Managing Radiation Side Effects
Skin Reactions
- become dry, itchy, flaky and/or more sensitive
- discolor or darken
- increase in redness, or show a pink tinge
- have dry and or moist peeling (desquamation) and or ulceration
- continue to get more irritated and the skin may get pinker or darker in the treatment area, especially where there are skin folds or where there is skin-on-skin contact. An example of this would be under the armpit, under the breast, between legs, etc.
Skin side effects will progress over the course of treatment and may peak 1-2 weeks after treatment is complete.
After the peak, skin will begin the healing process.
Skin Care
- Wash skin with mild soap (ex. Dove) and lukewarm water using a soft washcloth or by just letting water and soap flow over skin
- Pat skin dry. Do NOT rub skin with towel
- Do not use any creams or lotions in the treatment area throughout the entire course of treatment unless it is AQUAPHOR or your doctor has prescribed one to be used during radiation.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Protect treated skin from sun, wind and any extreme temperature. Since Skin is more sensitive after receiving radiation, be sure to use 50+ (SPF) sunscreen with UVA/UVB
- Avoid scratching skin
- Avoid using a heating pad or an ice pack on your skin as this may irritate your skin.
- Avoid use of hot tubs, swimming pools and lakes during treatment
- AQUAPHOR is recommended to use during treatment to keep skin moisturized. It can be purchased at any grocery or drug store.
- Do NOT put any creams or lotions on the treated area within FOUR hours prior to treatment.
Fatigue
It is common to experience fatigue during radiation, and for a few weeks after radiation treatment.
However, this is not a debilitating fatigue. You may be more tired at the end of the day.
Stay Active
Activity has been shown to help reduce fatigue.
Stay Hydrated
64 oz per day is recommended for adequate hydration.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is important during radiation treatment.
There are no suggested dietary changes as long as you are:
- able to tolerate your food
- having normal bowel movements
- maintaining your weight
If you are having difficulty with nausea, indigestion, or eating full meals you may try:
- Eating 5-6 small meals per day 2-3 hours apart may reduce nausea and indigestion
- Limit or avoid greasy, fatty and/or spicy foods
If you are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting:
- Try a diet that consists mostly of bananas, rice, apples (or applesauce), and toast (or crackers) until the GI upset subsides. This is a bland diet and is usually tolerated well.
If your treatment causes you to have a sore throat or difficulty swallowing, you can use nutritional supplements to help receive the nutrients and calories your body needs.
Non-Diabetics: Ensure, Premier Protein, Core Power, Boost, Generic Brands
Diabetics: Boost, Glucerna, Premier Protein, Diabetic Generic Brands ** Ensure and Premier Protein brands offer a “clear” option that is non-milk-based
Ensure and Premier Protein brands offer a “clear” option that is non-milk based.
Constipation
Over-the-counter medications can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Please ask your local pharmacist for assistance to find these products at the pharmacy of your choice. Keep in mind that these are only suggested medications, please follow any orders prescribed by your physician.
Miralax (Brand name) or ClearLAX (Equate brand in Walmart)
To keep stools regular- take daily. If you are taking narcotics or opioid pain medication you should take this daily unless you have diarrhea.
Senokot (Brand Name) or Natural Laxative (Equate brand in Walmart)
Take at night if you have not had a bowel movement that day and you have already taken the Miralax/ClearLAX.
Magnesium Citrate
Take half a bottle in the morning if you have not had a stool for 2 days. If you do not have a bowel movement by lunchtime, take the other half of the bottle. Do not use Magnesium Citrate more than once a week.
Diarrhea
If you are experiencing diarrhea and are not able to keep down fluids and you are using Imodium please notify your nurse. We want to prevent dehydration and skin breakdown related to diarrhea.
Loperamide (Imodium)
Take 2 (2mg) capsules for the first dose and then one capsule after each loose stool until the loose stool stops. You may only take up to 8 total capsules in a 24-hour period.
