luck there🦋! The skin irritation is something you can start working on now. Find a nourishing oil at the natural food store. Mine had stuff like coconut oil,etc. no alchohol. They were pleased at the condition of my skin. Start now to get your skin ready, they told me skin irritation and fatigue were almost givens. Good luck and tons of xxxooo.

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    • Thank you Paula for the suggestion for the skin, I will certainly find something to help out. And yes, I figured the fatigue would occur, I already feel that now for other reasons. Have a great day, I appreciate you reading and commenting. 🙂

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  5. Oh my word, this all must be so tiring for you, but at least it is all heading in the right direction for pain relief. I am sure tomorrow’s appointment will go well. You really seem to have a great lot of doctors there. Thinking of you always. Hugs my friend 🙂 x

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    • Lynne, it is crazy sometimes – Gary had to create a calendar with all the appointments and procedures just to keep up with it all. I am hoping this is the week that things change – I really do. I appreciate you as always. 🙂

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  11. Sending hope! Hope that your treatment will decrease your pain. Hope that your radiation will have no side affects that are negative and will only shrink those tumors and get you well.

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  12. Although it is horrible (radiation … not something most of us would invite in) I am really happy to read that your crack med team are going a different route to try and get things better for you. I’m sure it won’t be a cakewalk but you are hardly doing the happy dance right now so I am sure you must be relieved to have something so finite and tangible to look forward to. In the meantime, I do hope that you have had a little respite from the dreadful pain you are suffering. I send you many sunbeams to warm your spirits, my dearest friend 😊

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    • My hopes are the pain will be relieved very soon – I remain optimistic. As of today, the pain continues to become worse and I am at the point where I am unable to do much as my walking is being affected. Thank you for the sunbeams, I certainly need them right now, not only because of my health, but because rain is falling and will continue for several more days. 🙂

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  14. Sometimes I read and am without words, but I am here. Can we agree that when I just click like, it means you are in my thoughts, and prayers and I’m sending one of my legendary hugs (too long and too tight!)

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    • Clicking ‘Like’, lets me know you do care. Thoughts and prayers are always appreciated as well as hugs. Thank you David for your support, it means a great deal to me. I am hoping your week is going well for you. 🙂

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  15. Oh sweet Terry how I hope this radiation gives you some relief from pain. What a trooper you are going through all of this. I so wish I could take away some of the pain. Just know I care and send love and hugs! xo

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    • I too hope the radiation gives me relief as well as the procedure I am receiving this Friday. I start each day fresh with renewed hope and I know I have many caring and supporting friends such a yourself to help me along the way. Thank you Jodi. 🙂

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