How To Handle Fatigue From Radiation Treatment

Large doses of radiation are used to destroy cancer cells. This treatment can cause side effects. The side effects occur because the radiation damages any healthy cells near your treatment area. 

There are different types of radiation treatments. The way each radiation type behaves is important when planning treatments. It helps to find a radiation specialist.  He or she can determine the right radiation for your cancer type.

Fatigue is one of the most common side effects. The fatigue you get from radiation treatment and cancer is different from just feeling tired. This type of exhaustion does not get better with rest. It can keep you from your normal routine like going to work and spending time with loved ones. Read on to find out how to handle fatigue from radiation therapy.

Get A Blood Transfusion

It helps to determine the underlying cause for the fatigue. Anemia is one of the reasons for feeling this way. Many cancer patients develop anemia when their treatment destroys too many healthy red blood cells.

 Anemia also occurs when the cancer has spread to your bone marrow. This interferes with the production of your blood cells or causes you to lose blood. If your fatigue is the result of anemia, then you may feel better after getting a blood transfusion.

Treat Your Pain

Cancer is a very complex disease. You can develop other conditions because of the disease and your treatments. Pain is a common symptom. It can make your fatigue even worse.

The pain has to be treated before you will feel better. If you are already on medication, then your dose may need to be changed.

Get Help For Depression

Cancer patients can develop depression. Feeling tired is a common symptom for someone who is depressed. Fatigue in patients with depression can be treated with antidepressants and psychostimulant drugs. Psychostimulant drugs help with the fatigue. They put you in a better mood, give you more energy, and help you with concentrating and thinking.

As you are going through treatment, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle. You want to eat healthy and get regular exercise while conserving your energy. It is also important to tell your radiation specialist about your symptoms. Fatigue is a normal part of treatment and usually temporary. You should expect to feel some tiredness during the first year of treatment.

For more information about dealing with fatigue and other issues, contact a radiation specialist.

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