RADIOTHERAPY: THEY ALL SAY THE SAME THING

STEADY EDDY'S TRAVELS

11 Sept 202404:37

Summary

TLDRThe speaker shares their experience after completing 12 of 30 radiotherapy sessions. They mention how the treatment starts off relatively painless but becomes more challenging due to its cumulative effects. They have begun feeling dizzy and concerned about a potential physical decline, particularly after standing up and feeling faint. Despite these challenges, the speaker remains determined to complete the treatment. They also describe the unsettling smell of the radiotherapy machine and express anxiety about the remaining sessions. The update is meant to inform others who may be going through or preparing for radiotherapy.

Takeaways

🔴 The individual has completed 12 out of a total of 30 radiotherapy sessions.
📉 They are noticing a cumulative negative effect as the sessions progress, with the later sessions being more challenging.
🚶‍♂️ There has been a recent decline in physical improvement, with dizziness experienced after standing up from a chair.
⏳ It has been 9 weeks, or 63 days, since the brain operation, and the person had been gradually improving until radiotherapy began.
🤔 They had expected some physical decline with the start of radiotherapy, but the effects are now becoming more noticeable.
😟 The person feels 'terrible' after the 12th session, indicating a significant change from the initial sessions.
💊 There is an expectation that the last week of radiotherapy will be particularly tough, described as 'fairly ruthless'.
🏥 The individual is committed to completing the radiotherapy, despite the increasing side effects.
🏠 Hospital transport is mentioned as a helpful service provided during the treatment process.
📹 This script is part of a series of updates to inform others about the radiotherapy experience, particularly for those who might undergo it.

Q & A

How many radiotherapy sessions has the speaker completed?
-The speaker has completed 12 radiotherapy sessions.
How many radiotherapy sessions does the speaker have left?
-The speaker has 18 radiotherapy sessions left.
What cumulative effect is the speaker referring to regarding radiotherapy?
-The speaker refers to the cumulative effect of radiotherapy, where side effects and discomfort build up and worsen over time.
What symptoms has the speaker started experiencing recently?
-The speaker has started feeling dizzy and experienced a sensation of possibly collapsing after standing up, which they didn't feel during the initial sessions.
How long has it been since the speaker had brain surgery?
-It has been nine weeks, or 63 days, since the speaker had brain surgery.
What kind of improvement did the speaker expect before starting radiotherapy?
-The speaker expected continuous physical improvement, particularly in the recovery of their right leg and arm, which were initially non-functional.
What unexpected side effect has the speaker experienced with radiotherapy?
-The speaker expected nausea but has instead experienced dizziness, especially when standing up.
What bothers the speaker about the radiotherapy machine?
-The speaker is disturbed by the burning smell emitted from the radiotherapy machine, which they find unsettling.
How does the speaker feel about continuing with the radiotherapy sessions?
-The speaker is determined to continue with the radiotherapy sessions despite the increasing side effects and discomfort.
What kind of support does the speaker mention receiving during their treatment?
-The speaker mentions that hospital transport has been helpful in getting to and from the radiotherapy sessions.

Outlines

00:00

🩺 Progressing Through Radio Therapy: Session 12 of 30

The speaker shares that they have completed 12 radio therapy sessions with 18 more to go. They reflect on how 30 sessions seem like a significant number and mention that all medical professionals involved in their treatment have warned that the side effects will worsen as the therapy progresses. The speaker acknowledges that radio therapy has a cumulative effect, and they are starting to feel the physical toll now.

🤕 Early Physical Effects: Dizziness and Decline

The speaker describes feeling the effects of therapy for the first time in recent sessions, particularly experiencing dizziness after breakfast. They mention feeling as though their physical improvements, which had been steady since their brain surgery nine weeks ago, may have plateaued or even declined. Despite the challenges, they express a determination to continue with the treatment.

😣 Physical Struggles and Concerns for the Future

The speaker continues to reflect on their physical condition, describing feeling terrible that day. They share how standing up caused them to feel dizzy and almost collapse, and this raises concerns about a potential physical decline after improving post-surgery. The speaker worries about whether this marks the start of further deterioration but is prepared for it.

📢 An Update for Those Undergoing Radio Therapy

This portion of the video serves as an update for anyone going through or about to undergo radio therapy. The speaker acknowledges that while it is only 12 sessions in, the experience is becoming physically demanding, and the medical team has warned that the last week of therapy may be particularly harsh. They remain committed to completing the treatment despite these challenges.

💪 Determination to Push Through Despite the Struggles

The speaker expresses their determination to continue radio therapy despite discomfort, particularly the unsettling experience of a burning smell from the machine. They reflect on the disturbing thought of what might be causing that smell, linking it to brain cells being affected by the therapy. However, they resolve to persevere, grateful for hospital transportation and support.

