Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Drinking clear liquids or eating bland foods such as dry toast or crackers may also help. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy or very sweet foods. Try drinking liquids between meals instead of with your meals.
Limit your intake of foods or drinks that can cause gas or bloating such as soft drinks, beer, corn, leeks, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, beans, garlic, peas and onions; Also reduce your intake of caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate) and lactose (milk, cheese).
Tips for eating well
Have small snacks through the day rather than large meals – eat little and often. Have a soft or liquid diet if swallowing is difficult. Avoid alcohol – it can make a sore mouth or sensitive digestion worse. Avoid spicy foods if your mouth or throat are sore.
When you wash, use only lukewarm water and mild soap. Don't wear tight clothing over the treatment area. It's important not to rub, scrub or scratch any sensitive spots. Also avoid putting anything that is very hot or very cold—such as heating pads or ice packs—on your treated skin.
Skin changes usually occur one to two weeks after your treatment begins and may last one to two weeks after your last treatment. You may shower or bathe throughout your radiation therapy. Your nurse will recommend a mild soap for you to use. It is important to keep skin folds clean and dry.
It will help you to prepare for your treatment. It is important that you are well hydrated (drinking plenty of fluids) even before you start your treatment. We ask that you aim to drink 1.5-2 litres (6-10 average mug sizes) of fluid a day. Try to drink water or non- caffeinated drinks.
Protein rich diet for radiation patients: Take protein-rich foods which help to keep your strength and rebuild the affected tissues. You can eat fish, lean meat, poultry, and dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
We recommend that you drink a minimum of 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water each day. You must drink more water to balance what you have lost if: You are exercising. The weather is hot.
Loss of appetite
Feeling sick and tired during radiotherapy can make you lose your appetite, which could lead to weight loss. But it's important to try to eat healthily and maintain your weight during treatment. Tell your care team if you do not feel you're eating enough.
Clean the skin daily with warm water and a mild soap recommended by your nurse. Avoid using any lotions, perfumes, deodorants or powders in the treatment area unless approved by your doctor or nurse. Avoid products containing alcohol, which may dry your skin.
Additionally, vitamin D can also regulate the TME and may even lead to immunostimulation by blocking immunosuppression following radiation.
Two randomized clinical trials have been conducted on treatment time and oral mucositis in head-and-neck cancer patients. Both reported about 10% lower rates of severe oral mucositis in patients treated in the morning (before 11 am) vs. late afternoon (after 3 pm)(11,12).
People often describe fatigue as feeling extremely tired, weak, heavy, run down, and having no energy. Resting does not always help with cancer-related fatigue. Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most difficult side effects for many people with cancer to cope with.
Radiation therapy can cause cumulative fatigue (fatigue that increases over time). This can occur regardless of treatment site. Cancer fatigue usually lasts from 3-4 weeks after treatment stops, but can continue for up to 2-3 months.
Most people start to feel tired after a few weeks of radiation therapy. This happens because radiation treatments destroy some healthy cells as well as the cancer cells. Fatigue usually gets worse as treatment goes on. Stress from being sick and daily trips for treatment can make fatigue worse.
4. Milk also does a good job of delivering other radioactive contaminants, such as cesium-134 and cesium-137. Although not important for human health, radioactive cesium mimics potassium, which we do need, and is readily absorbed by the body.
Try high-protein foods that may taste better cold or at room temperature. Examples include cheese or cottage cheese plates; macaroni salads with shrimp, ham or cheese; tuna, egg, ham or chicken salad; cold meat or luncheon meat sandwiches; or cold salmon.
Compared to usual care, honey was more likely to reduce moderate or severe pain for patients after radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy treatment.
Contrary to popular belief, the results of this research suggest that topical creams and ointments can be safely applied before radiotherapy. However, patients should avoid applying a very thick layer just before radiotherapy.”
Read a book or listen to music while you wait, ask a friend or family member to keep you company, or try chatting to other people waiting for treatment. To help you relax during the session, try breathing exercises or meditation, or ask the radiation therapists if you can listen to music.