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Radiation and You
Introduction
This page is for patients who are receiving radiation therapy for
any kind of cancer. But I have added notes for those with Vulvar cancer.
It explains what to expect and offers suggestions for self-care during and after
your treatment. It also explains the common types of radiation therapy. Internal
radiation and External radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy may vary somewhat among different doctors,
hospitals, and treatment centers. Therefore, your treatment or the advice of
your doctor (the radiation oncologist) may be different from what you read here.
Be sure to ask questions and discuss your concerns with your doctor, nurse, or
radiation therapist. Ask if they have any additional written information that
might help you. Always remember to ask anything if it makes you feel better. |
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Radiation
in Cancer Treatment
What
Is Radiation Therapy?
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
What Are the Goals and Benefits of
Radiation Therapy?
What Are the Risks of Radiation Therapy?
How Is Radiation Therapy Given?
Who Gives Radiation Treatments?
Is Radiation Treatment Expensive?
What
Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy (sometimes called radiotherapy, x-ray therapy,
or irradiation) is the treatment of disease using penetrating beams of high
energy waves or streams of particles called radiation.
You've probably seen a chest x-ray or x-ray pictures of
your teeth or your bones. At high doses (many times those used for x-ray exams)
radiation is used to treat cancer and other illnesses.
How
Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation in high doses kills cells or keeps them from growing
and dividing. Because cancer cells grow and divide more rapidly than most of the
normal cells around them, radiation therapy can successfully treat many kinds of
cancer. Normal cells are also affected by radiation but, unlike cancer cells,
most of them recover from the effects of radiation.
To protect normal cells, doctors carefully limit the doses of
radiation and spread the treatment out over time. They also shield as much
normal tissue as possible while they aim the radiation at the site of the
cancer.
What
Are the Benefits of Radiation Therapy?
The benefits of radiation therapy is to kill the cancer cells
with as little risk as possible to normal cells.
In some cases, instead of surgery, doctors use radiation along with anticancer
drugs (Chemotherapy) to destroy the cancer.
Radiation may be given before, during, or after chemotherapy. Doctors carefully
tailor this combination treatment to each patient's needs depending on the type
of cancer, its location, and its size. The purpose of radiation treatment before
or during chemotherapy is to make the tumor
smaller and thus improve the effectiveness of the anticancer drugs. Doctors
sometimes recommend that a patient complete chemotherapy
and then have radiation treatment to kill any cancer cells that might remain.
When curing the cancer is
not possible, radiation therapy can be used to shrink tumors and reduce
pressure, pain, and other symptoms of cancer. This is
called palliative care or palliation.
What
Are the Risks of Radiation Therapy?
The brief high doses of radiation that damage or destroy cancer
cells can also injure or kill normal cells. These effects of radiation on normal
cells cause treatment side effects. Most side effects of radiation treatment are
well known and, with the help of your doctor and nurse are treated.
The risk of side effects is usually less than the benefit of killing cancer
cells.
How
Is Radiation Therapy Given?
Radiation therapy can be given in one of two ways: external or
internal.
Some patients have both, one after the other.
Most people who receive radiation therapy for cancer have
external radiation. It is usually given during outpatient visits to a hospital
or treatment center. In external radiation therapy, a machine directs the
high-energy rays at the cancer and a small margin of normal tissue surrounding
it.
When internal radiation therapy is used, the radiation source
is placed inside the body. This method of radiation treatment is called
brachytherapy or implant therapy. The source of the radiation (such as
radioactive iodine, for example) sealed in a small holder is called an implant.
Another type of internal radiation therapy uses unsealed
radioactive materials which may be taken by mouth or injected into the body. If
you have this type of treatment, you may need to stay in the hospital for
several days.
Who
Gives Radiation Treatments?
A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer - a
radiation oncologist - will prescribe the type and amount of treatment that is
right for you.
Is
Radiation Treatment Expensive?
Treatment of cancer with radiation can be costly. It requires
very complex equipment and the services of many health care professionals. The
exact cost of your radiation therapy will depend on the type and number of
treatments you need.
Most health insurance policies, cover charges for radiation
therapy. It's a good idea to talk with your doctor's office staff or the
hospital business office about your policy and how expected costs will be
paid. If you need financial help for treatment for any kind of cancer
contact your nearest Canadian or American Cancer Society and they will help you
with financial arrangements.
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External Radiation Therapy: What To Expect
How Does
the Doctor Plan My Treatment?
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
What Happens During the Treatment Visits?
What Is Hyperfractionated Radiation Therapy?
What Is Intraoperative Radiation?
What Are the Side Effects of Treatment?
What Can I Do To Take Care of Myself During
Therapy?
How Does the
Doctor Plan My Treatment?
The high energy rays used for radiation therapy can come from a
variety of sources. Your doctor may choose to use x-rays, an electron beam, or
cobalt-60 gamma rays. Some cancer treatment centers have special equipment that
produces beams of protons or neutrons for radiation therapy. The type of
radiation your doctor decides to use depends on what kind of cancer you have and
how far into your body the radiation should go. High-energy radiation is used to
treat many types of cancer. Low-energy x-rays are used to treat some kinds of
skin diseases.
After a physical exam and a review of your medical history,
the doctor plans your treatment. In a process called simulation, you will be
asked to lie very still on an examining table while the radiation therapist uses
a special x-ray machine to define your treatment port or field. This is the
exact place on your body where the radiation will be aimed. Depending on the
location of your cancer, you may have more than one treatment site.
Simulation may also involve CT scans or other imaging studies
to plan how to direct the radiation. Depending on the type of treatment you will
be receiving, body molds or other devices that keep you from moving during
treatment (immobilization devices) may be made at this time. They will be used
each time you have treatment to be sure that you are positioned correctly.
Simulation may take from a half hour to about 2 hours.
The radiation therapist often will mark the treatment port on
your skin with tattoos or tiny dots of colored, permanent ink. It's important
that the radiation be targeted at the same area each time. If the dots appear to
be fading, tell your radiation therapist who will darken them so that they can
be seen easily. (It's been 7 years and I still have mine.)
Once simulation has been done, your doctor will meet with the
radiation physicist and the dosimetrist. Based on the results of your medical
history, lab tests, x-rays, other treatments you may have had, and the location
and kind of cancer you have, they will decide how much radiation is needed, what
kind of machine to use to deliver it, and how many treatments you should have.
