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Managing the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

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Fatigue

Feelings of fatigue and exhaustion are common side effects of radiation therapy. Many people undergoing radiation therapy feel weak and tired. Radiation therapy damages your normal, healthy cells, and your body expends a lot of energy healing itself in between treatments. Also, the daily routine of going for treatment and stress related to the disease can be quite exhausting. Most people begin to feel fatigue within a few weeks after starting radiation treatments, and regain their energy within six weeks to 12 months after their last therapy session.

Here are some helpful tips to manage fatigue during radiation therapy:
Don't fight fatigue, rest when you need it.
Eat a well-balanced diet with small, frequent meals
Sleep
Try to maintain normal sleep patterns
Eliminate unhealthy or unnecessary stress in your life
Participate in light exercise, take short walks.
  • Prioritize activities to conserve energy.
  • Don't fight fatigue, rest when you need it.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet with small, frequent meals.
  • Try to maintain normal sleep patterns.
  • Balance the activities you must do and those you enjoy.
  • To help your body remove toxins, drink plenty of water.
  • Eliminate unhealthy or unnecessary stress in your life.
  • Participate in light exercise, take short walks.
  • Try to plan your treatment schedule around work and family.
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