How to Know About Unusual Symptoms After Radiation Treatment

Radiation therapy is a treatment option for many different types of cancer, and may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, and it may be given internally or externally. More cancers are treated with external radiation on an outpatient basis, with treatment occurring as often as once a day for up to 8 weeks. Radiation treatment produces side effects, but some unusual post-treatment symptoms may be red flags that you will want to share with your doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Transportation to and from treatment
• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

1. Learn the different side effects for your type of cancer and the particular area being treated. Keep in mind, radiation is used to reduce or destroy tumors, treat cancers affecting the lymphatic system or to relieve pain from cancers that have spread to the bones.

2. Expect certain symptoms to take longer than others to diminish after treatment ends. It's not unusual for it to take up to 3 months for taste to return if you've had radiation to the mouth area and up to 6 months for hair to start growing back.

3. Take special care of the skin where radiation treatment was administered. Get permission from your doctor to use baby oil or lotion with aloe to help reduce itching and irritation. Realize that it's normal for the skin to have a slightly darker color long after treatment is over.

4. Know the most common signs of an unusual reaction to radiation. Look out for swelling, persistent fever, bleeding, trouble swallowing or unusual weight loss.

5. Make and keep follow-up appointments with your oncologist, physical therapist and family doctor. Be sure to ask if additional tests are needed to determine if the cancer is in remission.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to ask your doctor about signs and symptoms to look for which may indicate your cancer has returned after the treatment cycle has been completed. This helps to relieve the stress of thinking every pain and irritation is a sign of cancer.

• During cancer treatment, your doctor may have you on a high calorie/high protein diet. Ask your doctor when you can return to a normal diet. Expect side effects like loss of appetite, pain with swallowing and nausea to go away within a few weeks of having your last radiation treatment.

• Be aware of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship's guidelines, which include your right to pain management resources from the moment your cancer is diagnosed. Read more about the policy online (see Resources below).

• It can be difficult for some cancer patients to know the difference between radiation-induced fatigue and depression-induced lethargy. If you are having trouble getting out of bed for 24 hours or you experience confusion or a lack of concentration, contact your doctor.