Fatigue

Fatigue is perhaps the most common side effect patients experience during their radiation treatments. Although no one actually knows why this occurs, there are many simple things you can do to minimize the effects.

• Get plenty of rest
  It is important to develop a regular sleeping routine. In addition, listen to your body and rest when you feel the need.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water
  Be sure to exercise daily
• Learn to delegate tasks
  Remember that social activity is important to your emotional well-being
• Incorporate stress-relieveing activities, such as meditation, progressive relaxation, and visual imagery, into your daily life.

Skin Irritation

During the course of external radiation therapy, it is important to be very gentle with the skin in the treatment area. Depending upon the type of therapy being administered, the skin may become red and dry, or may develop what is known as a “moist reaction.” Your doctor will recommend the best means to treat either of these symptoms should they arise.
Other precautions you may follow include:

• Use only lukewarm water and a very mild soap to gently wash the treatment area. 
• Be sure to dry your skin well, patting gently especially in skin folds
  Wear, soft, loose clothing over the treatment area-100% cotton fabrics are preferred
• Avoid scratching or rubbing the treatment area
• Protect the area from the sun
• Do not use any lotions, soaps or skin care products without your doctor’s approval
• Do not apply anything hot or cold to the treatment area

Low Blood Count

As radiation treatment can lower your white blood cell and platelet level count, your doctor will monitor your blood counts every week. If necessary, your schedule of treatments may be changed in order to allow your levels to return to normal.

Hair Loss

Radiation therapy can cause some hair loss in the area of the body being treated. This loss of hair may be either temporary or permanent, depending upon the amount of radiation being administered.

Patients receiving radiation to the head may want to consider having their hair cut short so that any change will be less noticeable. In addition, wearing a scarf, hat or turban is recommended in order to protect the head from the sun or cold.

Those patients who choose to wear a wig or toupee should select one early into treatment in order to match hair color and style. In addition, be sure to select one with a lining that will not irritate the scalp.

Loss of Appetite

 Even though loss of appetite can sometimes occur as a result of fatigue, stress, or a change in the way food tastes during radiation treatment, it is important that you maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. Proper nutrition will enable your damaged tissues to rebuild more quickly.

• Eat 6-8 smaller meals throughout the day
• Eat when you are hungry
• Exercise before meals to stimulate your appetite
• Create a pleasant dining experience-colorful setting, soft lights, quiet music
• Invite family or friends over to dinner
• Prepare and freeze meals in advance to enjoy when you are hungry
• Increase your calories (if only able to eat small amounts)-add butters, cream sauces, melted cheese, drink milkshakes, eggnogs, liquid supplements between meals
• Try new recipes and vary your diet

Mouth Irritation

Patients receiving radiation to the head, neck or chest may experience temporary mouth problems, such as dry mouth, sores, tooth cavities, during treatment. Good oral hygiene is very important during your treatment. It is also recommended that you visit your dentist for a complete check-up before treatment begins.

• Avoid spicy or coarse foods, as well as acidic foods and liquids
• DO NOT SMOKE, CHEW TOBACCO OR DRINK ALCOHOL
• Gargle with a salt water and baking soda mixture twice daily (1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon salt, one cup of warm water)
• Clean your teeth and gums thoroughly after every meal. Use a soft bristle brush and dental floss.  Avoid flossing in areas that are sore or bleeding.

Side Effects for Breast Patients

• Dryness and reddening of skin in treatment area
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Fatigue

Minimizing Side Effects

• Gently wash the treatment area with very little mild soap and lukewarm water
• Avoid hot or cold water
• Pat dry with soft towel or let air dry-especially in skin folds
• Do not use antiperspirants or deodorants in the underarm area of the treatment side
• Use only prescribed creams, salves or lotions
• Do not rub or scratch the treatment area
  DO NOT EXPOSE ANY PART OF THE TREATMENT AREA TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT OR INFRARED LAMP
• Avoid wearing a bra as much as possible
• Avoid alcohol and foods that are too hot or cold, and overly seasoned
• A soft or liquid diet will make swallowing easier
• Eat 6-8 smaller meals throughout the day to maintain proper nutritional needs
• Drink 4-6 8 oz. glasses of water a day
• Gargle with a salt water and baking soda mixture twice daily
• Get plenty of rest
• Swimming is okay, be sure to rinse well afterwards.  Chlorinated and salt water can irritate the treatment area.

After your treatments have been completed, continue these skin and dietary recommendations until the side effects have disappeared.  

Treatment for Pelvis Patients

• Mild nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dryness and reddening of the skin in treatment area
• Fatigue
• Urinary frequency and/or burning

Minimizing side effects

• Eat several small meals throughout the day
• Follow a low residue diet
• Anti-nausea medicine may be prescribed for persistent nausea
• Drink 4-6 8oz. glasses of water daily to replace fluids lost with diarrhea
• Anti-diarrhea medicine may be prescribed for persistent nausea
• Wash treatment area with a mild soap and lukewarm water only.  Gently pat dry with a soft towel or air dry
• Use only the creams, salves or lotions prescribed
• Get plenty of rest

After your treatments have been completed, continue these skin and dietary recommendations until the side effects have disappeared.

Side Effects for Stomach and Abdomen Patients

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dryness and reddening of skin in treatment area 

Minimizing Side Effects

• Eat several small meals throughout the day
• Avoid foods that are fried, high in fat or fiber
• Eat a light meal 1-2 hours before or after a treatment
• Try a clear liquid diet when diarrhea begins
• Be sure to eat foods high in potassium (bananas, potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, apricots)
• Anti-diarrhea medicine may be prescribed for persistent diarrhea

After your treatments have been completed, continue these skin and dietary recommendations until the side effects have disappeared.