It helps to learn more about the side effects from your treatment(s) before you begin, so you will know what to expect. When you know more, you can work with your health care team to manage your quality of life during and after treatment.
There are effective and readily available medications to address traditional side effects from cancer treatment (such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation and mouth sores.) Also, as newer 'targeted therapies' become available, they tend to leave people with fewer traditional side effects.
Keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to treatment and experiences side effects differently. There are coping mechanisms and strategies that can help.
Side Effects from Extrahepatic Bile Duct Treatments
Side effects of external radiation therapy may include skin changes, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, painful sores in the mouth and throat and dry mouth or thick saliva.
During treatment by external radiation, the radiation kills the normal cells in the lining, which can lead to painful swallowing. This starts shortly after beginning treatment but typically improves within a few weeks of finishing.
Most side effects of radiation are temporary, but some rare serious side effects can be permanent.