Ten years ago I was diagnosed with Stage IIb Cervical cancer. Though the five year survival rate is 58%, I am still here!
The reason? Very aggressive radiation. It made me very sick, but it killed the cancer, which mercifully had not advanced to the lymph nodes.
So... radiation is the gift that keeps on giving. It damaged my colon. Four years ago this particular
nastiness began, and I have attacks of it periodically. My diet really helps, but every now and then,
I have an attack. Like last night.
This is what I have, to quote from " Radiation-induced small bowel disease: latest developments and clinical guidance " in Sage Journal:
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Ionizing radiation is commonly used to treat a number of malignancies. Although highly effective and now more targeted, many patients suffer side effects. The number of cancer survivors has increased and so there are more patients presenting with symptoms that have arisen as a result of radiotherapy. Radiation damage to small bowel tissue can cause acute or chronic radiation enteritis producing symptoms such as pain, bloating, nausea, faecal urgency, diarrhoea and rectal bleeding which can have a significant impact on patient’s quality of life.
So after an episode, I drink lots of Gatorade for the dehydration.
So it goes. Sorry if this is TMI.
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