Caring for yourself throughout treatment

Fatigue

By far, the most common issue mentioned from patients undergoing radiation treatments is fatigue. Radiation will break down cancerous cells (as well as some healthy tissue), this leaves a large amount of cellular debris for your body to process and dispose of. The end result of this extra workload is generalized fatigue, meaning your entire body may feel exhausted.

Every person is different, but generally you may start to feel fatigued about one to two weeks into treatments.

How can I relieve my fatigue?

Ironically, the solution to fatigue is movement. It may be difficult, some days more than others, but most of the time a slow walk around the block can do wonders for your energy level. Listen to your body, and don't do more than you can handle. This will be different for everyone, some people may be able to go miles, while for others, just going to the mailbox and back is enough. Just do what you can.

Skin Care

Skin care is extremely important for radiation to the breast, or head and neck. Your clinic may have a specific lotion that they'll recommend, feel free to ask them, and they might have free samples or coupons that you can use.

Skin care during radiation therapy is preventative, meaning you should start the regimen even before you notice any side effects appearing. It is very important that you avoid sun exposure to the skin near your treatment area. Use wide brim sun hats and sunscreen liberally. Your radiation treatments will make your skin very sensitive and more susceptible to sun burns.

For breast treatments:
For you, skin care is going to be very important. You will meet with a nurse on your first day who will go over their clinic's recommended regimen with you. The earlier you start in taking care of your skin, the better you will fare through treatment.

Start applying skin care lotion after your very first radiation treatment. There is only one strict rule when it comes to your lotion use, and your radiation therapists will advise you on their clinic's policy, but in general, do not use lotion in the area that is being radiated for the 4 hours prior to treatment. You may put on lotion straight away when treatment is complete for the day, but not before.

The more times you can apply lotion, the better. I would recommend at least 3 or 4 times daily. On the front, apply lotion from your collarbone all the way down to about 1 inch below your breast. Go from the center of your chest (your sternum) to as far onto your back as you can reach. If you have someone around to help, have them put lotion on your back as well, all the way up to your shoulder blade and above.

When you are well into treatment, the skin on your breast may turn red, start peeling, or in extreme cases may develop open sores. While you are home, remove any tight clothing including your bra in order to let the skin get some fresh air. You can wear a loose cotton T shirt or anything that won't rub on the irritated skin. If you begin to peel underneath your arm pit, try raising the affected arm above your head while you are watching TV, this will prevent your skin from rubbing against itself and irritating the area.

Your radiation therapist will keep an eye on the condition of your skin daily, and your doctor will do a skin check once per week. Be sure to mention any raw or painful areas to your care team.

For head and neck treatments:
Start applying skin care lotion after your very first radiation treatment. There is only one strict rule when it comes to your lotion use, and your radiation therapists will advise you on their clinic's policy, but in general, do not use lotion in the area that is being radiated for the 4 hours prior to treatment. You may put on lotion straight away when treatment is complete for the day, but not before.

The more times you can apply lotion, the better. I would recommend at least 3 or 4 times daily. Go all the way around your neck and face, the radiation will come from many angles, including the side opposite to your tumor.

For prostate treatments:
In general, men who receive radiation treatments to their prostate do not usually experience any side effects to their skin.

Diet/Hydration

Imagine your body is like a river. Cancer cells that are destroyed by radiation or chemotherapy are dumped into the river like waste water. If there is no fresh water coming from upstream, the waste water will be stagnant and just sit there. Drinking enough water will ensure that your body has the fresh water supply that it needs to flush away the waste.

In the same way, the cleanup your body will undergo to remove this waste matter, requires a lot of energy, vitamins, and minerals. Eat a well balanced diet with lots of whole foods, and limit the amount of sugar and processed foods that you eat.

What Happens After Radiation is Complete?

As I mentioned briefly at the top of this page, radiation treatments are cumulative, and build onto themselves. Even after you've stopped coming in for treatment, any side effects may continue to get worse. This can happen for up to 1 or 2 weeks after completing your course. Eventually you will start to heal, and you are always welcome to make a call into the department to discuss any concerns with a radiation oncology nurse or with your doctor. Continue to follow your self care regimen and use any lotions and medications until your doctor has advised you to stop.

Advocate for Yourself!

As therapists, we can only go on what we see. You are the only person who knows what you feel. If something seems odd one day, or you feel more crooked on the table than normal, please speak up. Your therapists will be happy to explain any inconsistencies, and will make sure that your position is accurate.

You are allowed to have them verify that they have the correct chart open (your chart), you are allowed to have them verify that it is your mask or mold that they're using (it will have your name written on the side). I encourage you to ask any and all questions that come to mind. We will not take your questions to mean that you do not trust us.