What are late effects of radiation?
What are late effects of radiation?
What cancer treatments cause late effects?
| Treatment | Late effects |
|---|---|
| Radiation therapy | Cavities and tooth decay Early menopause Heart and vascular problems Hypothyroidism Increased risk of other cancers Increased risk of stroke Infertility Intestinal problems Lung disease Lymphedema Memory problems Osteoporosis |
How long do effects of radiotherapy last?
Reactions to the radiation therapy often start during the second or third week of treatment. Or, they may last for several weeks after the final treatment. Some side effects may be long term. Talk with your treatment team about what to expect.
How long does it take your immune system to recover after radiation?
It might take from 10 days to many months for the immune system to recover completely.
How long does the fatigue last after radiation?
Radiation can give you fatigue that gets worse over time (called cumulative fatigue). It usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks after your treatment stops, but it can continue for up to 3 months. Hormone therapy deprives the body of estrogen, and that can lead to fatigue that may last throughout your treatment or longer.
How can I strengthen my bones after radiation?
Walking, climbing stairs, and dancing are impact (or weight-bearing) exercises that strengthen your bones by moving your body against gravity when you are upright Resistance exercises such as lifting weights or using exercise bands strengthen your bones and your muscles, too!
How do I regain energy after radiation?
There are many things you can do to help cope with cancer fatigue:
- Ask for help and accept it when it is offered. Don’t let pride get in the way of asking for help.
- Get enough sleep.
- Rest when you need it.
- Ensure you are properly hydrated.
- Think twice before drinking energy drinks.
- Exercise when you feel you can.
Can I drive home after radiation therapy?
Will I be able to drive after my radiotherapy treatment? Almost all patients are able to drive while receiving radiotherapy treatment. However, with some types of cancer, driving may NOT be recommended due to fatigue or strong pain medication. Your physician will be able to address your specific case.
Is radiation hard on your body?
Radiation not only kills or slows the growth of cancer cells, it can also affect nearby healthy cells. Damage to healthy cells can cause side effects. Many people who get radiation therapy have fatigue. Fatigue is feeling exhausted and worn out.
Is it dangerous being a radiation therapist?
Is Being a Radiation Therapist Dangerous? Although radiation therapists follow safety procedures, they do face some risk of exposure to radiation or radioactive material due to the nature of the career. However, proper safety measures prevent overexposure in the field.
What foods taste good after radiation?
Try high-protein foods that may taste better cold or at room temperature. Examples include cheese or cottage cheese plates; macaroni salads with shrimp, ham or cheese; tuna, egg, ham or chicken salad; cold meat or luncheon meat sandwiches; or cold salmon.
Can you drink while doing radiation?
In general, we recommend you limit alcohol intake during cancer treatment of any kind before, during and after cancer treatment. If you’re undergoing radiation to your head, neck, throat, esophagus or stomach, we ask that you abstain from alcohol since it can cause irritation and be physically uncomfortable.
What does radiation fatigue feel like?
What does fatigue from radiation therapy feel like? The fatigue you feel from cancer and radiation therapy differs from other times you’ve felt tired. It’s an exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest and can keep you from doing the things you normally do, like going to work or spending time with family and friends.
Can radiation damage bones?
If you’ve had radiation, you may be more likely to develop bone loss, especially near the site of radiation. “Bone loss from radiation treatments is often delayed for several years,” says Thosani. That’s why screening and follow-up care are important for maintaining healthy bones.
What are the benefits of being a radiation therapist?
Benefits generally include medical, dental, life, and vision insurance as well as vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans. Some employers offer performance bonuses and tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
What are long term side effects of radiation?
What are the most common long-term side effects of radiation?
- Cataracts.
- Hair loss.
- Hearing loss.
- Memory loss (“It’s hard to determine how much memory loss or cognitive dysfunction is related to a tumor and how much is related to radiotherapy,” says Dr. Nowlan.
How long does it take for radiation to shrink tumors?
How Long Does Radiation Therapy Take? CyberKnife treatments require one to five sessions that are typically completed in less than one week. Depending on the complexity, location, and movement of the tumor, treatments can range from 10 minutes to an hour.
How does radiation make a person feel?
Most people start to feel tired after a few weeks of radiation therapy. This happens because radiation treatments destroy some healthy cells as well as the cancer cells. Fatigue usually gets worse as treatment goes on. Stress from being sick and daily trips for treatment can make fatigue worse.
Does radiation make you lose weight?
Radiation and chemotherapy often cause a decrease in appetite. They can also lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores, which can affect your ability to eat normally, further contributing to weight and muscle loss.