What Can I Do To Take Care of Myself During
Therapy?
Variations in Side Effects
Dealing With Fatigue
What Can I Do About Skin Problems?
What Can I Do About Hair Loss?
Will My Blood Counts Be Affected?
Will I Have Eating Problems?
How Will I Feel Emotionally?
Are There Long-term Side Effects I Should Be
Concerned About?
What Side Effects Occur With
Radiation
Therapy to the Head and Neck?
What Side Effects May Occur With Radiation
Therapy to the Brain?
What Side Effects Occur With Radiation
Therapy to the Breast and Chest?
What Side Effects Occur With Radiation
Therapy to the Stomach and Abdomen?
What Side Effects Occur With Radiation
Therapy to the Pelvis?
Will Side Effects Limit My Activity?
What Can I Do
To Take Care of Myself During Therapy?
You need to take special care of yourself to protect your
health during the treatment. Your doctor or nurse will give you advice
for caring for yourself that is specific to your treatment and the side
effects that might result, but here are some suggestions:
- Be sure to get plenty of rest. You may
feel more tired than normal. Be sure that you get good restful sleep at
night. Fatigue may last for several weeks after your treatment ends.
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
Depending on the area of the body that will receive radiation (for
example, the abdomen or pelvic area), your doctor or nurse may suggest
changes in your diet.
- Take care of the skin in the treatment area.
If you receive external radiation therapy, the skin in the area of
treatment may become more sensitive or begin to look sunburned. For
this reason, ask your doctor or nurse before using any soaps, lotions,
deodorants, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, talcum powder, or other
substances on the treated area. Some of these products may irritate
sensitive skin.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes. This
includes girdles, pantyhose, or close-fitting collars over the
treatment area. Instead, wear loose, soft cotton clothing, and avoid
starching your clothes.
- Do not rub, scrub, or use adhesive tape on
treated skin. If a dressing is needed, use paper tape or
other tape for sensitive skin. Try to put the tape outside the
treatment area, and avoid putting the tape in the same place each time.
- Do not apply heat or cold (heating pad or ice
pack, etc.) to the treatment area. First talk with your
doctor. Even hot water may hurt your skin, so use only lukewarm water
for bathing the treated area.
- Do not use a pre-shave or after-shave lotion or
hair-removal products. Use an electric shaver if you must
shave the area, but only after checking with your doctor or nurse.
- Protect the treated area from the sun.
Your skin may be extra sensitive to sunlight. If possible, cover
treated skin with dark-colored clothing before going outside. Ask your
doctor if you should use a lotion that contains a sunscreen. If so, use
a sunscreen product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
Reapply the sunscreen often, even after your skin has healed. Continue
to provide extra protection to your skin from sunlight for at least 1
year after radiation therapy.
- Tell your doctor about medicines you are taking
before treatment. If you take any medicines, even things like
aspirin, vitamins, or herbs, let your doctor know first.
Variations in
Side Effects
Your doctor and nurse are the best people to talk to you
about your treatment, side effects, home care, and any other medical
concerns you may have. Tell them about any side effects you are having,
including skin changes, fatigue, diarrhea, or trouble eating. Be sure
that you understand any home care instructions and know who to contact
in case you have more questions.
Side effects vary from patient to patient and will depend on
the radiation dose and the part of your body treated. Some patients
have no side effects at all, while others have quite a few. There is no
way to predict who might or might not have side effects. Your general
health can sometimes affect how your body reacts to radiation treatment
and whether you have side effects.
Radiation therapy can cause early and late side effects.
Early side effects are those that happen during or shortly after
treatment. They usually are gone within a few weeks after treatment.
Late side effects are those that take months or years to develop. They
are often permanent.
The most common early side effects are:
- fatigue (feeling tired)
- skin changes
- loss of appetite
Other early side effects usually are related to the area
being treated, such as hair loss following radiation treatment to the
head.
Most side effects go away in time. In the meantime, there are
ways to reduce the discomfort they may cause. If you have a reaction
that is severe, the doctor may stop your treatments for a while, change
the schedule, or change the type of treatment you are receiving. Tell
your doctor, nurse, or radiation therapist about any side effects you
notice so they can help you manage them. The information here can serve
as a guide to handling some side effects, but it cannot replace talking
with your doctor or nurse about your situation.
