Sep 9, 2010 - Managing Side Effects of Radiation for Mesothelioma
Our previous article, Radiation Treatment for Mesothelioma, more thoroughly discussed what radiation therapy is and the different types available for mesothelioma patients. To provide further support and understanding, we now discuss ways to prevent and manage the common side effects that arise with radiation treatment.
Side effects of radiation vary depending on your overall health, type of treatment, location and extent of mesothelioma tumors, etc. Side effects can be mild or more severe, can be temporary (lasting only a few weeks) or come on later and stay longer, and, although rare, some can be permanent.
The first most common side effects are feeling tired and heightened skin sensitivity. To understand more about how to deal with fatigue caused by radiation, read Mesothelioma Related Fatigue (Sept. 7, 2010). For skin irritation, consult with your oncologist or nurse so they can suggest ways to ease your discomfort that is specific to your needs. Also remember that many of these symptoms will go away in a short time.
Another side effect can be changes in appetite. Some patients, especially those with mesothelioma that is affecting the digestive system, eating can become problematic. Even if you lose your appetite, it is important to eat at least small, nutritious meals throughout the day.
Some common ways to prevent or reduce the intensity of side effects is to keep yourself in the best health possible before treatment. This includes:
· Eating a healthy diet. Our next article will discuss best diet and nutritional practices before and during radiation treatment.
· Stay well rested. The symptoms of mesothelioma as well as side effects from treatment can deplete your body’s energy, causing exhaustion and fatigue. It is important to get plenty of rest before, during and after treatments.
· Protect and care for the area of your body that is treated. If receiving external radiation, your skin can become extra sensitive. It’s important to not make this worse by rubbing the area, wearing restrictive clothes, using the wrong soaps or skin care products, or putting excessive heat or cold on the affected area. Ask your health care team for the best practices to protect your skin before and after treatments.
Patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma or pericardial mesothelioma may undergo radiation to the chest and lung area. Side effects of treatment may include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, and body soreness as the heart and lung are affected. Side effects for those being treated for peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the lining of the abdomen), may experience vomiting, nausea or diarrhea. Your treating doctor can prescribe medications that can help reduce these symptoms. Also, a nutritionist can help you to know what the best dietary practices to follow are.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, take special care before, during, and for a short while after treatment. Get plenty of rest, follow a good, recommended diet, take extra care with your skin, and reserve your energy and resources in order to avoid fatigue. Talk to others to get emotional support and let others help and take care of you. Do remember, there are steps you can take to ease the symptoms and often many will go away after treatment has stopped.
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