Most people start to feel tired after a few weeks of radiation therapy. This happens because radiation treatments destroy some healthy cells as well as the cancer cells. Fatigue usually gets worse as treatment goes on. Stress from being sick and daily trips for treatment can make fatigue worse.
Why do I Feel So Tired after radiation therapy?
Most people start to feel tired after a few weeks of radiation therapy. This happens because radiation treatments destroy some healthy cells as well as the cancer cells. Fatigue usually gets worse as treatment goes on. Stress from being sick and daily trips for treatment can make fatigue worse. Managing fatigue is an important part of care.
What are the long-term effects of radiation therapy for breast cancer?
Radiation therapy may cause long-term changes in the breast. Your skin may be slightly darker, and pores may be larger and more noticeable. The skin may be more or less sensitive and feel thicker and firmer than it was before treatment.
Is it normal to sleep a lot after radiation therapy?
While it is normal to sleep more than typical after a radiotherapy session, these symptoms greatly increase your risk of injury and could lead to the worsening of your overall health. Choose an Experienced Radiation Care Team That Will Help You Manage Side Effects. Radiation therapy will likely result in tiredness that progressively grows worse.
When do other side effects of radiation therapy start to appear?
Others may occur months or even years later. It’s normal to worry about possible side effects of radiation therapy. Talk with your health care provider about your concerns.
How long does fatigue last after radiation for breast cancer?
Radiation can give you fatigue that gets worse over time (called cumulative fatigue). It usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks after your treatment stops, but it can continue for up to 3 months.
How long does fatigue after radiation last?
Radiation therapy can cause cumulative fatigue (fatigue that increases over time). This can occur regardless of treatment site. Cancer fatigue usually lasts from 3-4 weeks after treatment stops, but can continue for up to 2-3 months.
Is it normal to be tired all the time went on radiation therapy?
Fatigue is a common side effect of many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, and surgery. Conditions such as anemia, as well as pain, medications, and emotions, can also cause or worsen fatigue.
How long does it take to feel normal after radiation?
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.
How do I get my energy back after radiation?
How to manage fatigueTake regular breaks.Plan activities for the time of day when you tend to feel more energetic.Ask family and friends for help (e.g. with shopping, housework and driving).Take a few weeks off work during or after treatment, reduce your hours, or work from home.More items...
How long after breast radiation will I feel better?
You may start to notice side effects about 2 weeks after you start radiation therapy. They may get worse during your radiation therapy, but they'll slowly get better over 6 to 8 weeks after your last treatment. Some side effects may take longer to go away.
What does radiotherapy fatigue feel like?
Tiredness. Many people having radiotherapy feel tired (fatigued) a lot of the time or become tired very easily from doing everyday activities. This usually starts during treatment and can continue for several weeks or months after treatment finishes.
How long does breast radiation side effects last?
Most skin changes get better within a few months. Changes to the breast tissue usually go away in 6 to 12 months, but it can take longer.
How do you fight fatigue during radiation?
8 Ways to Cope With Cancer-Related FatigueGet treated for medical conditions or causes that make fatigue worse. Tell your doctor if you're experiencing fatigue. ... Get moving. ... Take time to relax. ... Eat well. ... Practice good sleep habits. ... Engage in mind-body strategies. ... Consider therapy and counseling. ... Get a massage.
Do tumors grow back after radiation?
Normal cells close to the cancer can also become damaged by radiation, but most recover and go back to working normally. If radiotherapy doesn't kill all of the cancer cells, they will regrow at some point in the future.
What happens when radiotherapy finished?
Radiation therapy usually does not have an immediate effect, and it could take days, weeks or months to see any change in the cancer. The cancer cells may keep dying for weeks or months after the end of treatment. It may be some time before you know whether the radiation therapy has controlled the cancer.
What are the worst side effects of radiotherapy?
Treatment areas and possible side effectsPart of the body being treatedPossible side effectsHead and NeckFatigue Hair loss Mouth problems Skin changes Taste changes Throat problems, such as trouble swallowing Less active thyroid gland6 more rows•Jan 11, 2022
How long do the side effects of radiation therapy last?
