What does "follow-up" mean?
Who provides care after therapy?
What other care might be needed after therapy ends?
What if pain is a problem?
How can I help myself after radiation therapy?
When should I call the doctor?
What about returning to work?

What does "follow-up" mean?

Once your course of therapy concludes, your radiation oncologist will want to examine you at least once to check the results of your treatment.   The doctor who referred you for radiation therapy will also schedule follow-up visits as needed. Follow-up care, in addition to checking the results of your treatment, might also include more cancer treatment, rehabilitation, and counseling.   Taking good care of yourself is also a part of follow-up.  back to top

Who provides care after therapy?

After radiation treatments end, you will return to your radiation oncologist for regular follow-up visits. You may also be referred back to your original doctor, to a surgeon, or to a medical oncologist, a doctor who is trained to give chemotherapy.   Your follow-up care will depend on the kind of cancer you have and on other treatments you had or may need.  back to top

What other care might be needed after therapy ends?

Just as every patient is different, follow-up care varies. Your doctor will prescribe and schedule your follow-up care. Do not hesitate to ask about the tests or treatments your doctor orders. Try to learn everything you can to take good care of yourself.   Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor after your radiation therapy ends: ·          How often do I need to return for checkups? ·          Why do I need more x-rays, scans, blood tests, and so on? ·          What will these tests tell us? ·          Will I need chemotherapy, surgery, or other treatments? ·          How will you know if I am cured of cancer? ·          What are the chances that the cancer will come back? ·          How soon can I go back to my regular activities? ·          Work? ·          Sexual activity? ·          Sports? ·          Do I need to take any special precautions? ·          Do I need a special diet? ·          Should I exercise? ·          Can I wear a prosthesis? ·          How soon can I have reconstructive surgery? You may want to write down the questions you have for your doctor.  back to top

What if pain is a problem?

Pain may persist after radiation therapy ends. Do not use a heating pad or warm compress to relieve pain in any area treated with radiation. Mild pain medicine may work for you.   If you have severe pain, ask your doctor about prescription drugs or other methods of relief. Be specific when describing your pain, so you can get the best treatment for it.   If you still cannot find relief from your pain, talk with a doctor who is a pain specialist.  back to top

How can I help myself after radiation therapy?

After radiation therapy ends, you will still need to take special care with yourself.   Skin problems may persist for several weeks after treatment ends. Continue to be gentle with your skin in the treatment area until all signs of irritation are gone. Do not try to scrub off the marks in your treatment area. They will fade with time.   It is normal to need extra rest even after treatment concludes. This means your healthy tissues are rebuilding. Take naps as needed and try to get more sleep at night. Work back into your pre-treatment schedule of activities by reintroducing them into your life a little at a time.  back to top

When should I call the doctor?

After treatment for cancer, you are likely to be more aware of your body and to notice even slight changes in how you feel from day to day. The doctor will want you to report any unusual symptoms.   Tell your doctor at once if you exhibit any of these problems: ·          A pain that doesn't go away, especially if it is always in the same place. ·          Lumps, bumps, or swelling. ·          Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. ·          Unexplained weight loss. ·          A fever or cough that does not go away. ·          Unusual rashes, bruises, or bleeding. ·          Any other signs mentioned by your doctor or nurse.  back to top

What about returning to work?

Many people continue to work during radiation therapy. If you work a full-time job, you may want to continue. But treatment visits can be time consuming. Ask your doctor's office or the radiation therapy department to try to schedule treatments with your workday in mind.   While receiving radiation therapy, you may decide to take a few weeks off work, or work a reduced schedule. Speak frankly with your employer about your care and your needs. You may be able to do some work at home.   If your job requires lifting or heavy physical activity, you may need to change your activities until you have regained your strength.   When you are ready to return to work, it is important to learn about your rights concerning job and health insurance. If you have any questions about employment issues, contact the Cancer Information Service or the American Cancer Society. They can help you find local agencies that respond to problems cancer survivors sometimes face regarding employment and insurance rights.  back to top