| Radiation therapy is
generally used on either small cancers where there are relatively few cells to attack,
inoperable cancers, or in addition to another form of treatment. Sometimes radiation is used to shrink cancers
so they can be surgically removed; sometimes it’s used after surgery to kill any
remaining cancer cells; and sometimes it’s used for pain control.
Should you be concerned about getting
cancer from radiation therapy? — not really. Today’s advanced site-specific
radiation rarely causes cancer. Most people will experience skin burning — like a
sunburn. Your radiology oncologist will tell you what to expect and how to care for
yourself.
As with your other medical
professionals, the key is to communicate, communicate,
communicate.
Almost everyone suffers from fatigue.
It’s thought that the body is using it’s energy to cope with the radiation. The
fatigue will last even long after therapy is over but should eventually end. Pamper
yourself with some extra rest and relaxation.
Other side-effects or reactions to
radiation are specific to the area radiated.
If you receive radiation:
in the head area you'll probably lose your hair
in the face or neck you may lose your whiskers (men) and have
some problems with your gums or teeth
in the chest area you may get a cough
around your stomach you may experience nausea
near your intestines you may have diarrhea.
Almost everyone experiences some
residual pain which can continue for quite a while after radiation therapy has been
completed. Your radiology team will be able to explain what reactions to expect and how
best to cope with them.
Read the list of questions to ask about radiation.
YOUR ATTITUDE IS IMPORTANT
FOCUS ON THE HEALING ASPECTS OF RADIATION
Take a look
at the resources available
about radiation. |
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