post radiation food sensitivity

[Neandertal]

Hi,

I finished radiation therapy four weeks ago and generally feel fine. I've noticed, however, that whole wheat foods really iritate my digestive tract now. By process of elimination I've determined that it's the wheat (wheat bagels, shredded wheat, wheat spaghetti) that's causing the distress. Before the treatments I could handle these foods just fine. The obvious solution is to avoid wheat, but I was just curious as to why this grain would cause me such problems now? Other grains such as oat and rye don't cause problems thank goodness (can't live without carb's ^_^).

Thanks,
David

[rjs]

Interesting situation with wheat foods you are experiencing. I did not notice any reactions to certain food types, but there was some occassional stomach distress in the weeks after radiation. My doctor indicated that it was normal and that it could take several weeks or months for the body to get back to its pre-radiation state. Apparently, the body continues to heal from the treatment reactions even if we are not visibly aware of any problems. Its been almost 6 months since my treatments finished and I think I have turned the curve and as "back to normal" as anyone could expect.

Hang in there!

[Neandertal]

Thankyou rjs.

Guess I just need to be patient. Someday I'll get to "normal" again. My radiation oncologist pretty much echoes your reply about the body continuing to heal itself post-treatment.