About Me
- Ysolei
- New York City, NY, United States
- (ee-so-lay) n. Daring, fearless, creative, loving, loved, blunt, survivor, empowered, shining light, mother, daughter, friend, phoenix, veteran
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Why Am I So Tired During Radiation Treatments?
2:46 PM | 
Posted by
Ysolei
June 17, 2010 (2 miles/3834 steps) 100 Calories
Nearing the end of week three of radiation therapy. The all-too-familiar fatigue has begun to set in. I've had to shorten my daily walks and limit my sun exposure so that I'm not completely wiped out in the afternoons. Right chest area is starting to turn a dark tan color, but my skin is still intact.
So why are radiation patients so tired? Radiation therapy targets areas that are high risk for cancer cells to return. In breast cancer, that means the chest wall, axilla (or armpit) and sub-clavicular (collarbone) regions. Unfortunately, the radiation also affects healthy cells, and the body mounts a fierce metabolic response to repair the damage. If bone is in the radiation field, the bone marrow can be damaged, resulting in anemia and subsequent anemia-related fatigue.
The best way to combat radiation fatigue is an EXCELLENT DIET, plenty of water, lots of rest (best excuse for an afternoon nap there ever was, limit sun exposure and the assurance that this too, shall pass.
SOURCE: http://www.baymedical.org/dept/cancer/radiation/faq.php and personal experience.
Nearing the end of week three of radiation therapy. The all-too-familiar fatigue has begun to set in. I've had to shorten my daily walks and limit my sun exposure so that I'm not completely wiped out in the afternoons. Right chest area is starting to turn a dark tan color, but my skin is still intact.
So why are radiation patients so tired? Radiation therapy targets areas that are high risk for cancer cells to return. In breast cancer, that means the chest wall, axilla (or armpit) and sub-clavicular (collarbone) regions. Unfortunately, the radiation also affects healthy cells, and the body mounts a fierce metabolic response to repair the damage. If bone is in the radiation field, the bone marrow can be damaged, resulting in anemia and subsequent anemia-related fatigue.
The best way to combat radiation fatigue is an EXCELLENT DIET, plenty of water, lots of rest (best excuse for an afternoon nap there ever was, limit sun exposure and the assurance that this too, shall pass.
SOURCE: http://www.baymedical.org/dept/cancer/radiation/faq.php and personal experience.
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