In men, radiation can affect the nerves and blood vessels that control erections. Early side effects, such as nausea and fatigue, usually don’t last long. Keep a balance between rest and activities. Cancer is something huge to contend with and after waging a battle against it like this I don’t think that there could ever be a going back to the old you. You may have mixed feelings when treatment ends, and worry that every ache and pain means the cancer is coming back. When you get radiation therapy, you’ll work with a doctor who specializes in this type of medicine. Ask the doctor about using sunscreen if you must be outdoors. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Don't scrub or rub your skin. View who reviewed this content. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Radiation for Cancer - What to Expect From Radiation Therapy, Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatments. Also, you might be able to learn relaxation techniques and biofeedback to help control and reduce feelings of nausea. Absolutely, your husband should be made more comfortable. Radiation to the head, neck, and any part of the digestive tract can cause nausea and vomiting. For more on this, see Living well after cancer. Your skin should start to feel better a few weeks after therapy ends. Don't wear tight clothing over the area that's being treated. The doctor will likely prescribe medications to help control it. The way external radiation therapy affects your skin is similar to what happens when you spend time in the sun. Let your doctor know if you’re struggling with fatigue. It can even change how well you're able to follow your cancer treatment plan. This is quite common among people who have had cancer. But it's important to keep eating a healthy diet while you’re having treatment to keep your body strong. Radiation can cause problems in your mouth that include: Tell your cancer team about any of these problems so they can help you feel better. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. This team may include the following health care professionals:Radiation oncologist. Try eating five or six small meals spread out through the day instead of three large ones. Cancer information for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, Sunsmart: Early Childhood, Primary Schools and Out of School Hours. If you want to start a family or have more children, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how the treatment will affect your fertility before treatment begins. For tumors that divide slowly, the mass may shrink over a long, extended period after radiation stops. For example, scar tissue can affect the way your lungs or your heart works. The radiation oncologist also will want to see you for follow-up after your treatment ends and will coordinate follow-up care with your doctor. Don't use any tape, gauze, or bandages on your skin unless the doctor tells you to. few weeks after your washing as usual Your side effects might get worse for 2 weeks after the radiotherapy This is normal. Like a sunburn its still smoking in the spots with radiation. It takes days or weeks of treatment before cancer cells start to die. To stay healthy after chemotherapy, your doctor will give you a plan for follow-up care. Cancer Council NSW would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. Exercise and cancer After radiation therapy has finished, your treatment team will give you general information about your recovery. 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