how to deal with radiation treatment

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What to expect when having radiation therapy?

What to Expect During Radiation Therapy Treatment

• Before Radiation Therapy. At Affiliated Oncologists, each treatment plan is created to meet the individual needs of the patient, but there are some steps that are taken for each patient.
• During Radiation Therapy. There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiation and internal radiation therapy.
• After Radiation Therapy. ...

Does radiation treat cancer or cause cancer?

When your cells divide they replicate your DNA to do that and radiation can cause errors in the process. For this reason, radiation can both cure and cause cancer. Radiation therapy can happen externally through beams in a localized area or sometimes they target the cancer cells and inject it in you with a catheter.

Can you get cancer from radiation therapy?

There is also a risk for other cancers, which are mostly solid tumors, after having radiation therapy. Most of these cancers develop 10 years or more after radiation therapy. The effect of radiation on the risk of developing a solid tumor cancer depends on factors such as: The age of the patient when they were treated with radiation.

How is radiation therapy used to treat cancer?

• Before surgery (to reduce the size of a tumor/usually combined with chemotherapy)
• After surgery (to clean up any cancer cells that may remain after surgery/usually combined with chemotherapy)
• As a primary treatment (with or without chemotherapy) to slow the growth of a tumor
• To treat metastases

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What should you not do during radiation?

Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.

How do people cope with radiation treatment?

Radiation therapy side effects: 5 tips to copeGet enough sleep during radiation therapy. ... Treat skin exposed to radiation with TLC. ... Maintain a well-balanced diet. ... Commit to physical activity. ... Get the support you need.

Can you be around someone after radiation treatment?

The radiation travels a very short distance, so the effects are mostly to the tumor. However, you may have to limit contact with other people for up to one week after treatment. It is especially important to avoid close contact with children and women who are pregnant.

What precautions should be taken after radiation therapy?

With internal radiation, you may need to avoid touching the patient until the implant is removed or limit the time you spend very close to them. With systemic radiation therapy, you may also have to avoid the person's bodily fluids for a few days after treatment.

How do you stay calm during radiation?

Palmison's four tactics to find your peaceful center during radiation therapy.Just breathe. Calm, even breathing sends a message to your body that it's OK to come off of red-alert. ... Stay active. ... Follow your muse. ... Embrace an indulgence.

What are the worst side effects of radiotherapy?

Treatment areas and possible side effectsPart of the body being treatedPossible side effectsBrainFatigue Hair loss Memory or concentration problems Nausea and vomiting Skin changes Headache Blurry visionBreastFatigue Hair loss Skin changes Swelling (edema) Tenderness5 more rows•Jan 11, 2022

Can you drive yourself to and from radiation treatments?

Unless you feel ill, you can typically drive yourself to treatment. In fact, many patients are able to work full-time during their treatment.

Is radiation worse than chemo?

The radiation beams change the DNA makeup of the tumor, causing it to shrink or die. This type of cancer treatment has fewer side effects than chemotherapy since it only targets one area of the body.

How long after radiation do you start to feel better?

Most side effects go away within 1–2 months after you have finished radiation therapy.

What are the best foods to eat during radiation treatment?

Eat a variety of protein-rich foods that are low in fat. Include seafood, lean meat and poultry, Greek yogurts, eggs, beans, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds. Some soy products are highly processed and not as good for you as other types of soy.

Does radiation affect sleep?

Treatment for cancer, including radiation and chemotherapy, can also cause sleep problems because it can throw off patients' sleep cycles, possibly due to hospitalizations (which can interfere with regular sleep patterns) or because of physical symptoms (such as pain) that can make it difficult to sleep.

What should I eat after radiation?

After surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, extra protein is usually needed to heal tissues and help fight infection. Good sources of protein include fish, poultry, lean red meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts and nut butters, dried beans, peas and lentils, and soy foods.

How do people feel during radiation?

The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated, such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area. Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.

Is radiation therapy stressful?

Radiation therapists play a vital role in the treatment of many types of cancer. They administer critical radiation treatment to shrink cancer cells. And due to the nature of the radiation therapy career, there will be moments of stress.

How long after radiation do you start to feel better?

Most side effects go away within 1–2 months after you have finished radiation therapy.

How long does it take to recover from radiation therapy?

