One of the concerns people have when they are told they need radiation therapy for cancer treatment is the side effects. They may wonder if they will have side effects. If so, what will they be? They might also be worried about how bad the side effects will be. One of the best ways you can help your aging family member to be prepared for cancer treatment is by learning about the side effects and what they may experience.
Reasons for Side Effects
Radiation therapy uses energy to destroy cancer cells. The doses used are often quite high. Although the medical team will do their best to harm as few healthy cells as possible, some of them will still be damaged. Damage to healthy cells is what causes side effects.
Some people are lucky enough to have only mild side effects or may have no side effects at all. However, for others, the side effects can be more severe. The kinds of side effects your aging relative will have and how bad they are will depend on the location of the tumor, the older adult’s general health, and the kind of radiation therapy they receive.
Possible Side Effects
The kinds of side effects the senior experiences will depend on what area of the body is targeted. Some possible side effects include:
Skin Reactions: The area of the body being treated can become dry and itchy. They might also blister and peel. Skin issues usually go away within a couple of weeks of treatment completion. However, if they become too severe, talk to the doctor to see if they can alter the treatment plan.
Fatigue: Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness. It doesn’t go away even after resting. Whether fatigue occurs and how severe it is depends on whether the person is receiving other kinds of treatment as well as radiation, such as chemotherapy.
Side effects usually happen in the part of the body the radiation is targeting. For example, if the head or neck are being treated, the older adult might have dry mouth or trouble swallowing.
Sometimes side effects continue after treatment has ended. They can even begin post-treatment. Long-term side effects can even include developing a secondary cancer. However, the chances of getting cancer from radiation therapy are relatively low.
Home health care can help your aging relative to cope with side effects of radiation. If the older adult experiences fatigue, a home health care provider can allow them to rest while they handle things around the house. Home health care providers can assist with things like cleaning the house and cooking meals. If the older adult is feeling weak, a home health care provider can make sure they don’t fall when they walk from room to room or get up from chairs or the bed.
Sources: https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/radiation-therapy/side-effects-radiation-therapy
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/radiation/coping.html
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-to-expect-from-radiation-therapy#1
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Needham MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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