Cancer treatment can be difficult. You have many issues to cope with. Your oncology team, along with family and friends, are available to help.
Radiation therapy often causes patients to become fatigued and this becomes more pronounced the further you are into your treatment. Make sure you listen to your body and adjust your activities accordingly. Allow yourself to take breaks during your daily activities and give yourself extra rest, both throughout the day and at night. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family.
While rest remains important, you should also continue your normal routine to the extent possible. This means you should continue to structure your day around your important activities, including work, meals, errands, etc. Mild to moderate intensity exercise, including walking, is also encouraged, especially as a continuation of a previous exercise regimen. Although it may seem counterintuitive, exercise can help you maintain or improve your overall energy levels and also improve your nighttime sleep quality.
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. Sometimes, the instructions you are given can seem complex but your radiation team should be available to address your concerns.
Radiation therapy is a complex treatment and your radiation team is the best place to go with 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.
Since you are coming in for treatment every day, you can always let a team member know that you have a question and/or concern so that they may be addressed. Alternatively, if you are at home, you may also contact the office through a phone call, or, where available, through patient portal messages. Finally, at least once per week during treatment, you will have a dedicated opportunity to speak one on one with your radiation oncologist, where questions can be asked.
During your course of radiation therapy, it is important that you communicate with your radiation team about any changes to your medications, including vitamins and supplements, as they can potentially affect both the efficacy of the treatment and the side effects you experience.
During radiation treatment, there are typically no specific restrictions on your diet. Patients are asked to eat a balanced diet that provides them with the appropriate energy to get through their treatments. Plan to eat regular meals throughout the day and avoid skipping meals. Also, unless told otherwise by your team, drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated throughout treatment.
Occasionally, if your doctor notices that your pelvic anatomy is altered, particularly if your rectum is dilated and/or you suffer from constipation, you may be asked to eat a diet that encourages you to have regular (daily) bowel movements. Additionally, you may be asked to make sure your bladder is filled before your treatment, so you may be recommended to drink fluids in the 1-2 hours prior to your radiation therapy appointment. Make sure to direct any questions you may have about your diet to your treating radiation oncologist.
It is important to monitor your side effects during the treatment and let your treatment team know how you are feeling. Some effects may be minor and can be monitored, while others need to be watched closely and intervened upon to optimize your outcome. Your radiation oncologist can make suggestions about how to optimize the management of your symptoms, including dietary changes, adding over the counter or prescription medications, and giving recommendations about things to do or avoid throughout the course of treatment.
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming for anyone. Along with the treatments you are receiving for your cancer, your cancer can leave you drained emotionally and physically. Additionally, you may still be dealing with your common, everyday stressors, such as work, caring for children, siblings, and/or parents, bills, and transportation issues. During this time, it is important that you feel supported during 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.
The information on this site was created by our medical advisory board made up of physicians and other members of the radiation oncology team with expertise in radiation therapy and on the topics presented. However, this material is informational only and should not be used in place of advice from a medical professional. If you have questions about a specific treatment, please ask your radiation oncologist.