Radiation is used to kill cancer cells and can be an effective treatment, report doctors at the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Radiation in Philadelphia, Pa., is utilized to treat nearly 60 percent of all cancer patients and may be administered alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. You can take several steps to prepare for radiation therapy and the subsequent side effects to make the treatment less frightening and more tolerable.
Step 1
Make a schedule that revolves around your treatment schedule. Most radiologists provide an entire schedule of treatments that usually are performed five days a week for anywhere from four to eight weeks. With the appointment set for the same time each day, you can plan other activities, such as lunch dates with friends or quiet time reading to relax yourself and take your mind off your disease while going through radiation.
Step 2
Take care of your skin around the area that will receive the radiation. Keep the area dry by using cornstarch. Wash it with mild soap. Ask your doctor or health-care provider at the radiation clinic for lotion that you can have ready to rub on the area when it becomes sore.
Step 3
Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid rubbing the spots that have been radiated. Clothes made of lightweight cotton are the most comfortable for radiation patients, report doctors at Tennessee Oncology.
Step 4
Fix meals ahead of time. Most patients do not receive radiation treatments on the weekend, providing time to make a week's worth of meals and keep them in the freezer. Eat prepared foods once or twice a week and accept meals made by friends and relatives during the treatment period.
Step 5
Know that you will be fatigued, especially for the two to four hours following each treatment. Take naps when necessary and try to increase the number of hours you sleep at night to get sufficient rest.
Step 6
Drink water. Doctors at Tennessee Oncology in Nashville, Tenn., recommend patients consume close to 3 quarts of liquids daily to avoid a build-up of waste products. Keep a bottle of water handy all day long to sip, as you also may experience dry mouth from the treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a blender to get nourishment if you develop sores in your mouth and throat or have dry mouth, particularly if you are having radiation treatments on your neck or throat.
- Avoid direct sunlight if the area that is being radiated is exposed. Wear sunscreen with SPF rating of 30 or higher to avoid additional burning on the skin.
Things You'll Need
- Schedule
- Cornstarch
- Mild soap
- Special creams
- Prepared meals
- Water bottle
- Blender