After you have started the treatments, your doctor and the
other members of your health care team will follow your progress by checking
your response to treatment and how you are feeling at least once a week. When
necessary, your doctor may revise the treatment plan by changing the radiation
dose or the number and length of your remaining radiation sessions.
Your nurse will be available daily to discuss your concerns
and answer any questions you may have. Be sure to tell your nurse if you are
having any side effects or if you notice any unusual symptoms.
How Long
Does the Treatment Take?
For most types of cancer, radiation therapy usually is given 5
days a week for 6 or 7 weeks. (When radiation is used for palliative care, the
course of treatment is shorter, usually 2 to 3 weeks.) The total dose of
radiation and the number of treatments you need will depend on the size,
location, and kind of cancer you have, your general health, and other medical
treatments you may be receiving.
Using many small doses of daily radiation rather than a few
large doses helps protect normal body tissues in the treatment area. Weekend
rest breaks allow normal cells to recover.
What Happens
During the Treatment Visits?
Before each treatment, you may need to change into a hospital
gown or robe. It's best to wear loose clothing that is easy to take off and put
on again.
In the treatment room, the radiation therapist will use the
marks on your skin to locate the treatment area and to position you correctly.
You may sit in a special chair or lie down on a treatment table. For each
external radiation therapy session, you will be in the treatment room about 15
to 30 minutes, but you will be getting radiation for only about 1 to 5 minutes
of that time. Receiving external radiation treatments is painless, just like
having an x-ray taken. You will not hear, see, or smell the radiation.
The radiation therapist may put special shields (or blocks)
between the machine and certain parts of your body to help protect normal
tissues and organs. There might also be plastic or plaster forms that help you
stay in exactly the right place. You need to remain
very still during the treatment so that the radiation reaches only the area
where it's needed and the same area is treated each time. You don't have to
hold your breath — just breathe normally.
The radiation therapist will leave the treatment room before
your treatment begins. The radiation machine is controlled from a nearby area.
You will be watched on a television screen or through a window in the control
room. Although you may feel alone, keep in mind that the therapist can see and
hear you and even talk with you using an intercom in the treatment room. If you
should feel ill or very uncomfortable during the treatment, tell your therapist
at once. The machine can be stopped at any time.
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The machines used for radiation treatments are very large, and
they make noises as they move around your body to aim at the treatment area from
different angles. Their size and motion may be frightening at first. Remember
that the machines are being moved and controlled by your radiation therapist.
They are checked constantly to be sure they're working right. If you have
concerns about anything that happens in the treatment room, discuss these
concerns with the radiation therapist right away.
What Is
Hyperfractionated Radiation Therapy?
Radiation is usually given once daily in a dose that is based on
the type and location of the tumor. In hyperfractionated radiation therapy, the
daily dose is divided into smaller doses that are given more than once a day.
The treatments usually are separated by 4 to 6 hours. Doctors are studying
hyperfractionated therapy to learn if it is equal to, or perhaps more effective
than, once-a-day therapy and whether there are fewer long-term side effects.
Early results of treatment studies of some kinds of tumors are encouraging, and
hyperfractionated therapy is becoming a more common way to give radiation
treatments for some types of cancer.
What Is
Intraoperative Radiation?
Intraoperative radiation combines surgery and radiation therapy.
The surgeon first removes as much of the tumor as possible. Before the surgery
is completed, a large dose of radiation is given directly to the tumor bed (the
area from which the tumor has been removed) and nearby areas where cancer cells
might have spread. Sometimes intraoperative radiation is used in addition to
external radiation therapy. This gives the cancer cells a larger amount of
radiation than would be possible using external radiation alone.
What Are the
Side Effects of Treatment?
External radiation therapy does not cause your body to become
radioactive. There is no need to avoid being with other people because you are
undergoing treatment. Even hugging, kissing, or having sexual relations with
others poses no risk of radiation exposure. I had over 42 radiation treatments
and I still don't glow in the dark. I still use a night light.
Most side effects of radiation therapy are related to the area
that is being treated. Some patients have no side effects at all. Your doctor
and nurse will tell you about the possible side effects you might expect and how
you should deal with them. You should contact your doctor or nurse if you have
any unusual symptoms during your treatment, such as coughing, sweating, fever,
or pain.
Note: Radiation
to the Vulvar area is very painful. Talk to your health care team for pain
medication. See my Pain section.
Throughout your treatment, your doctor will regularly check on
the effects of the treatment. You may not be aware of changes in the cancer, but
you probably will notice decreases in pain, bleeding, or other discomfort. You
may continue to notice further improvement after your treatment is completed.
Your doctor may recommend periodic tests and physical exams to
be sure that the radiation is causing as little damage to normal cells as
possible. Depending on the area being treated, you may have routine blood tests
to check the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets;
radiation treatment can cause decreases in the levels of different blood cells.
What Can I
Do To Take Care of Myself During Therapy?
Each patient's body responds to radiation therapy in its own way.
That's why your doctor must plan, and sometimes adjust, your treatment. In
addition, your doctor or nurse will give you suggestions for caring for yourself
at home that are specific for your treatment and the possible side effects.
Nearly all cancer patients receiving radiation therapy need to
take special care of themselves to protect their health and to help the
treatment succeed. Here are some guidelines to remember:
 | Before starting treatment, be sure your doctor knows about
any medicines you are taking and if you have any allergies. Do not start taking
any medicine (whether prescription or over-the-counter) during your radiation
therapy without first telling your doctor or nurse. |
| Fatigue is common during radiation therapy. Your body will
use a lot of extra energy over the course of your treatment, and you may feel
very tired. Be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep as often as you feel the
need. It's common for fatigue to last for 4 to 6 weeks after your treatment has
been completed. |
| Good nutrition is very important. Try to eat a balanced diet
that will prevent weight loss. |
| Check with your doctor before taking vitamin supplements or
herbal preparations during treatment. |
| Avoid wearing tight clothes such as girdles or close-fitting
collars over the treatment area. |
| Be extra kind to your skin in the treatment area:
 | Ask your doctor or nurse if you may use soaps, lotions,
deodorants, sun blocks, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, talcum powder, or other
substances in the treated area. |
| Wear loose, soft cotton clothing over the treated area. |
| Do not wear starched or stiff clothing over the treated area. |
| Do not scratch, rub, or scrub treated skin. |
| Do not use adhesive tape on treated skin. If bandaging is
necessary, use paper tape and apply it outside of the treatment area. Your nurse
can help you place dressings so that you can avoid irritating the treated area. |
| Do not apply heat or cold (heating pad, ice pack, etc.) to
the treated area. Use only lukewarm water for bathing the area. |
| Use an electric shaver if you must shave the treated area but
only after checking with your doctor or nurse. Do not use a preshave lotion or
hair removal products on the treated area. |
| Protect the treatment area from the sun. Do not apply
sunscreens just before a radiation treatment. If possible, cover treated skin
(with light clothing) before going outside. Ask your doctor if you should use a
sunscreen or a sunblocking product. If so, select one with a protection factor
of at least 15 and reapply it often. Ask your doctor or nurse how long after
your treatments are completed you should continue to protect the treated skin
from sunlight. |
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| If you have questions, ask your doctor or nurse. They are the
only ones who can properly advise you about your treatment, its side effects,
home care, and any other medical concerns you may have. |
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Internal
Radiation Therapy: What To Expect
When Is
Internal Radiation Therapy Used?
