Julie McCrossin: Does radiation therapy hurt?

Julie McCrossin, Journalist, broadcaster and facilitator, shared a post by Radiation Oncology: Targeting Cancer on LinkedIn:

“Radiation Therapy does not hurt. I had Radiation Therapy 11 years ago to successfully treat my throat cancer. You don’t feel it at all while receiving the radiation treatment.

I received 33 sessions of radiation and I felt nothing during the treatment.

However, because my tumour was on the back of my tongue, tonsils and side of my throat, inside my throat and mouth, a side effect, as the treatment progressed, was internal swelling and burns. I received powerful pain medications to deal with this side effect.

I also lost speech and could only swallow liquid food for several months. Then, as I healed, I recovered the capacity to speak and swallow.

Every cancer is different and Head and Neck Cancers are considered tough because they effect basic functions. People with some other cancers are able to work throughout their treatment.

Quoting Radiation Oncology: Targeting Cancer’s post:

“Does radiation therapy hurt? Will I be able to work during radiation therapy? It’s normal to have a lot of questions before starting cancer treatment.

We’ve created a list of more than 30 Frequently Asked Questions about radiation therapy. Visit our website to learn more.”

Source: Julie McCrossin/LinkedIn and Radiation Oncology: Targeting Cancer/LinkedIn