Cancer treatment takes a toll on the patients’ health. Radiation therapy, like chemotherapy, can produce some profound impacts on cancer patients. Though the type and acuteness of side effects depend on the sites of cancer and the amount of radiation therapy a patient goes through, most patients experience some common health issues such as fatigue, insomnia, malnutrition, skin irritation, low appetite etc.
Some problems are easy to cope with whereas some are not. These side effects usually go away within a few months after radiation therapy is over. But sometimes, conditions don’t improve and the side effects persist. Before your radiation therapy starts, you should talk to the doctors at the best hospitals for cancer care. Talk in details to know the possible side effects that you might experience during radiation treatment.
Followings are some useful tips to cope with radiation-related side effects:
Take a Well-Balanced Diet
Many patients suffer malnutrition when undergoing cancer treatment. They experience bouts of nausea and vomiting, tiredness and changes in taste during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It is the reason why malnutrition is a common problem in many cancer patients when the treatment goes on.
Intake of a well-balanced diet is highly important for the cancer patients as it helps them maintain a healthy weight. Keep in mind that when you undergo radiation therapy, it’s not high time to start or continue your weight loss program.
Get Enough Sleep
Many cancer patients experience lack of sleep or amnesia. It’s common in cancer patients to feel depressed after being diagnosed with cancer whereas some do the same towards the end of their radiation therapy. Insomnia is often related to depression. Not having enough sleep can adversely affect your mood and you might find it difficult to manage stress during cancer treatment.
You can overcome the problems by jotting down your worries in a diary. It will help to combat insomnia. You should also talk to the best medical oncologist in Kolkata about how you can summon sleep when you are undergoing radiation treatment.
Do Physical Exercises
Patients, who are already committed to physical activities, will find it lot easier to cope with stress and fatigue. Physical exercises are good for cancer patients as it keeps them upbeat and motivated during the treatment. However, doctors don’t recommend rigorous training for the patients. Moderate exercises are enough to keep your fine and fit.
Take Care of Skin Exposed to Radiation
The skin of the body part, which receives radiation, may feel red, hot, itching and sensitive. It is quite similar to sunburn patches. The nurse or the technician at radiology unit will take necessary care for your skin. Your nurse will give you the following instructions:
- Don’t wash off the marks caused by radiation simulation
- Use a mild soap and warm water to clean the skin
- Don’t use powders, lotions, perfumes, deodorants or any product containing alcohol
- Don’t use ice packs or heating pads directly on the skin exposed to radiation
- Wear a hat or maintain proper clothing to protect your skin
Cancer diagnosis and treatment cause mood changes, depression and/or may elicit an array of emotions such as, fear, anxiety or hopelessness. It will be good to talk to your doctor, friends, family members and other well-wishers about your mental health. They will give some good advices to uplift your mood and help you stay positive during the radiation therapy.