Manuel Jovel, MD, radiation oncologist

If you need radiation treatment for cancer, how will it make you feel? Radiation's side effects depend on the body part being treated.

Radiation on cancer cells in the abdomen, for example, can affect surrounding tissue and lead to diarrhea.

Specific side effects depend on the type of cancer, the amount of radiation, and your health. Before you begin treatment, ask your healthcare team what to watch for and how you can cope. Then incorporate the following self-care tips:

Fatigue
One of the most common side effects is fatigue. Try to:

• Prioritize. Don't fret if you can't get to everything on your to-do list.
• Ask friends and family to help out.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Set an alarm for daytime naps if you have trouble sleeping at night.
• Exercise regularly, but don't overdo it. Ask your doctor about appropriate activities.

Hair Loss
Radiation tends to cause hair loss only in the targeted area. You will not lose your hair unless you have radiation treatment on your head. If you do, consider the following:

• As your hair thins, maximize fullness with a shorter cut.
• Purchase hats, scarves, or wigs.
• If you are going hatless outdoors, apply sunscreen on your scalp, too.

Nausea
This classic chemotherapy side effect also can happen with radiation. Here's how to cope:

• Take prescription anti-nausea medication as directed. If it isn't working, tell your doctor. There could be other options.
• Sip clear liquids such as apple juice, tea or flat ginger ale.
• Have smaller meals more frequently.
• Eat foods cold or at room temperature. The aromas won't be as strong.

Miguel Acosta, radiation therapist, prepares a patient for treatment.

What Is Radiation Oncology?
Radiation oncology uses radiation to kill or damage cancer cells so they cannot grow or spread, while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. "Radiation also avoids whole body systemic side effects common to other forms of cancer treatment," says Manuel Jovel, MD, radiation oncologist. "It may be used alone, but often is combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery."

There are different ways to give radiation therapy. For external beam radiation, special machines can deliver high doses of radiation from outside the body, over the course of several weeks.

Using metal or plastic implants, doctors also can place radioactive seeds inside the body, in or near the tumor, known as brachytherapy. In another internal radiation therapy, patients take a radioactive substance by mouth or injection, and the material moves through the body.

We Can Help You Get Better
Learn more about our cancer treatments. Please go to www.IchooseDoctorsHospital.com, click on Hospital Services in the left menu, and then click on Cancer Treatment Center.

Doctors Hospital, 10700 McPherson Rd, Laredo, TX 78045 956-523-2000 / FAX 956-523-0444