Managing Side Effects

The best way to deal with fatigue from radiation therapy is creating a balance between getting enough rest and staying active enough. To succumb to the fatigue and give up physical activity would create a vicious cycle resulting in less energy and more fatigue. Yet you don't want to push yourself too much. It is all right to go to bed earlier, get up a little bit later or even take a nap during the day if one feels that tired but it is important to schedule a routine daily activity such as walking and stick with it throughout the course of radiation therapy. The other very important factor is to stay hydrated. Dehydration would negatively impact one's level of energy and may even interfere with their sleep pattern. This is particularly important during the warmer seasons and during the routine daily activity. Extremes of temperature should be avoided. A minimum of 8 cups of fluid per day will prevent dehydration. (That is 64 ounces, 2 quarts, or 1 half-gallon). Beverages containing caffeine do NOT count neither do alcoholic ones. Maintaining good nutrition can help you feel better and have more overall energy. Sticking to a regular schedules such as going to bed at a certain time and eating at regular hours would also be very helpful in creating that fine balance between resting and staying active. The best way to deal with fatigue from radiation therapy is creating a balance between getting enough rest and staying active enough. To succumb to the fatigue and give up physical activity would create a vicious cycle resulting in less energy and more fatigue. Yet you don't want to push yourself too much. It is all right to go to bed earlier, get up a little bit later or even take a nap during the day if one feels that tired but it is important to schedule a routine daily activity such as walking and stick with it throughout the course of radiation therapy. The other very important factor is to stay hydrated. Dehydration would negatively impact one's level of energy and may even interfere with their sleep pattern. This is particularly important during the warmer seasons and during the routine daily activity. Extremes of temperature should be avoided. A minimum of 8 cups of fluid per day will prevent dehydration. (That is 64 ounces, 2 quarts, or 1 half-gallon). Beverages containing caffeine do NOT count neither do alcoholic ones. Maintaining good nutrition can help you feel better and have more overall energy. Sticking to a regular schedules such as going to bed at a certain time and eating at regular hours would also be very helpful in creating that fine balance between resting and staying active.

Even though the new radiation technology has given us the capability to spare patients from significant skin burns, depending on the type of cancer and its location, sometimes either the skin itself is the target of radiation or it is impossible to spare it completely. Skin burn from radiation in many ways is similar to a sunburn. There are a number of products that radiation oncologists may recommend to alleviate the discomfort from the skin burn. These include but are not limited to Aquaphor ointment, Miaderm Lotion, Aloe Vera gel, Calendu, RadX Radiation Therapy cream, Radia-Guard lotion and many other products. If the skin has blistered or the shiny and moist part of skin is exposed Silvadene cream and/or a variety of gel wound dressings may be recommended. In worst case scenarios, your radiation oncologist may decide to advise a break in the course of treatment but this has to be weighed carefully against the negative impact of breaks during radiation on the final outcome of treatment. Avoiding sun exposure and products containing alcohol is advisable. Cleaning the area with mild and fragrance-free soap and water to prevent infection is essential. If the affected area is in perineal area, sitz baths with water and Hydrogen Peroxide would be helpful. Women should avoid wearing wired bras if the treatment area includes the chest. Please do not use any product without consulting your radiation oncologist first. Even though the new radiation technology has given us the capability to spare patients from significant skin burns, depending on the type of cancer and its location, sometimes either the skin itself is the target of radiation or it is impossible to spare it completely. Skin burn from radiation in many ways is similar to a sunburn. There are a number of products that radiation oncologists may recommend to alleviate the discomfort from the skin burn. These include but are not limited to Aquaphor ointment, Miaderm Lotion, Aloe Vera gel, Calendu, RadX Radiation Therapy cream, Radia-Guard lotion and many other products. If the skin has blistered or the shiny and moist part of skin is exposed Silvadene cream and/or a variety of gel wound dressings may be recommended. In worst case scenarios, your radiation oncologist may decide to advise a break in the course of treatment but this has to be weighed carefully against the negative impact of breaks during radiation on the final outcome of treatment. Avoiding sun exposure and products containing alcohol is advisable. Cleaning the area with mild and fragrance-free soap and water to prevent infection is essential. If the affected area is in perineal area, sitz baths with water and Hydrogen Peroxide would be helpful. Women should avoid wearing wired bras if the treatment area includes the chest. Please do not use any product without consulting your radiation oncologist first.

If necrosis was removed and there is still hardness, then it is most likely from either 1) additional / remaining fat necrosis, or 2) edema (can feel hard, especially likely in radiated tissue). In either case, resolution is likely without additional surgery if you wait long enough (may take 1-2 years), although breasts will be smaller in either case. If pain is present, and fat necrosis is still present, then surgery to remove the rest of the dead fat may be indicated.

Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D. If necrosis was removed and there is still hardness, then it is most likely from either 1) additional / remaining fat necrosis, or 2) edema (can feel hard, especially likely in radiated tissue). In either case, resolution is likely without additional surgery if you wait long enough (may take 1-2 years), although breasts will be smaller in either case. If pain is present, and fat necrosis is still present, then surgery to remove the rest of the dead fat may be indicated.

Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D.

Acupunture may help with this. Also alpha lipoic acid has been tested with diabetic neuropathy and offers some gains.

Our site has a big section on neuropathy with some ideas. Try searching for it under www.annieappleseedproject.org Acupunture may help with this. Also alpha lipoic acid has been tested with diabetic neuropathy and offers some gains.

Our site has a big section on neuropathy with some ideas. Try searching for it under www.annieappleseedproject.org

I am not sure this has been studied to any degree. But acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a very ancient system but one that continues to evolve.
There may be a value but I do not specifically know. Some supplements that one might try have been suggested - again not many studies. There are some combos of herbs that are thought to support the brain - ask a naturopath or acupuncturist if they think they can help.

Our website may have some other ideas. www.annieappleseedproject.org search under chemobrain. I am not sure this has been studied to any degree. But acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a very ancient system but one that continues to evolve.
There may be a value but I do not specifically know. Some supplements that one might try have been suggested - again not many studies. There are some combos of herbs that are thought to support the brain - ask a naturopath or acupuncturist if they think they can help.

Our website may have some other ideas. www.annieappleseedproject.org search under chemobrain.