Dealing With
Fatigue
Fatigue is the feeling of being tired physically, mentally,
and emotionally. It means having less energy to do the things you
normally do or want to do. Cancer-related fatigue is a different kind
of tiredness that can happen with cancer or cancer treatment. It can
last a long time and can interfere with your usual activities. This is
different from the fatigue of everyday life, which is usually temporary
and relieved by rest. Cancer-related fatigue is more severe and more
distressing. Rest does not always relieve it. This kind of fatigue
bothers some people even more than pain, nausea/vomiting, or
depression. Cancer-related fatigue can:
- vary in its unpleasantness, how severe it is, and how long
it lasts
- be overwhelming and hinder your ability to feel
well
- make even being with your friends and family
difficult
- decrease your ability to continue normal activities,
including going to work
- make it hard to follow your cancer treatment plan
Only you know if you have fatigue and how severe it is. No lab
tests or x-rays can diagnose or describe your level of fatigue. The
best measure of fatigue comes from your own report to your doctor or
nurse. You can describe your level of fatigue as none, mild, moderate,
or severe, or you can use a scale of 0 to 10, where a 0 means no
fatigue, and a 10 is the worst fatigue you could imagine.
During cancer treatment, you may find that you become tired
more easily because your body is using more energy to handle the
demands of cancer and treatment. Stress related to your illness, daily
trips for treatment, and the effects of radiation on normal cells may
also contribute to fatigue.
Most people begin to feel tired after a few weeks of radiation
therapy. Fatigue usually gets worse as your treatment goes on.
The cause of cancer-related fatigue is not always clearly
understood. But if the cause of fatigue is known, treatment will be
directed at the cause. For example, if anemia (low red blood cell
counts) is thought to be causing fatigue, the anemia will be treated.
In some patients, treatment may include correcting fluid and mineral
imbalances in the blood. The use of physical activity, treatment of
sleep problems, and correction of nutrition problems all seem to
improve fatigue. Physical activity in particular can have a major
effect. Education and counseling are part of the treatment and help
people learn how to conserve energy, reduce stress, and use distraction
to focus on things other than the fatigue.
By understanding fatigue, you can cope with it better and
reduce your distress. Often, a family member can help you talk to your
health care team about your fatigue and how it affects you. The best
approach is to learn about fatigue before you have it.
Fatigue will go away gradually after your treatment is
finished. Until then, there are some things that you can do to help you
deal with it:
- Make a list of your regular activities in order of how
important they are to you. Try to do the important ones first or when
you have the most energy.
- Have a structured daily routine.
- Ask for help and give tasks to others when you
can.
- Place things that you use often within easy reach to save
your energy.
- Use methods to reduce stress, such as deep breathing,
visual imagery, meditation, prayer, talking with others, reading,
listening to music, painting, or any other activity that gives you
pleasure.
- Keep a journal.
- Balance rest and activities. Avoid too much bed rest, which
can lead to feeling weak. Schedule activities so that you have time for
plenty of rest. Most people find shorter rest periods to be better than
one long one.
- Talk to your doctor about how to keep any pain, nausea, or
depression under control.
- Discuss physical activity with your doctor before you start
any exercise program.
- Unless you are given other instructions, eat a balanced
diet that includes protein (meat, milk, eggs, and beans), and drink
plenty of water each day.
Let your doctor or nurse know about your fatigue and talk with
them if:
- Your fatigue does not get better, keeps coming back, or
becomes severe.
- You are more tired than usual during or after an
activity.
- You are feeling tired and it is not related to an
activity.
- Your fatigue is not relieved by rest or sleep.
- You become confused or cannot concentrate.
- You are unable to get out of bed for more than 24
hours.
- Your fatigue disrupts your social life or daily routine.
What
Can I Do
About Skin Problems?
Your skin in the treatment area may look red, irritated,
sunburned, or tanned. After a few weeks, your skin may become dry or
reddened from the therapy. It is important to let your doctor or nurse
know about any skin changes. He or she can suggest measures to relieve
your discomfort and possibly lessen further irritation.
Most skin reactions should go away a few weeks after
treatment is finished. In some cases, though, the treated skin will
remain darker than it was before. You need to be gentle with your skin.
Suggestions include:
- Use only lukewarm water and mild soap. Just let water run
over the treated area. Do not rub.
- Do not wear tight clothing over the treatment area.
- Try not to rub, scrub, or scratch any sensitive spots.