How Is the Implant Placed in the Body?
How Are Other People Protected From Radiation
While the Implant is in Place?
What Are the Side Effects of Internal Radiation
Therapy?
How Long Does the Implant Stay in Place?
What Happens After the Implant Is Removed?
When Is
Internal Radiation Therapy Used?
Your doctor may decide that a high dose of radiation given to a
small area of your body is the best way to treat your cancer. Internal radiation
therapy allows the doctor to give a higher total dose of radiation in a shorter
time than is possible with external treatment.
Internal radiation therapy places the radiation source as
close as possible to the cancer cells. Instead of using a large radiation
machine, the radioactive material, sealed in a thin wire, catheter, or tube
(implant), is placed directly into the affected tissue. This method of treatment
concentrates the radiation on the cancer cells and lessens radiation damage to
some of the normal tissue near the cancer. Some of the radioactive substances
used for internal radiation treatment include cesium, iridium, iodine,
phosphorus, and palladium.
Internal radiation therapy may be used for cancers of the head
and neck, breast, uterus, thyroid, cervix, and prostate. Your doctor may suggest
using both internal and external radiation therapy.
Sometimes radioactive implants are called "capsules" or
"seeds."
How Is the
Implant Placed in the Body?
The type of implant and the method of placing it depend on the
size and location of the cancer. Implants may be put right into the tumor
(interstitial radiation), in special applicators inside a body cavity
(intracavitary radiation) or passage (intraluminal radiation), on the surface of
a tumor, or in the area from which the tumor has been removed. Implants may be
removed after a short time or left in place permanently. If they are to be left
in place, the radioactive substance used will lose radiation quickly and become
non-radioactive in a short time.
When interstitial radiation is given, the radiation source is
placed in the tumor in catheters, seeds, or capsules. When intracavitary
radiation is used, a container or applicator of radioactive material is placed
in a body cavity such as the uterus. In surface brachytherapy the radioactive
source is sealed in a small holder and placed in or against the tumor. In
intraluminal brachytherapy the radioactive source is placed in a body lumen or
tube, such as the bronchus or esophagus.
Internal radiation also may be given by injecting a solution
of radioactive substance into the bloodstream or a body cavity. This form of
radiation therapy may be called unsealed internal radiation therapy.
For most types of implants, you will need to be in the
hospital. You will be given general or local anesthesia so that you will not
feel any pain when the doctor places the holder for the radioactive material in
your body. In many hospitals, the radioactive material is placed in its holder
or applicator after you return to your room so that other patients, staff, and
visitors are not exposed to radiation.
How Are
Other People Protected From Radiation While the Implant is in Place?
Sometimes the radiation source in your implant sends its high
energy rays outside your body. To protect others while you are having implant
therapy, the hospital will have you stay in a private room. Although the nurses
and other people caring for you will not be able to spend a long time in your
room, they will give you all of the care you need. You should call for a nurse
when you need one, but keep in mind that the nurse will work quickly and speak
to you from the doorway more often than from your bedside. In most cases, your
urine and stool will contain no radioactivity unless you are having unsealed
internal radiation therapy.
There also will be limits on visitors while your implant is in
place. Children younger than 18 or pregnant women should not visit patients who
are having internal radiation therapy. Be sure to tell your visitors to ask the
hospital staff for any special instructions before they come into your room.
Visitors should sit at least 6 feet from your bed and the radiation oncology
staff will determine how long your visitors may stay. The time can vary from 30
minutes to several hours per day. In some hospitals a rolling lead shield is
placed beside the bed and kept between the patient and visitors or staff
members.
Note: When
going to the hospital for internal radiation/or external take as many things
that you think that you may need. You will never have too much stuff with
you. Once you are in a private room all alone you will need plenty of books,
maybe a radio, your phone directory, video games anything that you can think of
that will pass the time away.
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What Are the
Side Effects of Internal Radiation Therapy?
The side effects of implant therapy depend on the area being
treated. You are not likely to have severe pain or feel ill during implant
therapy. However, if an applicator is holding your implant in place, it may be
somewhat uncomfortable. If you need it, the doctor will order medicine to help
you relax or to relieve pain. If general anesthesia was used while your implant
was put in place, you may feel drowsy, weak, or nauseated but these effects do
not last long. If necessary, medications can be ordered to relieve nausea.
How Long
Does the Implant Stay in Place?
Your doctor will decide the amount of time that an implant is to
be left in place. It depends on the dose (amount) of radioactivity needed for
effective treatment. Your treatment schedule will depend on the type of cancer,
where it is located, your general health, and other cancer treatments you have
had. Depending on where the implant is placed, you may have to keep it from
shifting by staying in bed and lying fairly still.
Temporary implants may be either low dose-rate (LDR) or high
dose-rate (HDR). Low dose-rate implants are left in place for several days; high
dose-rate implants are removed after a few minutes.
For some cancer sites, the implant is left in place
permanently. If your implant is permanent, you may need to stay in your hospital
room away from other people for a few days while the radiation is most active.
The implant becomes less radioactive each day; by the time you are ready to go
home, the radiation in your body will be much weaker. Your doctor will advise
you if there are any special precautions you need to use at home.
What
Happens After the Implant Is Removed?
Usually, an anesthetic is not needed when the doctor removes a
temporary implant. Most can be taken out right in the patient's hospital room.
