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Radiation Therapy and You
Followup Care
What Does "Followup" Mean?
- Once your course of radiation therapy is finished, it is important to have regular exams
to check the results of your treatment. No matter what type of cancer you've had, you will
need regular checkups and perhaps lab tests and x-rays. The radiation oncologist will want
to see you at least once after your treatment ends. The doctor who referred you for
radiation therapy will schedule followup visits as needed. Followup care, in addition to
checking the results of your treatment, might also include more cancer treatment,
rehabilitation, and counseling. Taking good care of yourself is also a part of followup
through after radiation treatments.
Who Provides Care After Therapy?
- Most patients return to the radiation oncologist for regular followup visits. Others are
referred back to their original doctor, to a surgeon, or to a medical oncologist, a doctor who is trained to
give chemotherapy (treatment with anticancer drugs). Your followup care will depend on the
kind of cancer you have and on other treatments that you had or may need.
What Other Care Might Be Needed?
- Just as every patient is different, followup care varies. Your doctor will prescribe and
schedule the followup care that you need. Don't hesitate to ask about the tests or
treatments that your doctor orders. Try to learn all the things you should do to take good
care of yourself.
Following are some of the questions that you may want to ask your doctor after you have
finished your radiation therapy:
- How often do I need to return for checkups?
- Why do I need more x-rays, scans, blood tests, and so on?
- What will these tests tell us?
- Will I need chemotherapy, surgery, or other treatments?
- How will you know if I'm cured of cancer?
- What are the chances that it will come back?
- How soon can I go back to my regular activities?
- Work?
- Sexual activity?
- Sports?
- Do I need to take any special precautions?
- Do I need a special diet?
- Should I exercise?
- Can I wear a prosthesis?
- How soon can I have reconstructive surgery?
- You may want to write down questions you may have for your doctor.
What if Pain Is a Problem?
- A few patients need help to manage pain if it continues after radiation therapy. You
should not use a heating pad or warm compress to relieve pain in any area treated with
radiation. Mild pain medicine may be enough for some people. If you have severe pain, ask
the doctor about prescription drugs or other methods of relief. Be as specific as possible
when telling the doctor about your pain so you can get the best treatment for it. If you
are unable to get relief from pain, you may want to talk with a doctor who is a pain
specialist.
Because pain can be worse when you are afraid or worried, it may help to try relaxation
exercises. Other methods such as hypnosis, biofeedback, and acupuncture may be useful for
some cancer patients. Questions and Answers About Pain Control is a free booklet that may
help you understand more about cancer pain. (See Resources.)
How Can I Help Myself After Radiation Therapy?
- Patients who have had radiation therapy need to continue some of the special care used
during treatment at least for a short while. For instance, you may have skin problems for
several weeks after your treatments end. You should continue to be gentle with skin in the
treatment area until all signs of irritation are gone. Don't try to scrub off the marks in
your treatment area. They will fade and wear away.
You may find that you still need extra rest while your healthy tissues are rebuilding.
Keep taking naps as needed and try to get more sleep at night. You may need some time to
test your strength, little by little, so you may not want to resume a full schedule of
activities right away.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
- After treatment for cancer, you're likely to be more aware of your body and to notice
even slight changes in how you feel from day to day. The doctor will want you to report
any unusual symptoms. If you have any of the problems listed below, tell your doctor at
once:
- A pain that doesn't go away, especially if it's always in the same place.
- Lumps, bumps, or swelling.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- A fever or cough that doesn't go away.
- Unusual rashes, bruises, or bleeding.
- Any other signs mentioned by your doctor or nurse.
What About Returning to Work?
- Many people continue to work during radiation therapy, but if you have stopped working,
you can return to your job as soon as you feel up to it, even while your radiation therapy
is continuing. If your job requires lifting or heavy physical activity, you may need to
change your activities until you have regained your strength.
When you are ready to return to work, it is important to learn about your rights regarding
your job and health insurance. If you have any questions about employment issues, contact
the Cancer Information Service or the American Cancer Society. They can help you find
local agencies that respond to problems cancer survivors sometimes face regarding
employment and insurance rights. These organizations are listed under "Resources."
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