what are the afteraffects of radiation and chemo a year after treatment

Some chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy to the brain can cause problems with thinking and behavior months or years after treatment. Late effects that may occur depend on the part of the brain that was treated and may include: memory loss problems doing math problems concentrating slow processing of information personality changes

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Which was worse for You, chemo or radiation?

if you have the strength and courage to do the surgery, the chemo and radiation will be a cake walk. if you ask me, the radiation was the worst. there are lots of meds out there to help with any side effects you might have with the chemo, so dont be afraid to let your doc know if there is something that is bothering you.

What is the difference between chemotherapy and radiation?

There are three types of radiation therapy used to treat cancer:

• External beam radiation. This method uses beams of radiation from a machine that focuses directly on the site of your tumor.
• Internal radiation. Also called brachytherapy, this method uses radiation (either liquid or solid) that’s placed inside your body near where the tumor is.
• Systemic radiation. ...

What to expect during and after radiation treatments?

• Radiation cystitis. If the radiation damages the lining of the bladder, radiation cystitis can be a long-term problem that causes blood in the urine or pain when passing urine.
• Urinary incontinence. ...
• Fistulas. ...

What's worse chemo or radiation?

Not generally.: Radiation is a local or regional treatment. Chemotherapy goes all over in the bloodstream. Therefore chemotherapy has a greater chance to affect more things and have more potential side effects. However each patient is different and radiation can be worse than ...Read more.

What Are Late Effects of Cancer Treatment?

Late effects are side effects of cancer treatment that become apparent after your treatment has ended. Cancer survivors might experience late effec...

What Cancer Treatments Cause Late Effects?

Late effects of cancer treatment can come from any of the main types of cancer treatment: chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, surgery, target...

What Late Effects Might People Who Were Treated For Childhood Cancers Experience?

If you underwent cancer treatment as a child, you may be at risk of many of the same late side effects of treatment as people who were adults durin...

What Signs and Symptoms Might Signal That You're Experiencing Late Effects of Cancer Treatment?

Talk to your doctor about the late effects of your particular treatment. In some cases, your doctor will know what effects are at risk to you. But...

What Can You Do to Prevent Late Effects of Cancer Treatment?

It isn't clear that late effects are preventable or why some people might experience late effects while others don't. While this can be frustrating...

If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Brain

People with brain tumors often get stereotactic radiosurgery (radiation given in one large dose) if the cancer is in only one or a few sites in the...

If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Head Or Neck

People who get radiation to the head and neck might have side effects such as: 1. Soreness (or even open sores) in the mouth or throat 2. Dry mouth...

If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Breast

If you have radiation to the breast, it can affect your heart or lungs as well causing other side effects.

If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Chest

Radiation treatment to the chest may cause side effects such as: 1. Sore throat 2. Swallowing problems 3. Loss of appetite 4. Cough 5. Shortness of...

If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Abdomen (Belly)

If you are getting radiation to your stomach or some part of the abdomen (belly), you may have side effects such as: 1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Belly...

If You’Re Having Radiation Therapy to The Pelvis

Radiation therapy to the pelvis (for example, as treatment for bladder, ovarian, or prostate cancer) can cause side effects such as: 1. Bladder pro...

What to do after cancer treatment?

After cancer treatment, you should have regular check-ups. If you have symptoms of brain changes, you will have tests to see whether they are due to the cancer or are late side effects of your treatment. If you have late side effects, your doctor or nurse: Will talk with you about ways to manage late side effects.

How long after radiation treatment can you have your teeth checked?

Problems may include dry mouth, cavities, or bone loss in the jaw. You may be asked to have your teeth checked every 1 to 2 months for at least 6 months after radiation treatment ends.

What to do if you have late side effects?

If you have late side effects, your doctor or nurse: Will talk with you about ways to manage late side effects. May refer you to a physical, occupational, or speech therapist who can help with problems caused by late side effects. May prescribe medicine or suggest surgery to help with the symptoms.

What is second primary cancer?

When a new primary cancer occurs in a person with a history of cancer, it is known as a second primary cancer. Second primary cancers do not occur very often, but they can happen. Ways to Manage. Talk with your doctor about the types of second cancers you may be at risk for.

How to reduce bone loss after cancer treatment?

You can help lower your risk of bone loss by: Not smoking or using other tobacco products. Eating foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D.

Can radiation cause bone loss?