Once the implant is removed, there is no radioactivity in your body. The
hospital staff and your visitors will no longer have to limit the time they stay
with you.
Your doctor will tell you if you need to limit your activities
after you leave the hospital. Most patients are allowed to do as much as they
feel like doing. You may need some extra sleep or rest breaks during your days
at home, but you should feel stronger quickly.
The area that has been treated with an implant may be sore or
sensitive for some time. If any particular activity such as sports or sexual
intercourse cause irritation in the treatment area, your doctor may suggest that
you limit these activities for a while.
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Managing Side Effects
Are Side
Effects the Same for Everyone?
Will Side Effects Limit My Activity?
What Causes Fatigue?
What Side Effects Occur With Radiation Therapy to
the Vulva?
What Can Be Done About Hair Loss?
How Are Side Effects on the Blood Managed?
Will Eating Be a Problem?
Will Radiation Therapy Affect Me Emotionally?
What Side Effects Occur With Radiation Therapy to the
Head and Neck?
What Side Effects Occur With Radiation Therapy to the Chest?
Are There Side Effects With Radiation Therapy for
Breast Cancer?
What Side Effects Occur With Radiation Therapy to the
Stomach and Abdomen?
What Side Effects Occur With Radiation Therapy to the
Pelvis?
Are
Side Effects the Same for Everyone?
The side effects of radiation treatment vary from patient to
patient. You may have no side effects or only a few mild ones through your
course of treatment. Some people do experience serious side effects, however.
The side effects that you have depend mostly on the radiation dose and the part
of your body that is treated. Your general health also can affect how your body
reacts to radiation therapy and whether you have side effects. Before beginning
your treatment, your doctor and nurse will discuss the side effects you might
experience, how long they might last, and how serious they might be.
Side effects may be acute or chronic. Acute side effects are
sometimes referred to as "early side effects." They occur soon after
the treatment begins and usually are gone within a few weeks of finishing
therapy. Chronic side effects, sometimes called "late side effects,"
may take months or years to develop and usually are permanent. I still
have the late side effects of my radiation years after it.
The most common early side effects of radiation therapy are
fatigue and skin changes. They can result from radiation to any treatment site.
Other side effects are related to treatment of specific areas. For example,
temporary or permanent hair loss may be a side effect of radiation treatment to
the head. Appetite can be altered if treatment affects the mouth, stomach, or
intestine. This chapter discusses common side effects first. Then the side
effects that involve specific areas of the body are described.
Fortunately, most side effects will go away in time. In the
meantime, there are ways to reduce discomfort. If you have a side effect that is
especially severe, the doctor may prescribe a break in your treatments or change
your treatment in some way.
Be sure to tell your doctor, nurse, or radiation therapist
about any side effects that you notice. They can help you treat the problems and
tell you how to lessen the chances that the side effects will come back. The
information in this booklet can serve as a guide to handling some side effects,
but it cannot take the place of talking with the members of your health care
team.
Will Side
Effects Limit My Activity?
Not necessarily. It will depend on which side effects you have
and how severe they are. Many patients are able to work, prepare meals, and
enjoy their usual leisure activities while they are having radiation therapy.
Others find that they need more rest than usual and therefore cannot do as much.
Try to continue doing the things you enjoy as long as you don't become too
tired.
Your doctor may suggest that you limit activities that might
irritate the area being treated. In most cases, you can have sexual relations if
you wish. You may find that your desire for physical intimacy is lower because
radiation therapy may cause you to feel more tired than usual. For most
patients, these feelings are temporary.
What Causes
Fatigue?
Fatigue, feeling tired and lacking energy, is the most common
symptom reported by cancer patients. The exact cause is not always known. It may
be due to the disease itself or to treatment. It may also result from lowered
blood counts, lack of sleep, pain, and poor appetite.
Most people begin to feel tired after a few weeks of radiation
therapy. During radiation therapy, the body uses a lot of energy for healing.
You also may be tired because of stress related to your illness, daily trips for
treatment, and the effects of radiation on normal cells. Feelings of weakness or
weariness will go away gradually after your treatment has been completed.
You can help yourself during radiation therapy by not trying
to do too much. If you do feel tired, limit your activities and use your leisure
time in a restful way. Save your energy for doing the things that you feel are
most important. Do not feel that you have to do everything you normally do. Try
to get more sleep at night, and plan your day so that you have time to rest if
you need it. Several short naps or breaks may be more helpful than a long rest
period.
Sometimes, light exercise such as walking may combat fatigue.
Talk with your doctor or nurse about how much exercise you may do while you are
having therapy. Talking with other cancer patients in a support group may also
help you learn how to deal with fatigue.
If you have a full-time job, you may want to try to continue
to work your normal schedule. However, some patients prefer to take time off
while they're receiving radiation therapy; others work a reduced number of
hours. Speak frankly with your employer about your needs and wishes during this
time. A part-time schedule may be possible or perhaps you can do some work at
home. Ask your doctor's office or the radiation therapy department to help by
trying to schedule treatments with your workday in mind.
Whether you're going to work or not, it's a good idea to ask
family members or friends to help with daily chores, shopping, child care,
housework, or driving. Neighbors may be able to help by picking up groceries for
you when they do their own shopping. You also could ask someone to drive you to
and from your treatment visits to help conserve your energy.
Radiation To The
Vulva
You will notice that the skin in the treatment area is red or
irritated. It may look as if it is sunburned, or tanned. After a few weeks your
skin may be very dry from the therapy. Ask your doctor or nurse about Lidocane
Gel for the pain and other advice on how to relieve itching or discomfort.
With some kinds of radiation therapy, treated skin may develop
a "moist reaction," especially in areas where there are skin folds.
When this happens, the skin is wet and it may become very sore and thin. It's
important to notify your doctor or nurse if your skin develops a moist or thin
reaction. They can give you suggestions on how to care for these areas and
prevent them from becoming infected. Other tips on skin care can be found in the
section on external radiation therapy.
