For example, you will not lose your hair unless you are undergoing radiation therapy to your head. Some patients treated in the neck feel as if they have a lump in their throats. This goes away several days after treatment ends. Patients receiving radiation in the stomach or pelvic areas may have some nausea or diarrhea. Your physician can prescribe a special diet or medication to help reduce these side effects.
Most patients experience few or no permanent side effects from radiation therapy.
If you are worried about possible reactions to therapy or have a symptom you think may be related to it, please discuss these concerns with your physician or nurse. Prior to your first appointment, your physician explains what side effects you may expect during and after the course of your treatment. You are not radioactive and it is not harmful to anyone around you unless you have an implant of radioactive seeds. It is not unusual to feel tired during the time you are receiving radiation therapy. Many patients find it helpful to take an afternoon nap or get more sleep each night.