Radiation therapy, some chemotherapy drugs, and steroids can cause scar tissue, weakness, and bone loss. These problems can lead to loss of motion in joints, such as your jaw, shoulders, hips, or knees. If you receive radiation therapy, these problems will occur only in the part of the body that was treated.

Can radiation therapy cause shortness of breath?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the chest may damage the lungs. Cancer survivors who received both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the chest may have a higher risk of lung damage. Lung damage can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, dry cough, congestion, and feeling tired. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

What is the side effect of bone marrow transplant?

Mucositis is a common side effect of chemotherapy, local radiation, and bone marrow transplant, and is often the dose-limiting side effect for treatment. Mucositis involves inflammation and ulceration of the mucosal lining in the oral cavity, which causes pain, discomfort, and difficulty eating and swallowing, increasing the risk for hospitalization.

What are the treatments for cancer?

These conventional treatments can cause many side effects, only some of which can be treated with medications . Others take time to resolve after the treatment is complete, but some do not resolve at all. The following summarizes the evidence-based integrative therapies and supplements available to prevent and treat the side effects of conventional treatments and symptoms of cancer.

What percentage of cancer patients have a lack of sleep?

Quality of sleep is a major indicator of well-being. Sleep disturbances and lack of quality sleep occur in 30% to 75% of patients with cancer. Consider the following in cancer patients, as these show promise in the research:

Can breast cancer be cured?

It can occur months to years after treatment and is a chronic condition which can be managed but not cured. Numerous modalities can prevent lymphedema from occurring or reduce its progression.

Can radiation cause skin irritation?

Approximately 80% of patients treated with radiation therapy experience some form of skin irritation, ranging from hyperpigmentation to ulceration. These conditions may lead to pain, discomfort, itching, burning, or even permanent scarring. Calendula cream might be helpful. [1] Aloe vera gel and hyaluronic acid are not recommended due to lack of effect. [27]

Is cancer a difficult diagnosis?

Cancer is a difficult diagnosis to receive and the treatment can be prolonged. Many patients experience depression, anxiety, mental stress, and anguish at the time of diagnosis or during various stages of the treatment. Coping can be very difficult, and at times, medications are necessary.

Is cancer pain neuropathic or nociceptive?

Cancer pain can be described as nociceptive or neuropathic. Nociceptive pain results from damage to tissue, while neuropathic pain is caused primarily by nerve injury. Unfortunately, despite the availability of various pain therapies, cancer pain is estimated to be moderate to severe in 50% of patients. [21] Potentially beneficial interventions include:

What are the side effects of cancer treatment?

Childhood cancer survivors experience some of these late side effects: Heart problems, including an increased risk of heart attacks. Blood vessel problems, including an increased risk of stroke.

What happens if you have cancer years ago?

Increased risk of other types of cancers. Nerve damage. If you were treated for cancer many years ago, you may assume any health problems you have are related to aging, not past cancer treatments. Tell your doctor what you know about your childhood cancer treatments.

What to do if you have cancer and no longer seeing a doctor?

If you were treated for cancer many years ago or are no longer seeing a cancer specialist for checkups, talk to your primary care doctor about late effects . If you think you might be experiencing late effects or your doctor isn't sure what late effects to watch for, ask for a referral to a cancer specialist.

Can cancer affect children?

If you underwent cancer treatment as a child, you may be at risk of many of the same late side effects of treatment as people who were adults during their cancer treatments. But you may also be at risk of additional late side effects. That's because children's bones, tissues and organs are growing rapidly during treatment, ...

Can chemotherapy cause infertility?

Different chemotherapy drugs cause different late effects. So if you didn't take the chemotherapy drugs that can cause infertility, then you aren't believed to be at risk of that particular late effect. Late effects of radiation and surgery will affect only the area of the body exposed to them.

Can radiation affect your body?

Late effects of radiation and surgery will affect only the area of the body exposed to them. So, for example, if you had radiation to a part of your body other than your head or neck, then you won't be at risk of cavities and tooth decay as a result of your radiation therapy.

Is cancer treatment over?

Learn about late and long-term effects of cancer treatment so that you can take more control of your health as a cancer survivor. Your cancer treatment is over, but the treatments that may have saved your life may also continue to cause side effects. As more people are living longer after cancer treatment, more is becoming known about late side ...

How long does radiation side effects last?

Remember that the type of radiation side effects you might have depends on the prescribed dose and schedule. Most side effects go away within a few months of ending treatment. Some side effects may continue after treatment ends because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Side effects might limit your ability ...

How long does it take for side effects to show up after radiation?