Most side effects generally go away within a few weeks to 2 months of finishing treatment. But some side effects may continue after treatment is over because it takes time for healthy cells to recover from the effects of radiation therapy. Late side effects can happen months or years after treatment.

What Are Some Common Side Effects of Radiation? How Do I Handle them?

Radiation treatment is often targeted at one specific area of the body, so side effects can vary depending on the body part being treated. However,...

Does This Person Need Any Kind of Special Food Or Drink During Treatment?

People undergoing radiation to the head, neck, or stomach area may have trouble with nutrition because they feel nauseated or too fatigued to eat a...

Should I Take Precautions to Make Sure The Radiation They Receive During Treatment Isn't Harmful to Me?

Patients receiving external radiation therapy are only exposed to radiation during treatment itself. But there are two types of radiation treatment...

How to help with fatigue during radiation?

Commit to physical activity. For patients that are up for it and are already physically active, exercising during radiation therapy can help with fatigue, mood issues and stress management. Even going for a walk for a few minutes can help. We generally do not recommend starting a new rigorous training program during radiation.

What happens if you get radiation on your skin?

The skin in the area where you’re receiving radiation therapy may become red and sensitive, similar to a sunburn. Your radiation oncology nurse will review specific instructions for caring for your skin with you, so it’s important to take note. Some of the things your nurse will tell you include:

Why do cancer patients have malnutrition?

Many cancer patients face malnutrition because they struggle with nausea or can’t get enough nutrients during treatment. While certain types of radiation therapy may require a change in your diet to minimize side effects like malnutrition and nausea, it’s important to maintain your weight.

What to avoid when treating oncology?

Avoid using powders, perfumes, lotions, aluminum deodorants and products containing alcohol in the treatment area unless approved by your oncology nurse. Avoid putting anything hot (heating pads) or cold (ice packs) directly on the treated skin. If you spend time outdoors, wear a hat or clothing to protect your skin.

How to cope with insomnia during cancer treatment?

But simple strategies, such as practicing a nighttime ritual, writing down your worries and avoiding naps, can help you cope with insomnia during treatment.

What to talk about when you have cancer?

Get the support you need. During your cancer diagnosis and treatment, you’re likely to experience an array of emotions, including anxiety, depression, fear or hopeless. It may help to talk about your feelings with a close friend, family member, chaplain or other spiritual leader, nurse, social work counselor or psychologist. ...

Can radiation help you lose weight?

It’s also important to remember that radiation therapy is not the time to start a weight loss program. If you’re an MD Anderson patient, ask your doctor for a referral to one of our dietitians. With their help, you make sure you’re eating the right foods and getting the vitamins and minerals you need.

How to get rid of fatigue from radiation?

While fatigue may be severe in most cases, depending on the dosage of radiation, it is important to try and get some exercise even if it is a short walk around your home.

What is the purpose of radiation therapy?

The rays are aimed at the cancer cells to destroy them. While radiation therapy or radiotherapy is usually successful in shrinking the size of the tumour and burning the cancer cells in the region, it often has some severe side effects.

What is the difference between external beam therapy and internal radiation therapy?

External beam therapy: Uses a machine that sends focused beams to the exact location of the tumour and is usually used for localized treatment. Internal radiation therapy: Uses a solid or liquid form of radiation, which is introduced into the body.

How do you know if you have radiation on your head?

Some symptoms of radiation that are specific to the treatment areas include: Dry mouth, oral sores, impaired saliva production, difficulty swallowing and lymphedema due to radiation therapy to the head and neck area. Stiff shoulder, cough, fever and shortness of breath owing to radiation to the chest.

What are the side effects of radiation?

The common side effects associated with radiation include fatigue, irritation at the site, sunburn-like discoloration of the skin, ulcers and other symptoms depending on the location and the person's overall health. These side effects may be early effects, which occur during the treatment, or late effects, ...

Why do you need to rest after radiation?

Get ample rest because radiation and other treatments that you undergo simultaneously can take a toll on physical and mental health. Care for the area that is getting radiation because there can be irritation of skin and soreness.

Is radiation therapy debilitating?

Radiation therapy can be debilitating: Know how to deal with it. Cancer is a dreaded disease and a common treatment for this condition is radiation therapy. But it comes with mild to severe side-effects that can be debilitating. All the cells in a human body grow and divide to form new cells.

