What to Expect after Radiation Treatment
Date: August
2011
When I came
back from my follow-up care, that was about a month or so later, by that time I
had, for the most part, completely healed from the radiation side effects. They told me, you know, I have fully recovered
from the radiation, I was healing very well and, I mean, you know, everything
looked great.
Follow-up
care, after your radiation therapy is complete, you will have a series of
appointments with your doctor. The
doctor will check on any treatment related side effects and look for signs of
recurring cancer. You will also see the
radiation oncologist at a follow up appointment so he or she can coordinate
your follow up care with your doctor.
Follow-up care might include more cancer treatment, reconstructive
surgery, rehabilitation or counseling.
Call you doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. A pain that doesn't go
away. Any new
or unusual bumps, lumps or swelling.
Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea, sudden unexplained weight
loss, a fever or cough that doesn't go away, unusual rashes, bruises or
bleeding. When you visit the doctor,
make a list of all your questions. Take
a friend or family member along. They
not only give you moral support but act as another pair of ears to help you
remember what the doctor says. Take
notes. Ask about any words or terms that
you don't understand. Coping with
emotions, give yourself plenty of alone time to rest
and think. Let family or friends help
you. Find spiritual guidance through
prayer or meditation or talk to your minister, rabbi, or other religious
leader. Express your feelings by
talking, keeping a diary or even draw a picture. Take walks or exercise with your doctor's
consent. Find support groups or other
cancer patients and families to learn new ways to cope and to talk about
treatment. Take special care of yourself
by getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet. Talk to your doctor or other health care
professional about help.
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