Some side effects might show up quickly, but others might not show up until 1 to 2 years after treatment. Talk with your radiation oncologist about what to watch for and when to call your doctor. If the cancer is in many areas, sometimes the whole brain is treated with radiation.

How long does it take for radiation to show up in the brain?

Radiation to the brain can also have side effects that show up later – usually from 6 months to many years after treatment ends. These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.

How long does it take for radiation to cause side effects?

Late side effects can take months or even years to develop. They can occur in any normal tissue in the body that has received radiation. The risk of late side effects depends on the area treated as well as the radiation dose that was used. Careful treatment planning can help avoid serious long-term side effects.

What is the most common drug used for radiation therapy?

The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy. Not all doctors agree on how these drugs should be used in radiation therapy. These drugs have their own side effects, too, so be sure you understand what to look for.

What is the best treatment for radiation?

One way to reduce side effects is by using radioprotective drugs, but these are only used for certain types of radiation given to certain parts of the body. These drugs are given before radiation treatment to protect certain normal tissues in the treatment area. The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy.

What are the side effects of brachytherapy?

If your treatment includes brachytherapy (internal radiation implants), you might notice breast tenderness, tightness, redness, and bruising. You may also have some of the same side effects that happen with external radiation treatment.

Bone conditions

Chemotherapy drugs may contribute to bone conditions, including osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones.

Heart-related conditions

Chemotherapy may cause late side effects in the heart for some people, such as:

Cognitive problems

A group of cognitive issues, sometimes known as “chemo brain,” may occur as a late side effect of chemotherapy in some people. Cognitive issues may include problems with memory, concentration, or focus.

Mental health conditions

Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and issues with body image, are common in cancer survivors. Research from 2018 notes that up to 20% of people with cancer experience depression, four times as common as the general population.

Hair loss

Hair loss is common with chemotherapy treatment. Research from 2017 notes that up to 65% of people on chemotherapy experience hair loss. This percentage may also increase depending on the drug.

Fatigue

Fatigue occurs with chemotherapy treatment but may also linger after treatment. If long-term fatigue is ongoing after chemotherapy, a person should talk to a doctor to explore possible reasons or options for managing symptoms.

Endocrine symptoms

Cancer treatments that affect the endocrine system may cause a person to have symptoms of menopause, such as:

How long does it take for a side effect to show up after radiation?

When to contact your doctor. If long-term side effects occur, they typically develop within two to three years of treatment. It is rare for a symptom to pop up eight to 10 years later. If you experience one of these symptoms, contact your primary care physician or radiation oncologist.

What is radiation oncology?

Radiation oncologists are trained to deliver the right dose of radiation to the right body part on the correct schedule. They work to minimize side effects and limit overall radiation exposure so you can receive the correct dose of radiation to sterilize cancer cells while minimizing the effects on your normal, healthy cells.

Is radiation therapy bad for cancer?

Long-term side effects of radiation therapy. If you have undergone radiation therapy (radiotherapy) for cancer treatment, it is normal to have concerns about potential long-term side effects. Fortunately, not everyone experiences side effects and for those who do, side effects are rarely serious.

Can radiation cause long term side effects?

Your risk of long-term side effects may increase with the amount of radiation you receive. Some people have a rare inherited disease that causes them to heal poorly from radiotherapy.

Is a breast treated or untreated?

The treated breast may be slightly smaller and firmer than the untreated breast, though this is rarely noticeable, even in a bathing suit or bra. Head or neck: A change in the pH of saliva, allowing a new breed of bacteria to grow that can damage tooth enamel and make you more susceptible to cavities.

Can radiation therapy help cancer patients?

We can treat cancer cells that remain even after chemotherapy or surgery, or shrink tumors before surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is capable of helping someone who could have died from cancer and giving them their life back.".

How long after treatment do you see late effects?

Other late effects may not appear for months after treatment has been completed. Keep track of unexplained symptoms and problems. This will help you talk with your health care team and loved ones. Work with your health care team to develop a health care follow-up plan that will be part of your Survivorship Care Plan.

What are the effects of surgery on cancer?

Late effects of surgery include: Scarring at the surgical site. Problems fighting infection.

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is applied to the areas of the body that are affected by cancer. Aftereffects occur only in the area that was treated. In some cases, treatment may also include healthy tissue. This is to make certain that all of the cancer is treated.

How does cancer affect your life?

Late effects of treatment can affect day-to-day life activities, such as: Difficulty working due to physical or emotional issues. Changes in relationships with loved ones, friends or coworkers. Impact on self-esteem.

