I just wanted to share my mom's experience with radiation therapy. She's 87 years old and had skin cancer on her lower leg close to her ankle. The dermatologist recommended radiation to mohs surgery because her skin was very thin and they would have to graft skin for healing which wasn't much of an option. The radiation process itself wasn't a problem but the healing of the nerves in her leg has caused major pain. This has been going on for 6 months and there is also a wound that hasn't healed. The oncologist, dermatologist and her primary care doctor don't have any answers for the pain. She's a very strong lady but this pain has been nothing like she's ever gone through before. I just wanted you all to think twice about radiation therapy and get as much information as possible about it.
My sister had whole brain "rads" when her cancer metastasized. She was in her 50's; the experience was draining and wore her out. But the redness on her face lasted for awhile. It was so painful to see; it debilitated her extensively. I don't know if I'd ever agree to it if I developed cancer.
No one knows exactly how a patient will react to any kind of TX. Some people literally sail through theirs, while others are basically bedridden the entire time.
I HOPE you are advocating for your mom and minimally treating the pain. At 87, she doesn't deserve to have to suffer. Well, actually, nobody does.
I didn't require radiation, so I can't speak to that. It actually does 'burn' and your mom may have some bone-deep burns that cannot be seen.
Also--chronic pain makes it really hard to heal. I'd really chase that down and not let her suffer. Sometimes you have to be a bit of a nuisance to get pain meds for our LO's.
There are drugs that sepcifically target nerve pain--I'm thinking of Gabapentin. That might help. Have the drs offered any solution or do they just shake their heads go 'sorry, can't help'?
Thank you to all for your feedback. Any suggestions welcome!
Mom probably needs Norco or Tylenol w/codeine for the pain. At 87, the risk of addiction is low and she would probably appreciate pain relief.
Yes, the 'war on drugs' has made Drs hesistant to treat pain appropriately. You need to advocate for your mom and get something stronger to help.
Also--CBD oil may help, but for the pain?? Seriously, something stronger and again, maybe Gabapentin if she's having nerve pain.
More concerning is a non healing sore. My brother died of Sepsis within weeks after letting a small sore on his shin that would not heal go unaddressed. It was SO small that no one in his ALF was even aware he had it, and he was treating it himself with over the counter antibiotics. Consider wound care if she requires this.