    
Radiation therapy log
For your information
Radiation is used to treat some kinds of cancer, sometimes in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. It may be given by electronic beams or x-rays in relatively small doses over a relatively long time period. The type of cancer cells, the location and other factors determine whether and what kind of radiation therapy would be effective. The radiation treatment itself is not painful.
Caring for yourself during radiation therapy
Every person will respond to radiation therapy in her or his own way, but here are some helpful tips as you begin therapy:
- Fatigue is common, even four to six weeks after completing treatment. Get plenty of rest. Sleep when you feel the need.
- Weight loss may occur. Good nutrition is important.
- Tell your doctor about any medicines, even aspirin, that you are taking.
- Take special care of the skin in the treatment area.
Side effects of radiation on the skin
While modern radiation is much safer today than it was in the past, it can still harm your skin, especially for people with fair skin and blond hair. Similarly, the risk is greater if you're also having chemotherapy or taking a drug like metronidazole (Flagyl), which makes tissues more sensitive to radiation.
Certain areas of skin are more susceptible to the harmful effects of radiation, including the groin, armpits and skin under the breast. The skin may become red and swell, and later become dry, turn plum-colored and crack. Some severe cases involve blisters and peeling. Some long-term changes can occur six months or more after the initial reaction.
|
How to care for skin during radiation (Advice from the National Cancer Institute)
If your skin reacts to radiation therapy, there are ways to minimize the effects and reduce the risk of more serious skin complications:
- Don't use soaps, powders, deodorants, lotions, deodorants, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics or anything else in the treated area unless advised by your doctor.
- Protect the area from the sun. Ask your doctor about using a sunblock lotion. Continue to protect the skin from sunlight for at least one year after radiation.
- Wear loose-fitting, 100% cotton clothes over the treated area. Don't use starch on the clothes.
- Avoid rubbing, scrubbing or shaving (or applying shaving lotion to) the area receiving treatment.
- Dry skin well after bathing, patting it gently, especially in skin folds. Don't swim in chlorinated water or saltwater.
|
Other side effects. The radiation beam may affect surrounding tissue as well as cancer cells, and results may vary depending on the individual and the location of the radiation treatment. Some people report no side effects at all, and most side effects go away in time. Here are some side effects and what you can do about them:
- Diarrhea or cramping with pelvic radiation. Avoiding high-fiber food, milk, raw fruits and vegetables, coffee, and spicy foods can help.
- Salivary changes or dry mouth with radiation to the face and neck. Take good care of teeth, gums, mouth and throat by avoiding spicy and coarse foods, tobacco and sugar. Get instructions for proper dental care from your dentist.
- Hair loss to a treated area. Many patients find that their hair grows back after treatments are over, depending on how much and the type of radiation received.
- Low white blood cell count or low levels of platelets. If your blood tests show this side effect, your treatment might be delayed until blood counts increase.
|