During radiation therapy you will need to be very gentle with
the skin in the treatment area. The following suggestions may be helpful:
| Avoid irritating treated skin. |
| When you wash, use only lukewarm water and pat dry. |
| Do not wear tight clothing over the area. |
| Wear cotton underwear. |
| Do not rub, scrub, or scratch the skin in the treatment area. |
| Avoid putting anything that is hot or cold, such as heating
pads or ice packs, on your treated skin. |
| Ask your doctor or nurse to recommend skin care products that
will not cause skin irritation. Do not use any powders, creams, perfumes,
deodorants, body oils, ointments, lotions, or home remedies in the treatment
area while you're being treated and for several weeks afterward unless approved
by your doctor or nurse. |
| Avoid exposing the radiated area to the sun during
treatment. |
The majority of skin reactions to radiation therapy go away a
few weeks after treatment is completed. In some cases, though, the treated skin
will remain slightly darker than it was before and it may continue to be more
sensitive to touch.
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What Can Be Done
About Hair Loss?
Radiation therapy can cause hair loss, also known as alopecia,
but only in the area being treated. For example, if you are receiving treatment
to your hip, you will not lose the hair from your head. Radiation of your head
may cause you to lose some or all of the hair on your scalp. Many patients find
that their hair grows back again after the treatments are finished. The amount
of hair that grows back will depend on how much and what kind of radiation you
receive. You may notice that your hair has a slightly different texture or color
when it grows back. Other types of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy,
also can affect how your hair grows back.
Although your scalp may be tender after the hair is lost, it's
a good idea to cover your head with a hat, turban, or scarf. You should wear a
protective cap or scarf when you're in the sun or outdoors in cold weather. If
you prefer a wig or toupee, be sure the lining does not irritate your scalp. The
cost of a hairpiece that you need because of cancer treatment is a
tax-deductible expense and may be covered in part by your health insurance. If
you plan to buy a wig, it's a good idea to select it early in your treatment if
you want to match the color and style to your own hair. See
the chemotherapy section on Hair Loss.
How are Side
Effects on the Blood Managed?
Radiation therapy can cause low levels of white blood cells and
platelets. These blood cells normally help your body fight infection and prevent
bleeding. If large areas of active bone marrow are treated, your red blood cell
count may be low as well. If your blood tests show these side effects, your
doctor may wait until your blood counts increase to continue treatments. Your
doctor will check your blood counts regularly and change your treatment schedule
if it is necessary.
Will
Eating Be a Problem?
Sometimes radiation treatment causes loss of appetite and interferes with
eating, digesting, and absorbing food. Try to eat enough to help damaged tissues
rebuild themselves. It is not unusual to lose 1 or 2 pounds a week during
radiation therapy. You will be weighed weekly to monitor your weight.
It is very important to eat a balanced diet. You may find it
helpful to eat small meals often and to try to eat a variety of different foods.
Your doctor or nurse can tell you whether you should eat a special diet, and a
dietitian will have some ideas that will help you maintain your weight.
If it's painful to chew and swallow, your doctor may advise
you to use a powdered or liquid diet supplement. Many of these products are
available at drugstores and supermarkets and come in a variety of flavors. They
are tasty when used alone or combined with other foods such as pureed fruit, or
added to milkshakes. Some of the companies that make these diet supplements have
recipe booklets to help you increase your nutrient intake. Ask your nurse,
dietitian, or pharmacist for further information.
You may lose interest in food during your treatment. Fatigue
from your treatments can cause loss of appetite. Some people just don't feel
like eating because of stress from their illness and treatment or because the
treatment changes the way food tastes. Even if you're not very hungry, it's
important to keep your protein and calorie intake high. Doctors have found that
patients who eat well can better cope with having cancer and with the side
effects of treatment. Medications for appetite enhancement are now available;
ask your doctor or nurse about them.
The list below suggests ways to perk up your appetite when
it's poor and to make the most of it when you do feel like eating.
| Eat when you are hungry, even if it is not mealtime. |
| Eat several small meals during the day rather than three
large ones. |
| Use soft lighting, quiet music, brightly colored table
settings, or whatever helps you feel good while eating. |
| Vary your diet and try new recipes. If you enjoy company
while eating, try to have meals with family or friends. It may be helpful to
have the radio or television on while you eat. |
| Ask your doctor or nurse whether you can have a glass of wine
or beer with your meal to increase your appetite. Keep in mind that, in some
cases, alcohol may not be allowed because it could worsen the side effects of
treatment. This may be especially true if you are receiving radiation therapy
for cancer of the head, neck, or upper chest area including the esophagus. |
| Keep simple meals in the freezer to use when you feel hungry. |
| If other people offer to cook for you, let them. Don't be shy
about telling them what you'd like to eat. |
| Keep healthy snacks close by for nibbling when you get the
urge. |
| If you live alone, you might want to arrange for "Meals
on Wheels" to bring food to you. Ask your doctor, nurse, social worker, or
local social service agencies about "Meals on Wheels." This service is
available in most large communities. |
If you are able to eat only small amounts of food, you can
increase the calories per serving by:
| Adding butter or margarine. |
| Mixing canned cream soups with milk or half-and-half rather
than water. |
| Drinking eggnog, milkshakes, or prepared liquid supplements
between meals. |
| Adding cream sauce or melted cheese to your favorite
vegetables. |
Some people find they can drink large amounts of liquids even
when they don't feel like eating solid foods. If this is the case for you, try
to get the most from each glassful by making drinks enriched with powdered milk,
yogurt, honey, or prepared liquid supplements.
Will Radiation
Therapy Affect Me Emotionally?
Nearly all patients being treated for cancer report feeling
emotionally upset at different times during their therapy. It's not unusual to
feel anxious, depressed, afraid, angry, frustrated, alone, or helpless.
Radiation therapy may affect your emotions indirectly through fatigue or changes
in hormone balance, but the treatment itself is not a direct cause of mental
distress.
You may find that it's helpful to talk about your feelings
with a close friend, family member, chaplain, nurse, social worker, or
psychologist with whom you feel at ease. You may want to ask your doctor or
nurse about meditation or relaxation exercises that might help you unwind and
feel calmer.
Nationwide support programs can help cancer patients to meet
others who share common problems and concerns. Some medical centers have formed
peer support groups so that patients can meet to discuss their feelings and
inspire each other.
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What Side Effects
Occur With Radiation Therapy to the Head and Neck?
Some people who receive radiation to the head and neck experience
redness, irritation, and sores in the mouth; a dry mouth or thickened saliva;
difficulty in swallowing; changes in taste; or nausea. Try not to let these
symptoms keep you from eating.
Other problems that may occur during treatment to the head and
neck are a loss of taste, which may diminish appetite and affect nutrition, and
earaches (caused by hardening of ear wax). You may notice some swelling or
drooping of the skin under your chin as well as changes in the skin texture.