What are the side effects of radiation?

Some people may have many side effects, while others may have very few. The most common side effects are skin problems and fatigue.

How long after radiation therapy can you touch a patient?

With systemic radiation therapy, you may also have to avoid the person's bodily fluids for a few days after treatment.

What is systemic radiation?

Another type is systemic radiation, when a radioactive drug is used and either given by mouth or put into a vein. External and internal radiation therapy mostly affect only the part of the body that has cancer while systemic radiation travels throughout the body.

How does radiation work?

Radiation works by breaking the DNA in cancer cells which helps keep them from growing and can cause them to die. Most of the time, radiation is aimed at only the area that has cancer. It doesn’t reach the rest of the body.

What is caregiving during radiation treatment?

October 18, 2019. Taking care of someone with cancer may involve learning some basics about radiation treatments. Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for some types of cancer. It may be used to cure a cancer or shrink tumors, stop cancer from coming back, ...

How to help a cancer patient with fatigue?

Staying active while also getting enough rest and eating a healthy diet may help. Talk to the cancer care team about other ways to manage fatigue. External beam radiation can make the skin in the area being treated look and feel like it’s been sunburned. It may hurt or itch, peel, or become flaky.

Can you use lotion on cancer?

Try to protect the area from rubbing or scratching. Tight or stiff clothes may bother the skin. Ask the cancer care team whether it’s OK before using anything on the skin, including soaps, lotions, deodorants, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, or powder.

What is the goal of radiation sickness?

The treatment goals for radiation sickness are to prevent further radioactive contamination; treat life-threatening injuries, such as from burns and trauma; reduce symptoms; and manage pain.

What is the diagnosis of radiation?

Diagnosis. When a person has experienced known or probable exposure to a high dose of radiation from an accident or attack, medical personnel take a number of steps to determine the absorbed radiation dose. This information is essential for determining how severe the illness is likely to be, which treatments to use and whether a person is likely ...

What is the device that measures radiation?

Dosimeter . A device called a dosimeter can measure the absorbed dose of radiation but only if it was exposed to the same radiation event as the affected person. Survey meter. A device such as a Geiger counter can be used to survey people to determine the body location of radioactive particles. Type of radiation.

How accurate is the time between radiation exposure and the onset of vomiting?

The time between radiation exposure and the onset of vomiting is a fairly accurate screening tool to estimate absorbed radiation dose. The shorter the time before the onset of this sign, the higher the dose. The severity and timing of other signs and symptoms also may help medical personnel determine the absorbed dose. Blood tests.

What is the treatment for bone marrow damage?

Treatment for damaged bone marrow. A protein called granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, which promotes the growth of white blood cells, may counter the effect of radiation sickness on bone marrow. Treatment with this protein-based medication, which includes filgrastim (Neupogen), sargramostim (Leukine) and pegfilgrastim (Neulasta), ...

How long does it take for a person to die from radiation?

Depending on the severity of illness, death can occur within two days or two weeks. People with a lethal radiation dose will receive medications to control pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

What information is important for determining an absorbed dose?

Information important for determining an absorbed dose includes: Known exposure. Details about distance from the source of radiation and duration of exposure can help provide a rough estimate of the severity of radiation sickness. Vomiting and other symptoms. The time between radiation exposure and the onset of vomiting is a fairly accurate ...

What is radiation therapy and you?

Radiation Therapy and You is for people who are about to receive or are now receiving radiation therapy for cancer. Family and friends may also want to read this booklet. This booklet is a guide you can refer to throughout radiation therapy. It includes facts about radiation therapy and side effects you may have depending on the part ...

When was the last time the radiation booklet was updated?

The information in this booklet was last updated in April 2021.

How to treat radiation?

Take care of the skin in the treatment area. Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially over the treatment area. Protect the treated area from the sun, heat, and cold. You should also talk to your doctor about how to deal with specific side effects resulting from radiation therapy.

What is the best treatment for radiation?

Other research in animals shows that the herb ginkgo biloba may help shield against organ damage resulting from radiation therapy. And although aloe vera is often touted as a natural remedy for radiation-induced skin changes, a 2005 research review concluded that there is not enough evidence to suggest that topical aloe vera is effective in preventing or minimizing radiation-induced skin reactions. 4 

How to protect yourself from radiation side effects?

