Caring for Yourself

After completing radiation therapy, you may still be experiencing side effects from treatment and it may take several weeks to months before you feel like yourself again and your symptoms return to pre-treatment levels. During this time, it is important to continue to take care of your body as you were during your radiation treatment, as your body recovers from the treatment.

Suggestions to care for yourself after your radiation treatments are completed include:

Continue to get plenty of rest after you complete treatment until your energy returns to pre-treatment levels.

The fatigue that you developed during the radiation treatments may persist for weeks to months after the completion of treatment, sometimes longer. Even after many months, you may never feel exactly the same as you did before your treatment, as you are now somewhat older and have gone through a significant set of treatments. As you learn to adjust to your body after treatment, give yourself the time and patience to understand what works best for you. Continue to make adjustments and pace your activities according to your expected energy level. Sometimes, this may mean allowing yourself to take breaks during your activities or scheduling shorter, more focused activities than you have in the past. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family.

If you feel overwhelmed, seek support from your friends and family.

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming for anyone. Although you’ve completed your radiation therapy course, you may feel overwhelmed with new stressors, including upcoming doctor’s visits, lab draws, imaging tests, and the prospect of the cancer returning. You may also be facing the prospect of returning to work while not feeling like your old self. During this time, it is important that you feel supported as you continue your cancer journey.

You may have friends and family that are available to support you, and if so, allow these loved ones to do so. You may also have access to other team members, such as care navigators, social workers, counselors, and/or cancer support groups, that may also be available to lend additional support. Talk with your radiation team to learn more about what may be available in your area.

Follow your doctor's orders.

If you are unsure about any of your instructions, please reach out to your radiation oncologist’s team and ask any questions that you may have. Even though you have completed treatment, it is still important to follow the instructions outlined by your doctor to make sure your side effects are minimized and you are followed appropriately to make sure you have had the appropriate response to your treatment.

If you have any questions about your radiation treatment, make sure you ask your radiation team.

Radiation therapy is a complex treatment and your radiation team members are the best people to ask any questions you may have about your treatment. Make sure to discuss with your team how you prefer to communicate so they can be most attentive to your needs.

Once you have completed your radiation treatments, you will be seen in person much less frequently than during your treatments, typically every few weeks to months. Therefore, it remains important to have a reliable means of communication with your radiation oncology team. Certainly, when you come to the office for your in-person follow up visits, feel free to ask any questions you may have. Alternatively, if you are at home and a question arises, you may also contact the office with a phone call, or, where available, through patient portal messages.

Eat a balanced diet.

After completing radiation treatment, you may still be experiencing side effects from treatment, such as loose stools and/or diarrhea. Therefore, it may be helpful to continue the diet you developed during radiation into the post-radiation period.

After your symptoms return to your baseline, it may be a good time to consider improving your diet for the better. Improving your diet may include drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy balance of foods including fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy. Before making any permanent dietary changes, discuss your concerns with your primary care team. In the interim, for more information, visit MyPlate.gov to learn more.