Often the side effects are worse at the end of treatment, or even a week or two afterwards, because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Most side effects are temporary and go away in time, usually within a few weeks of treatment finishing.
What does radiation fatigue feel like?
Fatigue is feeling tired physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's very common for people with cancer and often happens with radiation therapy. Most people start to feel tired after a few weeks of radiation therapy. This happens because radiation treatments destroy some healthy cells as well as the cancer cells.
How do you fight fatigue during radiation?
8 Ways to Cope With Cancer-Related FatigueGet treated for medical conditions or causes that make fatigue worse. Tell your doctor if you're experiencing fatigue. ... Get moving. ... Take time to relax. ... Eat well. ... Practice good sleep habits. ... Engage in mind-body strategies. ... Consider therapy and counseling. ... Get a massage.
How long does radiotherapy stay in your system?
The general effects of radiation therapy like fatigue, nausea, and headaches resolve fairly quickly after treatment. Your body just needs time to process the radiation but can recover within a few weeks.
If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Brain
People with brain tumors often get stereotactic radiosurgery (radiation given in one large dose) if the cancer is in only one or a few sites in the...
If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Head Or Neck
People who get radiation to the head and neck might have side effects such as: 1. Soreness (or even open sores) in the mouth or throat 2. Dry mouth...
If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Breast
If you have radiation to the breast, it can affect your heart or lungs as well causing other side effects.
If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Chest
Radiation treatment to the chest may cause side effects such as: 1. Sore throat 2. Swallowing problems 3. Loss of appetite 4. Cough 5. Shortness of...
If You’Re Getting Radiation Therapy to The Abdomen (Belly)
If you are getting radiation to your stomach or some part of the abdomen (belly), you may have side effects such as: 1. Nausea 2. Vomiting 3. Belly...
If You’Re Having Radiation Therapy to The Pelvis
Radiation therapy to the pelvis (for example, as treatment for bladder, ovarian, or prostate cancer) can cause side effects such as: 1. Bladder pro...
What are the side effects of radiation therapy?
Things like nausea, diarrhea, and hair loss usually catch a person's attention first because they seem to be the worst. While these are side effects that can be difficult to tolerate, ...
What happens if you sleep too much?
Too much sleep can result in more fatigue and restless nighttime sleeping. Rest when you need it. If you begin to feel tired, stop and take a few moments to rest to recharge your batteries. Resting can mean taking a short power nap or just sitting in a relaxing place and taking time out for yourself.
How do you know if you are tired after radiation?
Feeling tired or lethargic throughout the day . Exhaustion (this feeling lasts longer than being tired, is more intense and isn't relieved by rest). Reduced energy.
How to get rid of nausea and vomiting?
Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating enough fruits and vegetables, which are high in water content. If you are experiencing nausea, try drinking water at room temperature—it may be easier to tolerate.
How to get over cancer?
Friends and family are usually happy to help—allow them to do so. Get enough sleep. Getting a good night's rest is essential for everyone, not just people with cancer.
How to cope with cancer fatigue?
There are many things you can do to help cope with cancer fatigue: Ask for help and accept it when it is offered. Don't let pride get in the way of asking for help. Also, accept help when it is offered to you. Tasks like mowing the lawn, grocery shopping, and cleaning may be impossible when you are fatigued.
Can radiation cause fatigue?
The degree of fatigue generally varies depending on the amount of tissue irradiated, as well as the location. 2 . But radiation therapy may not be the sole culprit of fatigue: it can be a result of cancer itself or the mental stress associated with being a cancer patient. Certain medications, such as those to prevent and treat nausea, ...
How does radiation therapy work?
Radiation therapy works by destroying diseased, cancerous tissue – creating a “wound” that sparks an immune response. One of the most common side effects cancer patients experience is fatigue. During treatment, some patients may feel particularly tired after receiving radiation therapy. Fatigue can result when the immune system responds ...
Why does the immune system fight infection?
This occurs because the immune system uses energy to fight infection and sends out substances that make the body want to rest so it can heal. A bad scrape on the arm, for example, triggers an immune response that causes the site of the wound to become inflamed and can produce some general fatigue. Radiation therapy works by destroying diseased, ...