Your jaw may also feel stiff and you may be unable to open your mouth as wide as
before treatment. Jaw exercises may help ease this problem. Report all side
effects to your doctor or nurse and ask what you should do about them.
If you are receiving radiation therapy to the head or neck,
you need to take especially good care of your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat.
Side effects from treatment to these areas commonly involve the mouth, which may
be sore and dry. Here are a few tips that may help you manage mouth problems:
| Avoid spices and coarse foods such as raw vegetables, dry
crackers, and nuts. |
| Remember that acidic foods and liquids can cause mouth and
throat irritation. |
| Don't smoke, chew tobacco, or drink alcohol. |
| Stay away from sugary snacks because they can promote tooth
decay. |
| Clean your mouth and teeth often, using the method your
dentist or doctor recommends. |
| Use only alcohol-free mouthwash; many commercial mouthwashes
contain alcohol which has a drying effect on mouth tissues. |
Mouth Care
Radiation treatment for head and neck cancer can increase your
chances of getting cavities in your teeth. Mouth care designed to prevent
problems will be a very important part of your treatment. Before starting
radiation therapy, make an appointment for a complete dental/oral checkup. Ask
your dentist and radiation oncologist to consult before your radiation
treatments begin.
Your dentist probably will want to see you often during your
radiation therapy to help you care for your mouth and teeth. This is a good way
to reduce the risk of tooth decay and help you deal with possible problems such
as soreness of the tissues in your mouth. It's important that you follow the
dentist's advice while you're receiving radiation therapy. Most likely, your
dentist will suggest that you:
| Clean your teeth and gums thoroughly with a soft brush at
least 4 times a day (after meals and at bedtime). |
| Use a fluoride toothpaste that contains no abrasives. |
| Floss gently between teeth daily if you flossed regularly
before your illness. Use waxed, non-shredding dental floss. |
| Rinse your mouth gently and frequently with a salt and baking
soda solution especially after you brush. Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2
teaspoon of baking soda in a large glass of warm water. Follow with a plain
water rinse. |
| Apply fluoride regularly as prescribed by your dentist. |
Your dentist can explain how to mix the salt and baking soda
mouthwash and how to use the fluoride treatment method that best suits your
needs. You can probably get printed instructions for proper dental care at the
dentist's office. If dry mouth continues after your treatment is complete, you
will need to continue the mouth care recommended during treatment. Always share
your dentist's instructions with your radiation nurse.
Dealing with Mouth or Throat Problems
Soreness in your mouth or throat may appear in the second or
third week of external radiation therapy and it will most likely have
disappeared within a month or so after your treatments have ended. You may have
trouble swallowing during this time because your mouth feels dry. Your doctor or
dentist can prescribe medicine for mouth discomfort and tell you about methods
to relieve other mouth problems during and following your radiation therapy. If
you wear dentures you may notice that they no longer fit well. This occurs if
the radiation causes your gums to swell. You may need to stop wearing your
dentures until your radiation therapy is over. It's important not to risk
denture-induced gum sores because they may become infected and heal slowly.
Your salivary glands may produce less saliva than usual,
making your mouth feel dry. Unfortunately dry mouth may continue to be a problem
even after treatment is over. You may be given medication to help lessen this
side effect. It's helpful to sip cool drinks throughout the day. Although many
radiation therapy patients have said that drinking carbonated beverages helps
relieve dry mouth, water probably is your best choice. In the morning, fill a
large container with ice, add water, and carry it with you during the day so
that you can take frequent sips. Keep a glass of cool water at your bedside at
night, too. Sugar-free candy or gum also may help; be careful about overuse of
these products as they can cause diarrhea in some people. Avoid tobacco and
alcoholic drinks because they tend to dry and irritate your mouth tissues.
Moisten food with gravies and sauces to make eating easier. If these measures
are not enough, ask your dentist, radiation oncologist, or nurse about products
that either replace or stimulate your own saliva. Artificial saliva and
medication to increase saliva production are available.
Tips on Eating
You may find that it's difficult or painful to swallow. Some
patients say that they feel as if something is stuck in their throat. Soreness
or dryness in your mouth or throat can also make it hard to eat. The earlier
section on eating problems in this booklet may be helpful. In addition, some of
the following tips may help to make eating more comfortable:
| Choose foods that taste good to you and are easy to eat. |
| Try changing the consistency of foods by adding fluids and
using sauces and gravies to make them softer. |
| Avoid highly spiced foods and textures that are dry and
rough, such as crackers. |
| Eat small meals, and eat more frequently than usual. |
| Cut your food into small, bite-sized pieces. |
| Ask your doctor for special liquid medicines to reduce the
pain in your throat so that you can eat and swallow more easily. |
| Ask your doctor about liquid food supplements that are easier
to swallow than solids. They can help you get enough calories each day to avoid
losing weight. |
| If you are being treated for lung cancer, it's important to
keep mucus and other secretions thin and manageable; drinking extra fluids can
help. |
| If familiar foods no longer taste good, try new foods and use
different methods of food preparation. |
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What Side Effects
Occur With Radiation Therapy to the Chest?
Radiation treatment to the chest may cause several changes. For
example, you may find that it is hard to swallow or that swallowing hurts. You
may develop a cough or a fever. You may notice that when you cough the amount
and color of the mucus is different. Shortness of breath is also common. Be sure
to let your treatment team know right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Remember that your doctor and nurse have seen these changes in many radiation
patients and they know how to help you deal with them.
Are There
Side Effects With Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer?
The most common side effects with radiation therapy for breast
cancer are fatigue and skin changes. However there may be other side effects as
well. If you notice that your shoulder feels stiff, ask your doctor or nurse
about exercises to keep your arm moving freely. Other side effects include
breast or nipple soreness, swelling from fluid buildup in the treated area, and
skin reddening or tanning. Except for tanning which may take up to 6 months to
fade, these side effects will most likely disappear in 4 to 6 weeks.
If you are being treated for breast cancer and you are having
radiation therapy after a lumpectomy or mastectomy, it's a good idea to go
without your bra whenever possible or, if this makes you more uncomfortable,
wear a soft cotton bra without underwires. This will help reduce skin irritation
in the treatment area.
Radiation therapy after a lumpectomy may cause additional
changes in the treated breast after therapy is complete. These long-term side
effects may continue for a year or longer after treatment. The skin redness will
fade, leaving your skin slightly darker, just as when a sunburn fades to a sun
tan. The pores in the skin of your breast may be enlarged and more noticeable.
