Radiotherapy, after effects?

my mum has been diagnosed with bone cancer, she has just finished a course of radiotherapy, and i have noticed that her face has got bigger, looks like she has put a lot of weight on just her face, is this normal with this treatment, she is not due to see the oncologist till the end of the month. (sorry about spelling) Thanks for any help.

I too had 5 weeks of radiotherapy, about 13 years ago. (Ewings' (bone cancer))

Side effects were slight nausea, slight lethargy, nasty 'radiation burn' on the treatment area (like severe sunburn), and a lowered immune system & blood count.

I would suspect that the swelling is NOT directly connected to the treatment, but more likely one of the drugs / steroids commonly given to aleviate any nausea. These can cause an increase in body weight over time.

Give the hospital (oncology ward) a call, one of the doctors or pharmacist on call will know if this is a known side-effect.

It may also be 'just' an infection caused by this virus going round - if so, be a little more careful due to her reduced immunity to such things.

So sorry to hear about your Mum. I had five weeks of radiotherapy for breast cancer and apart from red and sore skin I had no after effects, but perhaps it is different for your mum's type. Is she on steriods (for pain) as these can make you swell up sometimes?

My mother had radiotherapy this time last year for Lung Cancer
she didn`t put on any weight or have the symptoms your mother has
The best thing to do is phone your oncologist , Our oncologist in wales is brilliant nothings too much trouble for them we phone when ever we are worried so to put your mind at rest give them a call . Hope your mother gets well soon

my husband is on radiation now he has oral cancer and yes it will cause swelling and reddness which is a radiation burn the swelling will go away but it does take time it is fluid that is building up its not going to hurt her and im sorry

I'm no expert but radiotherapy can do some unexpected things to the body.
If you are so worried why don't you go and talk to a doctor yourself rather than tell your mum of your worries, a doctor may be able put you at ease.

This depends on the dose of radium being administered most people I've come into contact with do have very red raw looking faces if they've had the radium directly on the face or neck this will get back to normal with time but you've got to remember that even on the last treatment the Radium is still working in your body maybe for weeks later.so give it time.