- Avoid putting anything that is hot or cold, such as
heating pads or ice packs, on your treated skin, unless advised by your
doctor.
- Ask your doctor or nurse before using any powders, creams,
perfumes, deodorants, body oils, ointments, lotions, or home remedies
in the treatment area while you are being treated and for several weeks
afterward. Many skin products can leave a coating on the skin that may
cause irritation, and may even change the dose of radiation into the
body.
- Avoid exposing the area to the sun during treatment and
for at least 1 year after your treatment is completed.
- If you expect to be in the sun for more than a few
minutes, wear protective clothing (such as a hat with a broad brim and
shirt with long sleeves) and use a sunscreen. Ask your doctor or nurse
about using sunscreen lotions.
What Can I Do
About Hair Loss?
Radiation therapy can cause hair loss (alopecia)
but only in the area being treated. For example, if you receive
treatment to your hip, you will not lose hair from your head. However,
radiation to your head may cause you to lose some or all of the hair on
your scalp.
Most patients find that their hair grows back after the
treatments are finished, but accepting hair loss can be hard. When it
does grow back, it may be thinner or a different texture than it was
before treatment. Ask your doctor or nurse if you have more questions
about hair loss.
Your scalp may be tender after the hair loss, and you may
want to cover your head while you are in treatment. You should wear a
hat or scarf to protect your head when you are in the sun. If you
prefer a hairpiece or wig, be sure the lining does not irritate your
scalp. Your local American Cancer Society office may be able to help
you get wigs or hats. You may want to check to see if head coverings
are a tax-deductible expense or covered by your health insurance.
Will My Blood
Counts Be Affected?
Radiation therapy can cause low white blood cell
counts or low levels of platelets, but this is
rare. These blood cells help your body fight infection and prevent
bleeding. If your blood tests show this side effect, treatment might be
delayed for about a week to allow your blood counts to return to
normal. This side effect is more likely to happen if you are also
receiving chemotherapy.
Will I Have
Eating Problems?
Radiation to the head and neck or parts of the digestive system may
cause eating and digestion problems. You may lose interest in food
during your treatment. Even if you are not hungry, you should try to
eat protein and high-calorie foods. Doctors have found that patients
who eat well can better handle their cancer treatments and side
effects.
Coping with short-term diet problems may be easier than you
expect. There are a number of guides and recipe booklets for patients
who need help with eating problems.
If you have trouble swallowing, tell your doctor or nurse. If
you have pain when you chew and swallow, certain medicines may be
helpful. Your doctor may also suggest a liquid diet. Many liquid
nutrition drinks are available and come in a variety of flavors. They
are available at grocery and drugstores without a prescription or you
can make them yourself. They can be combined with other foods or added
to milkshakes.
The list below suggests ways to help you with your appetite
when you don't feel like eating and how to make the most of it when you
do feel like eating.
- Eat when you are hungry, even if it is not mealtime.
- Eat 5-6 small meals during the day rather than 2 or 3
large ones.
- Vary your diet and try new recipes. If you enjoy company
while eating, try to eat with family or friends, or turn on the radio
or television.
- When you feel up to it, make some simple meals in batches
and freeze them to use later. Anytime you cook, prepare extra food so
you can eat again without cooking.
- Keep healthful snacks close by for nibbling when you get
the urge.
- If other people offer to cook for you, let them. Do not be
shy about telling them what you would like to eat.
- If you live alone, you might want to arrange for programs
like Meals on Wheels to bring food to you. Ask your doctor, nurse, or
local American Cancer Society office about Meals on Wheels.
- If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor if you should avoid
alcohol during your treatment. Also, ask if it will interact with any
medicines you are taking.
If you are able to eat only small amounts of food, you can
increase the calories per serving by trying the following:
- Add butter or olive oil.
- Mix canned cream soups with milk or half-and-half rather
than water.
- Drink milkshakes or prepared liquid supplements between
meals.
- Add cream sauce or melted cheese to your favorite
vegetables.
Some people find they can handle large amounts of liquids
even when they do not feel like eating solid foods. If this is the case
for you, try to get the most from each glassful by making drinks
enriched with powdered milk, yogurt, honey, or prepared liquid
nutrition drinks.
How Will I Feel
Emotionally?
Many patients feel tired due to the radiation therapy, which
can affect emotions. You also might feel depressed, afraid, angry,
frustrated, alone, or helpless.
