Basic Radiation Cancer Therapy Side Effects

Are Side Effects the Same for Everyone?

The side effects of radiation treatment vary from patient to patient. You may have no side effects or just a few mild ones through your course of treatment. Some individuals do experience serious side effects, however. The side effects that you have depend mostly on the radiation dose and the part of your body that is treated. Your overall health also can affect how your body reacts to radiation therapy and whether you have side effects. Before beginning your treatment, your doctor and nurse will review the side effects you might experience, how long they might last, and how serious they might be.

Side effects may be acute or chronic. Acute side effects are occasionally referred to as "early side effects." They occur shortly after the treatment begins and generally are gone within a few weeks of completing therapy. Chronic side effects, at times called "late side effects," may take months or years to develop and usually are permanent.

The most prevalent early side effects of radiation therapy are fatigue and skin changes. They can result from radiation to any treatment site. Other side effects are connected to treatment of particular areas. For example, temporary or permanent hair loss may be a side effect of radiation treatment to the head. Appetite can be altered if treatment affects the mouth, stomach, or intestine.

Fortunately, most side effects will go away in time. In the meantime, there are ways to reduce discomfort. If you have a side effect that is especially severe, the doctor may stipulate a break in your treatments or change your treatment in some way.

Be sure to tell your doctor, nurse, or radiation therapist about any side effects that you notice. They can help you treat the problems and tell you how to lessen the chances that the side effects will come back. The information discussed here can serve as a guide to handling various side effects, but it cannot take the place of talking with the members of your health care team.

Will Side Effects Curb My Activity?

Not necessarily. It will depend on which side effects you have and how severe they are. Many patients are able to work, prepare meals, and enjoy their usual leisure activities while they are having radiation therapy. Others find that they need more rest than usual and accordingly cannot do as much. Try to carry on doing the things you enjoy as long as you don't become too exhausted.

Your doctor may suggest that you limit activities that might irritate the area being treated. In most cases, you can have sexual relations if you wish. You may find that your desire for physical intimacy is lower because radiation therapy may cause you to feel more tired than usual. For most patients, these feelings are temporary.

What Causes Fatigue?

Fatigue, feeling tired and lacking energy, is the most common symptom reported by cancer patients. The exact cause is not always known. It may be due to the disease itself or to treatment. It may also result from lowered blood counts, lack of sleep, pain, and poor appetite.

Most people begin to feel fatigued after a few weeks of radiation therapy. During radiation therapy, the body uses a lot of energy for healing. You also may be tired because of stress related to your illness, everyday trips for treatment, and the effects of radiation on healthy cells. Feelings of weakness or weariness will go away gradually after your treatment has been completed.

You can help yourself during radiation therapy by not trying to do too much. If you do feel tired, curb your activities and use your leisure time in a relaxing way. Save your energy for carrying out the things that you feel are most important. Do not feel that you have to do everything you normally do. Try to get more sleep at night, and plan your day so that you have time to rest if you need it. A few short naps or breaks may be more beneficial than a long rest period.

Sometimes, light exercise such as walking may combat fatigue. Talk with your doctor or nurse about how much exercise you may do while you are having treatment. Talking with other cancer patients in a support group may also assist you learn how to deal with fatigue.

If you have a full-time job, you may want to try to continue to work your normal schedule. However, some patients choose to take time off while they're receiving radiation therapy; others work a reduced number of hours. Speak openly with your employer about your needs and wishes during this time. A part-time schedule may be possible or perhaps you can do some work at home. Ask your doctor's office or the radiation therapy department to help by trying to schedule treatments with your workday in mind.

Whether you're going to work or not, it's a good plan to ask family members or friends to help with daily chores, shopping, child care, housework, or driving. Neighbors may be able to help by picking up groceries for you when they do their own shopping. You also could ask someone to drive you to and from your treatment visits to help conserve your energy.