Some women report increased sensitivity of the skin on the breast; others have
decreased feeling. The skin and the fatty tissue of the breast may feel thicker
and firmer than it was before your radiation treatment. Sometimes the size of
your breast changes--it may become larger because of fluid buildup or smaller
because of the development of scar tissue. Many women have little or no change
in size.
Your radiation therapy plan may include temporary implants of
radioactive material in the area around your lumpectomy. A week or two after
external treatment is completed, these implants are inserted during a short
hospitalization. The implants may cause breast tenderness or a feeling of
tightness. After they are removed, you are likely to notice some of the same
effects that occur with external treatment. If so, let your doctor or nurse know
about any problems that persist.
Most changes resulting from radiation therapy for breast
cancer are seen within 10 to 12 months after completing therapy. Occasionally
small red areas called telangiectasias appear. These are areas of dilated blood
vessels and the color may fade with time. If you see new changes in breast size,
shape, appearance, or texture after this time, report them to your doctor at
once.
What Side Effects
Occur With Radiation Therapy to the Stomach and Abdomen?
If you are having radiation treatment to the stomach or some
portion of the abdomen, you may have an upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea. Your
doctor can prescribe medicines to relieve these problems. Do not take any
medications for these symptoms unless you first check with your doctor or nurse.
Managing Nausea
It's not unusual to feel queasy for a few hours right after
radiation treatment to the stomach or abdomen. Some patients find that they have
less nausea if they have their treatment with an empty stomach. Others report
that eating a light meal 1 to 2 hours before treatment lessens queasiness. You
may find that nausea is less of a problem if you wait 1 to 2 hours after your
treatment before you eat. If this problem persists, ask your doctor to prescribe
a medicine (an antiemetic) to prevent nausea. If antiemetics are prescribed,
take them within the hour before treatment or when your doctor or nurse
suggests, even if you sometimes feel that they are not needed.
If your stomach feels upset just before every treatment, the
queasiness or nausea may be caused by anxiety and concerns about cancer
treatment. Try having a bland snack such as toast or crackers and apple juice
before your appointment. It may also help to try to unwind before your
treatment. Reading a book, writing a letter, or working a crossword puzzle may
help you relax.
Here are some other tips to help an unsettled stomach:
| Stick to any special diet that your doctor, nurse, or
dietitian gives you. |
| Eat small meals. |
| Eat often and try to eat and drink slowly. |
| Avoid foods that are fried or are high in fat. |
| Drink cool liquids between meals. |
| Eat foods that have only a mild aroma and can be served cool
or at room temperature. |
For severe nausea and vomiting, try a clear liquid diet (broth
and clear juices) or bland foods that are easy to digest, such as dry toast and
gelatin.
What to Do About Diarrhea
Diarrhea may begin in the third or fourth week of radiation
therapy to the abdomen or pelvis. You may be able to prevent diarrhea by eating
a low fiber diet when you start therapy: avoid foods such as raw fruits and
vegetables, beans, cabbage, and whole grain breads and cereals. Your doctor or
nurse may suggest other changes to your diet, prescribe antidiarrhea medicine,
or give you special instructions to help with the problem. Tell the doctor or
nurse if these changes fail to control your diarrhea. The following changes in
your diet may help:
| Try a clear liquid diet (water, weak tea, apple juice, clear
broth, plain gelatin) as soon as diarrhea starts or when you feel that it's
going to start. |
| Ask your doctor or nurse to advise you about liquids that
won't make your diarrhea worse. Weak tea and clear broth are frequent
suggestions. |
| Avoid foods that are high in fiber or can cause cramps or a
gassy feeling such as raw fruits and vegetables, coffee and other beverages that
contain caffeine, beans, cabbage, whole grain breads and cereals, sweets, and
spicy foods. |
| Eat frequent small meals. |
| If milk and milk products irritate your digestive system,
avoid them or use lactose-free dairy products. |
| Continue a diet that is low in fat and fiber and lactose-free
for 2 weeks after you have finished your radiation therapy. Gradually
re-introduce other foods. You may want to start with small amounts of low-fiber
foods such as rice, bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, low-fat cottage
cheese, and dry toast. |
| Be sure your diet includes foods that are high in potassium
(bananas, potatoes, apricots), an important mineral that you may lose through
diarrhea. |
Diet planning is very important for patients who are having
radiation treatment of the stomach and abdomen. Try to pack the highest possible
food value into every meal and snack so that you will be eating enough calories
and vital nutrients. Remember that nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are likely to
disappear once your treatment is over.
What Side Effects
Occur With Radiation Therapy to the Pelvis?
If you are having radiation therapy to any part of the pelvis
(the area between your hips), you might have some of the digestive problems
already described. You also may have bladder irritation which can cause
discomfort or frequent urination. Drinking a lot of fluid can help relieve some
of this discomfort. Avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages. Your doctor also
can prescribe some medicine to help relieve these problems.
The effects of radiation therapy on sexual and reproductive
functions depend on which organs are in the radiation treatment area. Some of
the more common side effects do not last long after treatment is finished.
Others may be long-term or permanent. Before your treatment begins, ask your
doctor about possible side effects and how long they might last.
Depending on the radiation dose, women having radiation
therapy in the pelvic area may stop menstruating and have other symptoms of
menopause such as vaginal itching, burning, and dryness. You should report these
symptoms to your doctor or nurse, who can suggest treatment.
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Effects on Fertility
Scientists are still studying how radiation treatment affects
fertility. If you are a woman in your childbearing years, it's important to
discuss birth control and fertility issues with your doctor. You should not
become pregnant during radiation therapy because radiation treatment during
pregnancy may injure the fetus, especially in the first three months. If you are
pregnant before your therapy begins, be sure to tell your doctor so that the
fetus can be protected from radiation, if possible.
Radiation therapy to the area that includes the testes can
reduce both the number of sperm and their effectiveness. This does not mean that
conception cannot occur, however. Ask your doctor or nurse about effective
measures to prevent pregnancy while you are having radiation. If you have any
concerns about fertility, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. For example,
if you want to have children, you may be concerned about reduced fertility after
your cancer treatment is completed. Your doctor can help you get information
about the option of banking your sperm before treatment.