Attending a support group of other people with cancer may be
helpful. Ask your doctor or call the American Cancer Society for more
information about ways to meet with others who share your problems and
concerns.
Are There
Long-term Side Effects I Should Be Concerned About?
During and right after radiation therapy, it may be hard to
think in terms of years down the road. But depending on the type of
treatment and the location of the cancer, there may be long-term
effects. (Some of these are described in more detail in the
next section.) Even though long-term problems are less common than
short-term effects, they should still be taken into account when making
decisions about radiation therapy.
For example, radiation to the chest area may affect the lungs
or heart. In some people this may cause scarring, which can affect a
person’s capacity for physical activity. Radiation to the abdomen or
pelvis can lead to bladder, bowel, or sexual problems in some people.
Radiation in certain areas can also lead to fluid buildup and swelling
in an arm or leg, a condition known as lymphedema.
One thing many people are concerned about is a possible
increased risk of getting a second cancer some time in the future. The
increase in risk is small but real.
The link between radiation and cancer was noted many years
ago in studies of atomic bomb survivors, workers exposed to radiation
on their jobs, and patients treated with radiation therapy. For
example, young women who received whole body radiation for treatment of
Hodgkin disease were found to be at increased risk for breast cancer
and other cancers later in life. (This treatment is no longer common.)
Some cases of leukemia are related to radiation exposure and usually
develop within a few years of exposure. This risk peaks at 5 to 9 years
after the radiation exposure and then slowly declines. The development
of other types of cancer after radiation exposure has been shown to
take much longer. Most do not happen until at least 10 years after
radiation exposure, and some are diagnosed 15 or more years later.
Radiation therapy techniques have steadily improved over the last few
decades. Treatments now target the cancers more precisely, and more is
known about choosing the best radiation doses. These advances are
expected to reduce the number of second cancers that result from
radiation therapy. The risk of second cancers is generally low and must
be weighed against the benefits gained with radiation treatments.
Talk to your doctor before starting radiation therapy to make sure you
are aware of the possible long-term effects of radiation therapy. This
can help you make an informed treatment decision and help you know what
symptoms you may need to watch out for after treatment.
Managing Side Effects of Treatment to
Specific Parts of the Body
What Side
Effects May Happen With Radiation Therapy to the Head and Neck?
Some people who get radiation to the head and neck experience
redness and irritation in the mouth, a dry mouth, trouble swallowing,
changes in taste, or nausea. Other possible side effects include a loss
of taste, earaches, and swelling. You may lose your hair, your skin
texture might change, and your jaw may feel stiff.
If you get radiation therapy to the head or neck, you need to
take good care of your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat.
Here are a few tips that may help you manage mouth problems:
- Avoid spices and coarse foods such as raw vegetables, dry
crackers, and nuts.
- Do not eat or drink very hot or very cold foods.
- Do not smoke, chew tobacco, or drink alcohol because
tobacco and alcohol can further irritate mouth sores.
- Stay away from sugary snacks.
- Ask your doctor or nurse to recommend a good mouthwash.
The alcohol content in some mouthwashes has a drying effect on mouth
tissues.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water every 1 to 2 hours
as needed.
- Sip cool drinks often throughout the day.
- Eat or chew sugar-free candy or gum to help keep your
mouth moist.
- Moisten food with gravies and sauces to make eating
easier.
- Ask your doctor or nurse about medicines to help treat
mouth sores and control pain while eating.
If these measures are not enough, ask your dentist about
artificial saliva. Mouth dryness may continue to be a problem even
after treatment is over.
Dental Care
Radiation treatment of your
head and neck can increase your chances of getting cavities. Mouth care
designed to prevent problems will be an important part of your
treatment. Before starting radiation therapy, arrange for a complete
checkup with your dentist. Ask your dentist to talk with your radiation
oncologist before your treatments begin. If you have problem teeth,
your dentist may suggest having them removed before starting treatment.
Radiation (and dry mouth) may damage them to the point where they will
need to be removed later, when it may be harder to do so.
If you wear dentures, they may no longer fit well because of
swollen gums. If your dentures cause gum sores, you may need to stop
wearing them until your radiation therapy is over because these sores
can become infected.
Your dentist probably will want to see you during your
radiation therapy to talk to you about caring for your mouth and teeth
and help you deal with any soreness. Most likely, you will be told to
do the following:
- Clean your teeth and gums with a very soft brush after
meals and at least one other time each day.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste that contains no abrasives.
