So I'm due to get my mask fitted tomoz and to plan treatment which I think will be starting the following Monday , and I have something called emetophobia for people who don't know what that is its a phobia of being sick I have had it since I was 4 so pretty much no hope for it to go. Anyway I was just wondering when I asked oncologist about sickness she said I shouldn't really have any . But I am still scared as anything I know it sounds stupid . But what were people's experiences with sickness . Just from radiation alone not chemo did any have it ? Thanks in advance

I had radiation alone. Radiation can cause sickness, dry mouth, no taste, low WBC, RBC, anemia, fatigue, and many others that are likley and unlikely, compounded by any pain, nausea meds, canned feedings. Everyone is different, but would expect some type of sickness or ailment, and It also depends where radiated, the dosage amount, duration. Being a young age, your recovery is quicker, treatments are tolerated better than someone older. Good luck.

Hi Gemma,

I'm surprised your Oncologist said that. I was told flat out it was going to suck! But then it also depends on your definition of sickness. Initially, say for the first week or two, you won't feel much, but as time goes on, it gets pretty rough. Throat pain, swallowing issues, sunburn like symptoms on your neck, fatigue etc. Side effects vary and are different for each person but it's pretty safe to say that unfortunately, you'll be feeling pretty crappy as time goes on. Start now if you can with a lotion for your neck. Use it several times a day (but NOT before a treatment!) to help prepare your skin for the rads. I used "Special Care Cream" but there are several that will do the trick...ask your team.

I had chemo too but other than added fatigue and nausea I did Ok with it.

Good luck with everything. This is a great place for info and support as you go through treatment.

Positive thoughts and prayers

"T"

Thanks for the replies guys I should have explained when I mean sick I mean nausea and vomiting not stuff like sore throat etc I've been told I will have painful swallowing burns dry mouth and fatigue etc but when I asked the oncologist about nausea and vomiting she said its not likely ?

There should be further info at the opening page on OCF for radiation effects. Here is another one:

http://news.cancerconnect.com/side-effects-of-radiation-therapy/

Im not familiar with the site Paul's link goes to so I dont know how up to date or correct the info is. It could be great or maybe not.

Here is a link for the main OCF pages about treatments. It will go in depth if you click thru the different tabs and links.

OCF Treatment Info

Best wishes!!!

You never heard of CancerConnect? They are authoritative, up-to-dare in medical news, cancer, on-line communities, linking studies, abstracts, and believe are partnered with Dana-Farber in the on-line communities. I never seen any misinformation nor would I post it, if I thought so, and much of the info in this link is common knowledge, written elsewhere by other authoritative sites who just copy and paste each other. If I could, I would post OCF, but I have a hard time with doing that.

Gemma,
The nausea is usually associated with chemo. If you are only receiving radiation then you can expect to have a few side effects with your name on them. From your description if the current cancer is only in the lymph nodes and no cancer in the oral or pharyngeal areas, then you very well might not suffer the typical side effects that radiation offers to those being radiation in the mouth or down along the throat.

For example, if the rads skirt around the parotid glands, then you saliva may be intact. That might also mean you avoid the common dry mouth side effects. Your taste may not be as affected either as the rads won't blast your tongue as much.

One thing for certain, even for people with the exact same diagnosis and treatment plan, each can have very different experiences during treatment and post treatment and side effects.

Good luck,
don

I don't think radiation made me sick at all. Every time I was sick it was on or right after a chemo day. My doc did tell me it CAN cause nausea but I don't believe it did with me.

I too have emetophobia and was very concerned about my treatment making me sick. I had both chemo and radiation and tolerated it very well. I did not throw up but was nauseated toward the end of treatment although i think that was probably due to side effects from the chemo. I believe my fear coupled with a strong will and meds helped me through. Did they not offer you chemo? I know I didn't want to go through treatment either but your team will take good care of you and any discomfort will be addressed. If you haven't done so already, let them know of your phobia. But as a fellow phobic, I understand where you are. Hang in there. You can do this.