Orthodox treament: bad stories

Radiation

This is a story of one cancer patient who was treated for Hodgkin's disease with radiation. It was published in the COU-RAGE UK newsletter and is reprinted here with permission.

"My problem started after the birth of my first child when I discovered a lump on my neck. I went to my GP who acted very quickly and I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. I underwent a few tests, a `staging' laparotomy and a splenectomy, before 6 weeks of radiotherapy. On the first day I was measured up and tattooed several times so every dose of radiotherapy would be on the same place. I was treated as an outpatient Monday to Friday. The lump on my neck disappeared quite quickly, so things were looking good. Then I started to get the side effects. My throat began to get very painful and my mouth was dry - I could only have food made into liquid. I started to feel sick all the time and my hair began to fall out.

Later my shoulders and tops of my arms started to really hurt and become quite stiff. My radiotherapist said that I must have pulled a muscle. I said I didn't think I had. A few weeks after my treatment had finished I was told the pain was caused by the radiotherapy. Apparently, a man in America was complaining about the same discomfort.

I was also noticing tingling in my hands and feet. It seemed to happen every time I slightly lowered my head, and I also felt sick and light-headed. A couple of times I fainted - this lasted for several months. When I told the Radiotherapist again she said it was the Radiotherapy which had damaged nerves in my neck and she could not do anything to help.

Slowly things seemed to settle down and I was left with the pain and soreness in my shoulders, neck and arms and a very dry mouth. I got on with life as best I could, making sure I had drinks with me all the time and avoiding carrying anything too heavy. Over the years I had several things, such as painful legs, facial pain, tooth decay, but never got any answers why this was happening.

But the last 5 years I have been very unwell. It started with numbness and discomfort in my legs, then I started feeling nauseous, severe stomach pains, pain in my eyes with altered vision. I started to notice yet again when I slightly moved my head it would make everything worse.

I've been in and out of hospital for tests. I've been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Irritable Bowel and Underactive Thyroid. Last year an MRI Scan of my cervical spine showed evidence of Radiotherapy damage which a muscle biopsy later confirmed. The Neurologist said it was the price I've had to pay for having my illness treated and that he could do nothing for me. He suggested I see a Psychiatrist who deals with patients with `Chronic Fatigue Syndrome'.

I am in a lot of discomfort now. I walk with a walking stick and use a wheelchair if I've got to be somewhere in time. I have tried several anti-sickness drugs for the nausea without any relief. I wear tinted glasses for the awful feeling in my eyes but the pain in them is getting unbearable. I feel I am not getting anywhere with the doctors I am seeing. So if anyone with similar side effects has any advice as to what I can do, I would be thankful.

Carol from Kent
letters to COU-RAGE (marked `Carol from Kent') 24 Lockett Gardens, Trinity, Manchester M3 6BJ, England