The course of radiation therapy for lung cancer usually needs to be maintained for five to six weeks. During this time, some patients will also need concurrent chemotherapy. What should patients pay attention to during this relatively long treatment period? Here are 12 key points for you to keep in mind.
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1. Ensure adequate nutritional intake.
Nutritional supplementation is based on natural foods, except for foods to which the individual has allergies or special dietary habits for diabetes, which are not contraindicated (Western medicine does not “taboo”). The most important thing is to have a good quality animal protein, such as pork, beef and lamb, poultry, eggs, fish and shrimp, with fresh green vegetables and fruits, and a balanced diet.
As for health supplements, such as Cordyceps and Ganoderma spore powder, there are no studies showing that they can reduce the response to radiotherapy and do not need to be taken during radiotherapy. Some supplements contain additives or arsenic, which may also affect liver and kidney function. For the safety of your treatment, it is important to inform your primary care physician if you have taken, or are taking, supplements during radiotherapy.
2. Get regular blood tests.
Usually once a week, or if there is concurrent chemotherapy, as ordered by your primary care physician.
3. Keep meeting with your primary care physician at least once a week during radiation therapy.
Please keep your doctor informed of any discomfort during treatment, so that he or she can keep track of your treatment and detect any abnormalities or make changes to your treatment plan based on changes in your condition.
If you have a high fever (38.5 degrees or higher), shortness of breath, worsening cough, worsening chest tightness, profuse hemoptysis, vomiting blood, or any symptoms that are significantly worse than before, please seek prompt medical attention.
4. If there are other oral medications you are taking, such as antiarrhythmic, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, and hypoglycemic medications, you can generally continue to take them during radiation therapy, but please be sure to inform your primary care physician.
5. Please do not interrupt your treatment so as not to compromise its effectiveness.
Particularly in the post-radiation course, there may be an uncomfortable reaction to radiation esophagitis, and usually the doctor will take aggressive anti-inflammatory and nutritional support therapy, and most patients are able to persist through radiation therapy.
However, if you are unable to persist due to more severe adverse reactions, or if your white blood cells or platelets are significantly lower, please consult your primary care physician about the need to continue radiation therapy.
6. Check the radiotherapy positioning markers on your body frequently and see your therapist or primary care physician to deepen them if you notice a fade in color. Do not trace the lines yourself, as errors in the markers will affect the accuracy and effectiveness of the treatment.
7. Do not apply body wash or soap to the irradiated area, do not scrub hard, and do not rub off the radiotherapy locus markers.
8. Pay attention to the skin care of the neck.
If the neck is within the irradiation area, the skin on the neck may become hyperpigmented, dry and peeling, and itchy during treatment. Please wear cotton clothing with soft collars and keep the neck skin dry and clean. Avoid sweating in the summer, and if you do sweat, dip it in dryness and do not scratch it.
If there is no visible exudate, do not apply any topical medication (no prickly heat powder, etc.), just keep it dry and it will heal on its own after a dry molt. If oozing or breakout occurs, please consult your doctor promptly.
9. Pay attention to cold and warm weather changes, and add and remove clothing in time to prevent colds.
10. Rest in peace and be moderately active. Go to fewer crowded places, and if unavoidable, bring a mask to prevent infection.
11. Keep an optimistic and positive mindset.
Know that your state of mind is also one of the key factors in healing!
12. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol for a healthy life.
Co-reviewed by: Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital Guangdong Provincial Institute of Lung Cancer Dr. Pan Yao, Chief Physician Dr. Chen Zhiyong