To guard your health and protect against side effects during radiation therapy, the American Cancer Society recommends the following strategies: Get plenty of rest and practice good sleep hygiene. Follow a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Take care of the skin in the treatment area.

How is radiation therapy administered?

A form of energy released in particles or waves, radiation therapy is often administered by a machine that aims radiation at your cancer. Radiation may also be administered internally, through radioactive substances placed inside your body. Because radiation can sometimes harm normal cells in the targeted area, the treatment may produce certain side effects.

What is radiation therapy?

on November 01, 2019. There are a number of side effects associated with radiation therapy (also referred to as "radiotherapy" or "radiation"), a type of cancer treatment that helps kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

How long does it take for side effects to subside after radiation?

Although most side effects tend to subside within two months of completing radiation therapy, certain side effects (such as infertility) may not set in until six or more months after you've finished your radiation treatment.

Does radiation cause skin changes?

Because radiation can sometimes harm normal cells in the targeted area, the treatment may produce certain side effects. While skin changes (such as itching, peeling, and blistering) and fatigue are common among all patients receiving radiation, other side effects tend to vary depending on the bodily area being treated.

How to help yourself with radiotherapy?

Self-Help for Radiotherapy Patients. Here's what you can do for yourself: 1: Patients undertaking radiotherapy must manage the treatment - don't just sit there and be passive - be fully informed and take charge.

How to treat burns from radiotherapy?

Stay out of bright sunshine, as radiotherapy can "burn" the skin. Wash the area only in cold water and apply cooling aloe vera gel. In clinical trials the herb calendula beat the recommended drug used for such burns.

How long does radiotherapy last?

It should be noted that radiotherapy can go on working for up to four to six weeks after the treatment has ’officially’ stopped. Radiotherapy’s effectiveness has to be balanced against the possible risks and a responsible oncologist will explain potential side-effects to you fully.

What is radiotherapy for cancer?

What is radiotherapy? Many people with cancer will be offered radiotherapy which is often claimed to be orthodox medicine’s number 1 weapon against cancer. Radiotherapy uses high-speed ionising radiation, similar to X-rays, to attack the DNA in abnormal (cancerous) cells.

What is the best vitamin for radiotherapy?

Vitamin D is increasingly recommended by US and some UK hospitals and also seems to improve the success of the treatment programme. It activates the immune system and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the stomach and gut. 3. Prepare yourself Pre-Radiotherapy.

How does sleeping in a dark room help you sleep?

6: Sleep well. There is clear evidence that sleeping well in a dark room increases the production of melatonin in the body. This is a natural hormone that knocks you into a deeper sleep. However, it is also the largest anti-oxidant we make as animals and it is very anti-inflammatory - all this makes sleep very healing.

How to get rid of cancer in the body?

They will balance and strengthen your body energy systems. Start taking daily light exercise for about 30 minutes if possible; try a yoga course and meditation.

What is the best treatment for radiation?

One way to reduce side effects is by using radioprotective drugs, but these are only used for certain types of radiation given to certain parts of the body. These drugs are given before radiation treatment to protect certain normal tissues in the treatment area. The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy.

How to take care of your mouth during radiation?

Here are some tips that may help you manage mouth problems: Avoid spicy and rough foods, such as raw vegetables, dry crackers, and nuts.

How long does it take for radiation to show up in the brain?

Radiation to the brain can also have side effects that show up later – usually from 6 months to many years after treatment ends. These delayed effects can include serious problems such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.

How long does it take for radiation to cause side effects?

Late side effects can take months or even years to develop. They can occur in any normal tissue in the body that has received radiation. The risk of late side effects depends on the area treated as well as the radiation dose that was used. Careful treatment planning can help avoid serious long-term side effects.

What is the most common drug used for radiation therapy?

The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy. Not all doctors agree on how these drugs should be used in radiation therapy. These drugs have their own side effects, too, so be sure you understand what to look for.

How long does radiation side effects last?

Remember that the type of radiation side effects you might have depends on the prescribed dose and schedule. Most side effects go away within a few months of ending treatment. Some side effects may continue after treatment ends because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Side effects might limit your ability ...

What are the side effects of brachytherapy?

If your treatment includes brachytherapy (internal radiation implants), you might notice breast tenderness, tightness, redness, and bruising. You may also have some of the same side effects that happen with external radiation treatment.