Lung Cancer

Treatment Care Guide

Caring For Yourself During Radiation Therapy

Get plenty of rest during treatment, eat a balanced diet, and drink plenty of fluids.

Tell your doctor about any medications or vitamins you are taking to make sure they are safe to use during radiation therapy.

Treat the skin exposed to radiation with care. Clean the area with warm water and mild soap and use lotions or ointments only after checking with your doctor or nurse. Keep this area out of the sun and avoid applying hot or cold packs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What will the side effects be?
The most common side effects are esophagitis (some discomfort with swallowing) and fatigue.

2) What is the follow-up?
You will receive follow-up scans and close coordination with your oncology team to keep you apprised of your progress.

3) Will my skin be affected?
This is dependent on the area, size, and length of your treatment. Your nurse will help design a skin care plan to minimize any side effects that might occur. We suggest two products that help: Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Udderly Smooth Cream.

4) Will radiation therapy affect my breathing?
Radiation therapy to the chest may cause a cough and shortness of breath. These usually improve after treatment is over. Often breathing improves as the tumor decreases in size.

5) How long will each treatment last and how many treatments will I need?
Each treatment is typically 1-3 minutes. Our doctors will let you know how many treatments you need when they see you at the consultation. The radiation therapists and doctors can explain to you how and where the radiation is being delivered.