Coping with Side Effects of Radiation Therapy -1-

Like other cancer treatments, radiation generally causes fatigue, skin irritation, and damage to the part of the body being treated. It may cause other side effects depending on your condition.

Every person responds differently to treatment. Any side effects; It depends on the type of cancer, its location, the radiation dose, and your general health. Some people have no side effects at all, while others have very few side effects. It is not initially possible to know who may have side effects. Before treatment, tell your cancer treatment team about your Ask what to expect.

Taking care of yourself during treatment

You will need to take special care of yourself to protect your health during radiation treatment. Your cancer care team will help you with your treatment plan and possible side effects. can give you advice based on the effects.

Here are some general tips:

Make sure you get plenty of rest. You may feel more tired than usual. Try to get a good, restful sleep at night. Severe fatigue may persist for many weeks after treatment ends.

Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Depending on the part of your body exposed to radiation, Your cancer care team may recommend changes to your diet.

Let your cancer care team know about all the medications and supplements you take. Give your team a full list of everything you take and how often you use things like vitamins or herbs. When you need them, Remember what you're taking, such as sleeping pills, antacids, headache medications, and antihistamines.

In the treatment area, pay attention to skin exposed to radiation. If you receive external radiation therapy, the skin in the treatment area may become more sensitive or look and feel like a sunburn. .Check with your cancer team before using soap, lotion, deodorant, medication, perfume, cosmetics, powder, or anything else on the treated area. Some of these products can irritate sensitive skin.

How I will feel emotionally ?

Many patients feel tired during radiation therapy, which can affect their emotions. r. You may also feel anxious, depressed, afraid, angry, irritable, lonely, or helpless.

It is normal to have these feelings. Living with cancer and receiving treatment is stressful.

Side Will the effects limit my activity?

Side effects may limit your ability to do some things. What you can do will depend on how you feel. Talk about this with your cancer care team. Some patients can go to work or enjoy leisure activities while receiving radiation therapy. Others may feel that they need more rest than usual and cannot do more. Your team may recommend that you limit activities that may irritate the area being treated.

Like other cancer treatments, radiation can cause overall fatigue, skin irritation, and other side effects depending on the part of the body being treated.

Every person responds differently to treatment. gives. No side effects; It depends on the type of cancer, its location, the radiation dose, and your general health. Some people have no side effects at all, while others have very few side effects. It is not initially possible to know who may have side effects. Before treatment, tell your cancer treatment team about your Ask what to expect.

Taking care of yourself during treatment

You will need to take special care of yourself to protect your health during radiation treatment. Your cancer care team will help you with your treatment plan and possible side effects. can give you advice based on the effects.

Here are some general tips:

Make sure you get plenty of rest. You may feel more tired than usual. Try to get a good, restful sleep at night. Severe fatigue may persist for many weeks after treatment ends.

Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Depending on the part of your body exposed to radiation, Your cancer care team may recommend changes to your diet.

Let your cancer care team know about all the medications and supplements you take. Ask your team for a full list of everything you take and how often you take vitamins or supplements. Give information about things like herbs, etc. Remember what you take when you need it, such as sleeping pills, antacids, headache medications, and antihistamines.

Pay attention to skin exposed to radiation in the treatment area. If you receive external radiation therapy, be sure to take skin may become more sensitive or look and feel like a sunburn. Check with your cancer team before using soaps, lotions, deodorants, medications, perfumes, cosmetics, powders, or anything else on the treated area. Some of these products may irritate sensitive skin.

How will I feel emotionally?

Many patients feel tired during radiation therapy, which can affect their emotions. They may also feel anxious, depressed, afraid, angry, irritable, lonely, or helpless.

It is normal to have these feelings. Living with cancer and receiving treatment is stressful.

Will side effects limit my activity?

Side effects may limit your ability to do some things. What you can do will depend on how you feel. Talk about this with your cancer care team. Some patients may go to work or enjoy leisure activities while receiving radiation therapy. Others may find they need more rest than usual and can't do more. Your team may recommend that you limit activities that may irritate the treated area.

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