What Is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy employs high-energy radiation or particles to treat cancer in various organs by using the right dose of radiation to kill cancer cells.  Each session takes about 10-30 minutes and lasts about 4-7 weeks.  Treatment period differs from patient to patient depending on the position, size, stage and type of cancer.        

Preparation Before Radiation Therapy Session

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Get enough rest
• Eat 5 food groups such as protein from meat, fish, egg, milk, fruit and vegetable, etc.
• Maintain your hygiene 

What to do during radiation therapy?

Caring for your Physical Health

1. Food – eat nutritious food, high in vitamins, less spicy, protein-rich, easy to digest such as protein from meat, fish, milk, egg, animals liver, nuts, vegetables, fruits to keep your strength and avoid fermented food.
2. Drink at least 2,000 cc (2 liters) of water to keep your body hydrated and release heat from the body, or choose patient’s favorite drinks such as fruit juice or syrup-based drinks, etc. 
3. Wash your body thoroughly from head to toe as the therapy may cause tiredness and weaken your immunity.  Poor hygiene can cause complications.   
4. Complete your bowel preparation.  If you have constipation or diarrhea, you need to tell your doctor, nurse or medical staff for advice and treatment.
5. Get enough sleep for at least 6-8 hours.  If you are stressed and unable to sleep, you need to tell your doctor or nurse to prepare a treatment plan for you.
6. Regular exercise based on your physical condition will help keep the body healthy and improve blood circulation.
7. If you have a headache, body pain or any abnormal symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, sore mouth, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or skin inflammation, please inform your doctor or nurse for treatment.
8. Relax and try to find some hobbies such as reading books, listening to the radio, watching TV, talking to friends, etc.
9. You need to have lab tests such as CBC once a week to evaluate your health during radiation therapy.
10. Avoid crowded areas because there are risks of getting infections from touching, air, food and water.   

Caring for Your Irradiated Skin         

1. Your irradiated skin should always be clean and dry.
2. You can bathe with clean water, avoid using soap and powder as talcum may contain metal which will irritate and darken your skin.  Instead, use pure corn powder, and use soft towel to dry off after taking a shower.    
3. Do not use hot water pouch or apply ice to the irradiated area. Avoid being exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time or exposing the irradiated area to heat or cold as it will irritate your skin.
4. Wear loose, soft fabric, light weight, breathable clothing that is made from natural fiber to reduce skin friction.
5. If you got radiated around your neck, the skin may be red, dry, itchy, darkened, scab or wounded.  Do not rub, peel or scratch it.
6. You should not swim as pool water has chlorine which will easily dry and irritate your skin.  
7. Maintain the “Skin Marker” in the irradiated area as designated by the doctor and medical staff.  If the mark is erased, the doctor will have to find the right position again which will delay the treatment time.  And please do not draw on the faded line yourself.   

What to do after the radiation therapy?

1. Continue the same routine during the treatment for 1 month.
2. In case of any abnormal symptoms such as high fever, excessive bleeding, severe diarrhea or chronic, severe nausea and vomiting, or you can feel a new lump in the new or same position, you need to contact your doctor immediately.
3. Follow your doctor’s recommendation on self-care.
4. Maintain doctor’s appointment regularly.