Radiotherapy treatment to the abdomen. Information and advice for patients, relatives and carers

Transcription

1 Radiotherapy treatment to the abdomen Information and advice for patients, relatives and carers

2 Introduction This leaflet is a basic guide to radiotherapy to the abdomen and the possible side effects. External beam radiotherapy involves a planning session, followed by a series of daily outpatient treatments, Monday to Friday, usually over several weeks. The length of your course of treatment will be discussed with you, and decided by your clinical oncologist. This leaflet may not answer all of your questions, but it aims to answer the ones most commonly asked. Your clinical oncologist, radiographers, radiotherapy nurse and/or dietician will be happy to answer any further queries. What side effects will I get from radiotherapy? The side effects experienced vary from person to person, depending on the dose and duration of treatment. Radiotherapy works by damaging the tumour cells ability to multiply. Healthy cells near the tumour may be affected, but they are able to repair themselves in a way tumour cells cannot. You may notice some side effects after one or two weeks. If you do, they may continue until your treatment finishes and for two to four weeks afterwards before they gradually improve. It is important to remember that any treatment side effects are expected and most can be easily managed. Medications may be prescribed to manage and ease any side effects. The radiographers will monitor you throughout your treatment, but please inform them of any changes you notice, or if you have any worries or queries. Your radiotherapy nurse will see you once a week. Your clinical oncologist will also usually see you once a week during the course of your radiotherapy.

3 Side effects from radiotherapy to your abdomen may include: Local skin reaction (dry, red and itchy) Diarrhoea Local hair loss Nausea and vomiting Tiredness What kind of skin reaction will I get? You may notice some skin changes in the area being treated. After about two to three weeks, the skin may become pink/red and feel itchy and warm. Below are guidelines to caring for your skin during radiotherapy, but please talk to your radiographers, radiotherapy nurse or clinical oncologist during treatment for further advice on how to care for your skin. How do I care for my skin during radiotherapy? In line with national guidelines*, we recommend that you: Do: Wear soft, loose clothing, preferably made of natural fibres. Shower with lukewarm water. Use only unperfumed products such as Simple soap (bar) or Johnson s baby soap. If you are unsure, bring the product in to show the radiographers. Gently pat the treated area dry with a soft cotton towel.

4 Use the moisturising cream provided which is gentle, unperfumed and will help to prevent skin dryness. Use this cream from the beginning of treatment twice a day. Smooth a little cream gently onto the treatment area. Do not rub it in vigorously. Avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight. If you have to be in direct sunlight, wear clothing that covers the treated area. It is useful to remember that some chemotherapy medications also make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Towards the end of your course of radiotherapy you will be advised regarding skincare post treatment. Do not: Take a long, hot bath. If you do take a bath, keep the water lukewarm rather than hot. Use any perfumed products (bath/shower gels, deodorants, perfumes, etc.) on the treated area except those recommended. Rub or itch the treated skin as it may become quite fragile. Will I feel sick? It is possible for you to feel sick or nauseous as a result of your treatment. If you do, please inform your radiographer, nurse or clinical oncologist who can prescribe the appropriate medication. Should I change my diet? It is very important to eat a balanced and highly nutritious diet. Keeping well nourished and hydrated will help you to cope with your treatment. Sometimes side effects from your treatment may make it difficult for you to eat and this can cause weight loss which is not beneficial for your treatment. You may be referred to a dietician who can advise you on a suitable diet and nutrition if you are finding it hard to keep your weight stable.

5 Do: If your appetite is reduced, eat snacks frequently throughout the day, rather than large meals. Eat slowly. Eat foods which are high in calories. Remember to drink the recommended amount of fluids daily, especially water. Do not: Eat hot or spicy foods. Eat very sweet, greasy or fatty foods too often. Drink alcoholic spirits. You may drink beer or wine in moderation but it is best to discuss this with your doctor. If you are finding it difficult to swallow you may have to change to a soft, nourishing diet. Your dietician may advise you to eat more soft foods such as porridge, yoghurt, stewed fruit, eggs, baked beans, soups, mashed potato, soft vegetables, custard, ice cream, etc. Will the treatment make me tired? Tiredness may be experienced towards the end of treatment. This is usually a combination of travelling to and from the radiotherapy department, the side effects of the treatment and coping with your diagnosis as well as continuing with a normal life. It is advisable to rest as often as necessary. The feeling of tiredness can last for a number of weeks after treatment has ended, but will gradually improve.

6 After radiotherapy treatment has finished Radiotherapy has a cumulative effect. The side effects will begin to peak 7 to 10 days after your treatment has finished and will then start to improve. It is important that you continue with your prescribed care routine until the effects have settled. Most side effects should improve within 4 weeks of finishing treatment. Continue to rest as necessary, try to keep up your nutritional intake (food and fluid), do some gentle exercise and aim to get back to a normal life again. You will have follow up appointments and scans with your clinical oncologist once the treatment is complete; however it may be some time until you will know the full benefits of your course of treatment. Your clinical oncologist will have explained this previously. If you have any concerns, or need advice or support, please contact your clinical oncologist, radiographers, radiotherapy nurse or dietician.

7 * SCoR, Skin care advice for patients undergoing radical external beam megavoltage radiotherapy. 10 February Available from: [Accessed 11 May 2015]

8 The London Radiotherapy Centre at Guy s & St Thomas Borough Wing, Lower Ground Floor Guy s Hospital, Great Maze Pond London SE1 9RT T: / 7511 The London Radiotherapy Centre at University College Hospital Basement Level, UCLH Tower Euston Road London NW1 2BU T: / JR