- Use unwaxed dental tape to gently floss between teeth once
a day.
- If your dentist recommends it, use a special solution or
tablet (disclosing solution) after brushing to show plaque that you
have missed.
- Rinse your mouth well with cool water or a baking soda
solution after you brush. (Use 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 quart of
water.)
- Apply fluoride regularly as prescribed by your dentist.
What Side
Effects May Occur With Radiation Therapy to the Brain?
Stereotactic radiosurgery is often used when cancer has only
spread to
a few sites in the brain. Side effects vary depending on where the
radiation is aimed. Talk with your radiation oncologist about what to
watch for and when to call for help.
Sometimes the whole brain is treated with radiation when cancer has
spread into many sites. Whole brain radiation can cause some of the
following side effects:
- headaches
- swelling of the brain
- hair loss
- nausea
- vomiting
- fatigue
- hearing loss
- skin and scalp changes
- trouble with memory and speech
- seizures
Medicines are usually given to prevent brain swelling, but it is
important to let your doctor know about headaches and other symptoms.
Delayed effects (usually a year or two later) of whole brain radiation
can be caused by death of brain tissue, and include serious problems
such as memory loss, stroke-like symptoms, and poor brain function.
What
Side
Effects May Occur With Radiation Therapy to the Breast and Chest?
Radiation treatment to the chest may cause problems when
swallowing, cough, or shortness of breath. Be sure to tell your doctor
or nurse if you notice any of these side effects.
If you receive radiation therapy after a lumpectomy or
mastectomy for breast cancer, try to go without wearing a bra whenever
you can. If this is not possible, wear a soft cotton bra without
underwire so that your skin is not irritated. If your shoulders feel
stiff, ask your doctor or nurse about exercises to keep your arms
moving freely.
Other side effects may include breast soreness and swelling
from fluid build-up in the treated area. These side effects most likely
will go away a month or 2 after you finish radiation therapy. If fluid
build-up continues to be a problem (a condition called lymphedema), ask
your doctor what steps you can take.
Skin may turn red or tan. This will most likely fade 1 or 2
months after you finish radiation.
Radiation therapy after a lumpectomy may also cause other
changes in the breast after therapy. Your skin may be slightly darker,
and pores may be enlarged and more noticeable. The skin may be more or
less sensitive and feel thicker and firmer than it was before your
treatment. Sometimes the size of your breast changes -- it may become
larger because of fluid build-up or smaller because of the development
of fibrous tissue. Many women have little or no change in breast size.
These side effects may continue for a year or longer after treatment.
If your radiation therapy includes implants, you might notice
breast tenderness or tightness. After the implants are removed, you are
likely to have some of the same effects that occur with external
radiation treatment. If so, follow the advice given above and let your
doctor know about any problems that persist.
After 12 months, you should not have any new changes. If you
do see changes in breast size, shape, appearance, or texture after this
time, report them to your doctor right away.
When radiation treatments include the chest area, the lungs
can be affected. One early change is a decrease in the levels of
surfactant, the substance that helps keep the air passages open. This
keeps the lungs from fully expanding, which may cause shortness of
breath or cough. These symptoms are sometimes treated with steroids.
A possible late effect of radiation to the lungs is fibrosis
(stiffening or scarring). When this happens, the lungs can no longer
fully inflate and take in air. If a large area of the lungs is treated
with radiation, these changes can cause shortness
What Side
Effects May Occur With Radiation Therapy to the Stomach and Abdomen?
If you are having radiation treatment to the stomach or some
part of the abdomen, you may have vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea. Your
doctor can prescribe medicines to help relieve these problems. Check
with your doctor or nurse about any home remedies you are thinking
about taking during your treatment.
Managing Nausea
Some patients report feeling queasy for a few hours right after
radiation therapy. If you have this problem, do not eat for several
hours before your treatment. You may be able to handle the treatment
better on an empty stomach. After treatment, you may want to wait 1 to
2 hours before eating. If the problem persists, ask your doctor about
medicines to prevent and treat nausea. Be sure to take the medicine as
prescribed.
If you notice nausea before your treatment, eat a bland snack, such as
toast or crackers, and try to relax as much as possible. Here are some
tips to help an upset stomach:
- Stick to any special diet your doctor or dietitian gives
you.
- Eat small meals.