Sexual
Relations
With most types of radiation therapy, neither men nor women are
likely to notice any change in their ability to enjoy sex. Both sexes, however,
may notice a decrease in their level of desire. This is more likely to be due to
the stress of having cancer than to the effects of radiation therapy. Once the
treatment ends, sexual desire is likely to return to previous levels.
During radiation treatment to the pelvis, some women are
advised not to have intercourse. Others may find that intercourse is
uncomfortable or painful. Within a few weeks after treatment ends, these
symptoms usually disappear. If shrinking of vaginal tissues occurs as a side
effect of radiation therapy, your doctor or nurse can explain how to use a
dilator, a device that gently stretches the tissues of the vagina.
If you have questions or concerns about sexual activity during
and after cancer treatment, discuss them with your nurse or doctor.
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Follow-up Care
What Does
"Follow-up" Mean?
Who Provides Care After Therapy?
What Other Care Might Be Needed?
What if Pain Is a Problem?
How Can I Help Myself After Radiation Therapy?
When Should I Call the Doctor?
What About Returning to Work?
What Does
"Follow-up" Mean?
Once you have completed your radiation treatments, it is
important for your doctor to monitor the results of your therapy at regularly
scheduled visits. These checkups are necessary to deal with radiation side
effects and to detect any signs of recurrent disease. During these checkups your
doctor will examine you and may order some lab tests and x-rays. The radiation
oncologist also will want to see you for follow-up after your treatment ends and
will coordinate follow-up care with your doctor.
Follow-up care might include more cancer treatment,
rehabilitation, and counseling. Taking good care of yourself is also an
important part of following through after radiation treatments.
Who Provides
Care After Therapy?
Most patients return to the radiation oncologist for regular
follow-up visits. Others are referred to their original doctor, to a surgeon, or
to a medical oncologist. Your follow-up care will depend on the kind of cancer
that was treated and on other treatments that you had or may need.
What Other Care
Might Be Needed?
Just as every patient is different, follow-up care varies. Your
doctor will prescribe and schedule the follow-up care that you need. Don't
hesitate to ask about the tests or treatments that your doctor orders. Try to
learn all the things you need to do to take good care of yourself.
Following are some questions that you may want to ask your
doctor after you have finished your radiation therapy:
| How often do I need to return for checkups? |
| Why do I need more x-rays, CT-scans, blood tests, and so on?
What will these tests tell us? |
| Will I need chemotherapy, surgery, or other treatments? |
| How and when will you know if I'm cured of cancer? |
| What are the chances that it will come back? |
| How soon can I go back to my regular activities? Work? Sexual
activity? Sports? |
| Do I need to take any special precautions like staying out of
the sun or avoiding people with infectious diseases? |
| Do I need a special diet? |
| Should I exercise? |
| Can I wear a prosthesis? |
| Can I have reconstructive surgery? How soon can I schedule
it? |
It's a good idea to write down the questions you want to ask
your doctor. Some patients find that it's helpful to take a family member with
them to help remember what the doctor says.
What if Pain Is a
Problem?
Radiation therapy is sometimes painful. Some radiation side
effects will cause discomfort. In addition, when radiation is used for
palliation (see section above), some
discomfort or pain may remain. Sometimes patients need help to manage cancer
pain. Over-the-counter pain medicine may be enough for mild pain talk to your
health care team about your pain management. Remember that you should not use a
heating pad or a warm compress to relieve pain in any area treated with
radiation.
Note: If your
pain is severe, ask the doctor about prescription drugs or other methods of
relief. Try to be specific about your pain (how severe is it on a scale of 0-5
where 0 is no pain and 5 is the worst pain you can imagine? where is your pain?
is the pain throbbing, stabbing, searing? is it continuous or intermittent? what
makes it better or worse?) when you tell the doctor about it so you can get the
best pain management. If you are unable to get pain relief, you may want to ask
your doctor for a referral to a pain specialist. See my pain
section.
Because fear and worry can make pain worse, you may find that
relaxation exercises are helpful. They helped me tremendously. Other methods
such as hypnosis, biofeedback, and acupuncture may be useful for some cancer
pain. Be sure to discuss these complementary or alternative treatments with your
doctor or nurse.
Note: Your mind is a very
powerful weapon that you can use in your fight against cancer.
How Can I Help
Myself After Radiation Therapy?
Patients who have had radiation therapy need to continue some of
the special care they used during treatment, at least for a short while. For
instance, you may have skin problems for several weeks after your treatments
end. Continue to be gentle with skin in the treatment area until all signs of
irritation are gone. Don't try to scrub off the marks in your treatment area. If
tattoos were used to mark the treatment area, they are permanent and will not
wash off. Your nurse can answer questions about skin care and help you with
other concerns you may have after your treatment has been completed.
You may find that you still need extra rest after your therapy
is over while your healthy tissues are recovering and rebuilding. Keep taking
naps as needed and try to get more sleep at night. It may take some time to get
your strength back, so resume your normal schedule of activities gradually. If
you feel that you need emotional or social support, ask your doctor, nurse, or a
social worker for information about support groups or other ways to express your
feelings and concerns.
When Should I
Call the Doctor?
After treatment for cancer, you're likely to be more aware of
your body and to notice even slight changes in how you feel from day to day. The
doctor will want to know if you are having any unusual symptoms. Promptly tell
your doctor about:
| A pain that doesn't go away, especially if it's always in the
same place. |
| New or unusual lumps, bumps, or swelling. |
| Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. |
| Unexplained weight loss. |
| A fever or cough that doesn't go away. |
| Unusual rashes, bruises, or bleeding. |
| Any symptoms that you are concerned about. |
| Any other warning signs mentioned by your doctor or nurse. |
What About
Returning to Work?
Many people find that they can continue to work during radiation
therapy because treatment appointments are short. If you have stopped working,
you can return to your job as soon as you feel up to it. If your job requires
lifting or heavy physical activity, you may need a change in your work
responsibilities until you have regained your strength. Check with your employer
to see if a 'return to work' release from your doctor is required.
Note:
When you are ready to return to work, it is important to learn about your rights
regarding your job and health insurance.
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Conclusion
I hope that the information on this page will help you understand
how radiation therapy is used to treat cancer. If you know what to expect when
you go for your treatments, you may not feel as anxious. Remember to talk with
your health care team whenever you have questions or feel that you need more
information.
Ask if it makes you feel better. There is never a
stupid question.
Only questions that need answers.
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