Why is there no information on radiation damage? How could they use this without knowing long term effects?

Treated with 7200 cGy radiation for squamos cell cancer T2 of the vocal cord fifteen years ago. I now suffer from radiation damage to the spine, throat problems, risk of stroke due to hardening arteries in neck and at high risk for reoccuring cancer caused from radiation. I'm suffering from neurological problems and suffer from chronic pain on my left side of my body. Doctors don't know much about the effects of radiation and can only tell me the damage will continue but it's unknown how severe. I'm 32 years old and was diagnosed and treated for cancer at 17.

I just finished the new mammosite radiation which I was assured would just be easy and maybe a little burning of the skin with no after affects. Nobody told me how bad the damage, pain or side effects would be...I was just left to believe this was simple and painless. Lots of misleading and I am seriously upset, also. I believe they are using people like Guinea pigs because the insurance companies pay for what amounts to "testing" and then documenting the results in the name of "treatment."

There is actually, you just have to look for it. There was a study done that I found for you. Yes, I was bored, and yes, I actually read it all. I'm strange that way.
It may answer some of your concerns as to how and why you were treated with radiation therapy.

Hope it helps.

A RANDOMIZED STUDY OF HYPERFRACTIONATION
VERSUS CONVENTIONAL FRACTIONATION IN T2 SQUAMOUS CELL
CARCINOMA OF THE VOCAL CORD

http://www.rtog.org/members/protocols/95...

Read my cancer testimonials on my page and blog roll. with the right nutrition the body will repair itself.

Sorry to hear of all the side effects. Fortunately radiation has come a long way in the time since you have had your treatment. They are also very good about letting you know of any possible side effects both during treatment and long term.

I was treated with 5 weeks/5 days a week of external radiation and 3 high dose treatments of intervaginal radiation as a precaution for my stage 3 endometrial cancer. I had already done chemo and hysterectomy and my cancer levels were fine but this was just to be sure.

I was given a list of all the possible side effects and had to sign a consent form prior to my treatment. In my case I decided to do it not only because the radiation oncologist strongly advised it but because I felt the benefits outweighed the possible side effects.

I wish you all the best!

My radiologist did such a good job of informing me of the risks that I opted not to undergo radiation. Then I had a recurrence and changed my mind. I have problems with scar tissue, severe pain in my ribs and back and decreased range of motion with my left arm. However, if I had it to do over again I would.

I've given up trying to get any relief from my cancer docs and have gone to pain specialists who have been much more helpful.