- Eat often and try to eat and drink slowly.
- Avoid foods that are fried or high in fat.
- Drink cool liquids between meals.
- Eat foods that have only a mild aroma and can be served
cool or at room temperature.
- For a severe upset stomach, try a clear liquid diet (broth
and juices) or bland foods that are easy to digest, such as dry toast
and gelatin.
- Learn relaxation techniques and use these when feeling
nauseated.
How to Handle Diarrhea
Diarrhea most often begins a few weeks after starting radiation
therapy. Your doctor may prescribe medicine or give you special
instructions to help with the problem. He or she may also recommend
changes in your diet, such as:
- Try a clear liquid diet (water, weak tea, apple juice,
peach nectar, clear broth, popsicles, plain gelatin) as soon as
diarrhea starts or when you feel it is going to start.
- Avoid foods that are high in fiber or can cause gas or
cramps, such as raw fruits and vegetables, coffee, beans, cabbage,
whole grain breads and cereals, sweets, and spicy foods.
- Eat frequent small meals.
- Avoid milk and milk products if they irritate your
bowels.
- When the diarrhea starts to improve, try eating small
amounts of low-fiber foods such as rice, bananas, applesauce, yogurt,
mashed potatoes, low-fat cottage cheese, and dry toast.
- Be sure you take in enough potassium (bananas, potatoes,
apricots, peaches), an important mineral you may lose through diarrhea.
Diet planning is an important part of radiation treatment of the
stomach and abdomen. Keep in mind these problems will be reduced
greatly when treatment is over. In the meantime, try to pack the
highest possible food value into even small meals so you get enough
calories, vitamins, and minerals.
What Side
Effects May Occur With Radiation Therapy to the Pelvis?
If you get radiation therapy to any part of the pelvis, you
might have one or more of the digestive problems already described. You
also may have some irritation of your bladder, which can be
uncomfortable and cause you to urinate often.
Effects on Female Fertility
Do not try to become pregnant during radiation therapy because
radiation can harm the fetus. Women should discuss with their doctor
their birth control options and how radiation may affect their
fertility. If you are pregnant, let your doctor know before beginning
treatment.
Depending on the radiation dose, women having radiation
therapy in the pelvic area may stop having their menstrual periods and
have other symptoms of menopause. Treatment also can result in vaginal
itching, burning, and dryness. Report these symptoms to your doctor so
you can learn about options for relieving these side effects.
Effects on Male Fertility
For men, radiation therapy to an area that includes the testes
can reduce both the number of sperm and their ability to function. This
does not mean, though, that pregnancy cannot occur. If you want to
father a child and are concerned about reduced fertility, talk to your
doctor before starting treatment. One option may be to bank your sperm
ahead of time.
Other than studies that looked at survivors of atomic bomb
blasts, there is little information about radiation's effect on the
offspring of men who were conceived during and after being irradiated.
Because of the uncertain risk, doctors often advise men to avoid
conceiving a child during and for some weeks after cancer treatment,
especially if there is radiation to or near the genital area.
Sexual Relations
With some types of radiation therapy involving the pelvis, men
and women may notice some change in their ability to enjoy sex or a
decrease in their level of desire.
During treatment to the pelvis, some women are advised not to
have intercourse or they may find it painful. You most likely will be
able to resume having sex within a few weeks after your treatment ends,
but check with your doctor first. Some types of treatment may have more
long-term effects, such as scarring that could affect the ability of
the vagina to stretch during intercourse. Again, your doctor may be
able to offer suggestions if this occurs. You can also get more
information from the American Cancer Society's booklet, Sexuality
and Cancer: For the
Woman Who Has Cancer and Her Partner.
Radiation may affect the nerves that control a man's ability
to have an erection. If a man is having seed implant radiation therapy,
he should check with his doctor about safety precautions, such as using
condoms. If erection problems do occur, it is usually gradual over the
course of many months or years. Talk with your doctor about treatment
options if this is a concern for you. You can also get more information
from the American Cancer Society's booklet, Sexuality
and Cancer: For the Man Who Has Cancer and His Partner.
Will Side
Effects Limit My Activity?
They might. However, what you can do will depend on how you
feel. Some patients are able to go to work or enjoy leisure activities
while they have radiation therapy. Others find they need more rest than
usual and cannot do as much. Your doctor may suggest you limit
activities that might irritate the area being treated.
Revised: 10/02/2007
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