Wendy, some patient will notice some side effects right from the start of their radiation treatments. Its not very common for patients to experience issues from the very beginning of rads. Most patients will begin to notice the change in their sense of taste and some minor discomfort around weeks 2 or 3. By the time patients hit their 5th week most patients will definitely feel the effects of rads. Since radiation is cumulative, patients will feel worse the further into their treatments they go. The very worst of this whole thing is when treatments have finished. The first 2-3 weeks post rads are the most difficult, its when the body is trying to adjust and radiation is continuing to work even though treatments have stopped. But then you have the lucky 10% or so of patients who barely feel any side effects and they sail right thru everything. Ive watched hundreds go thru this over the years and figured out what the patients with the least amount of side effects do differently than most.. Ive noticed the patients who are the most focused on their intake are the ones who have the easiest time of it. By focusing on what is within your control you will do better at hitting your daily minimums of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz. Those are the bare minimum numbers, if you can push and do more every day then that will only help you by getting thru it easier.

Hang in there!!! Rads is not easy, not easy at all!!! Were here to lean on if you need us. Best wishes!!!