⚠️ Side Effects: Dizziness and Lingering Concerns

The speaker revisits the side effects of radio therapy, noting that dizziness is becoming more frequent. While they had anticipated potential nausea, the dizziness is the most concerning. The fear of a physical decline looms, as they wonder whether this is the beginning of further health issues that may not be reversible. They intend to provide updates as the therapy progresses.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Radio therapy

Radio therapy, also known as radiation therapy, is a medical treatment that uses ionizing radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. In the context of the video, the speaker is undergoing radio therapy as part of their treatment plan following a brain operation. The script mentions '12 radio therapy sessions down 18 to go,' indicating the speaker is midway through a 30-session treatment plan.

💡Cumulative effect

The cumulative effect refers to the impact that builds up over time as a result of repeated exposure or action. In the video, the speaker discusses the cumulative effect of radio therapy, noting that while the initial sessions were relatively painless, the later sessions are causing them to feel worse. This term is used to describe the progressive worsening of side effects as the treatment progresses.

💡Dizziness

Dizziness is a sensation of feeling unsteady or lightheaded, which can be a side effect of various medical treatments or conditions. In the script, the speaker experiences dizziness upon standing up after breakfast, which they attribute to the ongoing radio therapy sessions. This instance illustrates the physical challenges faced by the speaker as a result of their treatment.

💡Physical improvement

Physical improvement refers to the process of regaining or enhancing physical abilities or health. The speaker mentions that they had been physically improving since their brain operation, suggesting a period of recovery and progress. However, they express concern that this improvement may be stalling or reversing due to the radio therapy, indicating the complex interplay between treatment and recovery.

💡Brain operation

A brain operation, or surgery, is a medical procedure that involves operating on the brain, often to remove tumors or correct abnormalities. The speaker mentions having had a brain operation 63 days prior to the recording of the video, which is a significant event that has led to their current treatment with radio therapy.

💡Recovery

Recovery in this context refers to the process of regaining health or strength after an illness or injury. The speaker uses the term to describe their progress after the brain operation, stating they had been improving at a rate of '1% a day.' However, they express concern that this recovery may be hindered by the side effects of radio therapy.

💡Side effects

Side effects are unintended or secondary effects of a medical treatment, often different from the intended therapeutic effect. The speaker discusses experiencing dizziness as a side effect of radio therapy, which is a common issue that patients may face during such treatments. The script highlights the speaker's anticipation and experience of these side effects.

💡Nausea

Nausea is a feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that can lead to vomiting. It is mentioned as an expected side effect of radio therapy that the speaker has not yet experienced. This term is used to illustrate the range of potential physical reactions to the treatment.

💡Hospital transport

Hospital transport refers to the service provided by hospitals to transport patients to and from medical appointments or treatments. The speaker briefly mentions the helpfulness of hospital transport, indicating that it is a supportive service that assists them in attending their radio therapy sessions.

💡Update

An update in this context is a report or summary of recent events or changes. The speaker uses the term 'update' to frame their video as a way to inform viewers about their current health status and experiences with radio therapy. This term is central to the video's purpose of keeping the audience informed about the speaker's treatment journey.

💡Smell

In the script, the speaker mentions a 'burning smell' associated with the radio therapy machine, which they find disturbing. This sensory detail adds depth to the description of the treatment environment and the speaker's emotional response to it. The smell is metaphorically linked to the treatment's impact on the body, suggesting a deeper unease about the process.

Highlights

12 radio therapy sessions completed with 18 more to go, making a total of 30.

The cumulative effect of radiotherapy makes it more challenging as it progresses.

Initially, the radiotherapy seemed painless, but the side effects have started to intensify.

The speaker experienced dizziness after standing up, likely a side effect from the ongoing treatment.

Physical improvement from the brain surgery has likely plateaued and may even decline due to the radiotherapy.

It has been 63 days (9 weeks) since the brain surgery, with about 63% recovery expected.

Despite expecting side effects, the speaker is beginning to feel the impact now after 12 sessions.

The dizziness felt today was especially disturbing, making the speaker feel as if they might collapse.

The speaker reports that the cumulative nature of radiotherapy side effects is confirmed by medical professionals.

Nurses and doctors warned that the last week of radiotherapy can be particularly tough.

Despite the challenges, the speaker remains determined to complete the radiotherapy treatment.

The smell from the radiotherapy machine is described as disturbing, similar to a burning smell.

The speaker is unsettled by the idea that the smell could be brain cells burning.

So far, the speaker has not experienced nausea, a common side effect they were expecting.

The speaker contemplates whether the current side effects signal a further decline in their physical condition.