Does radiation cause fatigue?
If radiation is delivered to the brain, which controls awareness and overall energy, the resulting swelling often produces significant fatigue. Radiation directed at the prostate – an acorn-sized gland – is likely to produce much less.
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 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.
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.
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.
1. When Do You Have Physical Energy?
I had my radiation treatments at 2:45 in the afternoon. I quickly discovered that I had more physical energy in the mornings. I would try to prioritize my day to get the most important things done in the morning. If I had lessons that I needed to go over with the boys, it was best that I did it when I had the physical energy to work with them.
2. How Long Does Your Physical Energy Last?
One of the things that I noticed during radiation treatment was that my physical energy didn’t last very long. I couldn’t do anything physical for much longer than 15 minutes. That meant that I needed to be aware of how long things took to plan effectively.
3. What Day Of the Week Is It?
Radiation fatigue is cumulative. At the beginning of the week, I would have more energy. Monday was usually my best day because I had Saturday and Sunday off of treatment.
4. Go For A Walk
This seems counterintuitive, but walking and light exercise can actually help with the fatigue. During radiation treatment, I tried to go on a morning walk with my husband. We have two beagles, and they behave so much better when they have been well walked.
5. Take Lots of Breaks
I took a lot of breaks during my radiation treatment because of my physical fatigue. I would rest on the couch for quite a bit of the day. I was able to supervise the virtual schooling because that was happening in the room right next to me. If the boys needed my help, they would come to me and ask.
6. Delegate, Eliminate, Simplify
I couldn’t do many of the tasks I was used to doing while I was in cancer treatment. So, I learned that I needed to ask for help, remove the activity from my calendar, or simplify the item.
7. Go to Bed Early
I went to bed right after dinner during radiation treatment. I would be sitting at the dinner table, and then I would start staring into space. Dave and the boys would look at me and then tell me to go to bed. I was done for the day.
How to contact Komen for breast cancer?
If you or a loved one needs more information about breast health or breast cancer, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).
How to treat lymphedema in breast?
The chances of getting lymphedema are greater if your treatment includes both [ 5,15-18 ]: 1 Removal of axillary nodes during breast cancer surgery (the more nodes removed, the greater the risk) 2 Radiation therapy to the axillary or supraclavicular (above the collarbone) lymph nodes
What to do if you have anxiety about radiation?
Your provider may be able to suggest a hospital social worker, patient navigator, psychologist or support group to help ease anxiety related to radiation therapy (or breast cancer).
What is the term for a condition in which fluid collects in the arm, causing it to swell
Lymphedema. People who have radiation therapy to the lymph nodes in the collarbone or underarm area (axillary nodes) or who have axillary nodes removed may develop lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition in which fluid collects in the arm, causing it to swell. Swelling may also occur in the breast, chest or back.
How long does it take for side effects to go away after radiation?
Once radiation therapy ends, short-term side effects will mostly go away within 2 weeks [ 9 ]. Let your radiation oncologist or nurse know how the sessions are making you feel. They may be able to recommend creams or other interventions ...
How long does fatigue last after radiation?
Fatigue. Fatigue is common during radiation therapy and may last for several weeks after treatment ends. Fatigue is mainly a short-term problem, but for some, it can persist [ 10-11 ]. You may feel like you don’t have any energy and may feel tired all of the time. Resting may not help.
How long after radiation therapy do side effects occur?
Rare long-term side effects. Although rare with modern treatment, the side effects below may occur a few months or years after radiation therapy.
What are the side effects of breast cancer?
The most common side effect during breast cancer treatment is fatigue. Fatigue is defined as a feeling of low energy and being tired all the time. This may even be the case when you haven’t particularly engaged in any physical activity. What’s really noteworthy is that not only does a person feel tired, she begins to feel disinterested in their normal interests as well.
Can breast cancer cause fatigue?
Although breast cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal and targeted therapies have been noted to cause fatigue, fatigue can be made worse by other side effects already being experienced. For example, if a person is dehydrated, in pain, anemic or has an infection, fatigue can intensify. Even a poor diet can compound the situation from bad to worse.