How does surgery affect the body?

The effects of surgery depend on the area of the body (or site) where the surgery is performed. Risks have been lessened by new and improved surgical methods but late effects may still occur. A tumor may affect healthy tissue as it grows if it damages or kills normal cells.

Can oncology see you after treatment?

Sharing information might help you find new ways to manage challenges. Your oncology team will probably continue to see you for a period after treatment is done. Your health care will then be returned to your primary care physician for most matters. However, many providers are not trained in the aftereffects of cancer.

Does chemotherapy cause hair loss?

These cells can include those related to hair, skin, fingernails or the stomach lining. This is why chemotherapy can cause temporary side effects. These include mouth sores, upset stomach, hair loss or skin rashes. Side effects usually improve as the normal (or non-cancer) tissues repair themselves.

How to lose weight after chemo?

Work with a dietitian or nutritionist and add strength training exercises to your workout routine to help you shed some pounds. Energy. You probably remember the fatigue that hit you while you were getting chemo. But some people still feel extremely tired after treatment ends.

How long does chemo rash last?

Some side effects of chemotherapy only happen while you're having treatment and disappear quickly after it's over. But others can linger for months or years or may never completely go away. Watch out for signs of chemo's long-term changes, and let your doctor know how you feel.

Does chemo cause heart problems?

Heart. Certain chemo drugs can damage cells in your heart. Chemotherapy may also increase your odds of having heart problems, such as: Weakening of the heart muscle ( cardiomyopathy) Problems with your heart rhythm ( arrhythmia) Heart attack.

Does hair go back to normal after chemo?

But it's possible that at first it may not look like it used to. Its texture, shape, and color may be different. Over time, as the effects of the chemo on your hair follicles wear off, your hair will probably go back to the way it was before treatment. In rare cases, such as after years of strong chemotherapy, your hair follicles could shut down.

Does chemo make you gain weight?

Weight. Some types of chemo can make you put on extra pounds. You may find that the weight stays on even when your treatment ends. For instance, some drugs that treat breast cancer can cause you to lose muscle and gain fat, which makes it much more difficult to get the weight off.

Can you have children after chemo?

If chemo kills the immature stem cells in your testicles that become new sperm, you may become infertile, which means you can't have children . If you're a woman, chemotherapy can damage your eggs and harm your ovaries. You may stop having regular menstrual cycles after treatment.

Can chemotherapy make you tired?

But some people still feel extremely tired after treatment ends. You may find that even when you get enough rest, you still feel sluggish. Talk to your doctor for suggestions on how to raise your energy level. Chemotherapy can affect your ability to have children, whether you're a man or woman.

How long does a cancer treatment last?

Some side effects that you develop during treatment can last for months to years after treatment is completed (for example, fatigue or neuropathy). These are often called long term side effects.

What happens if you get radiation treatment with dry eyes?

Patients with dry eyes from radiation treatment may be at increased risk for infections in the cornea (the front part of the eye). Other possible effects can include: Shrinkage or loss of the eye. Corneal abrasions and ulcers. Glaucoma. Damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss or blindness.

What happens if you have radiation in your ears?

Hearing and Ear Changes. Radiation to the head can damage the cochlea (a part of the inner ear), and/or the ear canal. This can lead to hearing loss, dryness of the ear canal and fluid collection in the inner ear. These problems could result in: A full or clogged ear feeling. Dizziness.

What are the effects of radiation on the head and neck?

Late Effects After Radiation for Head and Neck Cancer. Side effects from radiation treatment are directly related to the area of the body being treated. Any area in the treatment field has a risk of being damaged, causing side effects. As radiation techniques have improved over the years, the risk of late effects has decreased.

What to do if a clinic is not available?

If a clinic is not available near you, talk with your oncology care team about resources for managing your late effects. After treatment, talk with your oncology team about receiving a survivorship care plan, which can help you manage the transition to survivorship and learn about life after cancer.

Can radiation damage the parotid glands?

Radiation to the head and neck can damage the salivary (parotid) glands. This can lead to: Dry Mouth. Dental problems: be sure to brush twice daily and floss once daily. Have dental exams and cleaning every 6 months and be sure your dentist is aware of your radiation treatment history.

Can you smoke while on radiation?

You should avoid smoking, secondhand smoke, vaping, hookah, and using oral tobacco products, which can make long-term and late effects from radiation worse. Because the head & neck treatment field can encompass several other structures and organs, the risks to these areas are discussed below.