Approximately 2 weeks after your first radiation treatment, you may experience side effects or symptoms caused by radiation therapy. These symptoms may continue throughout the treatment period and gradually disappear during or after you have completed treatment. Your doctor or nurse will tell you which symptoms you are likely to experience, when you will notice them, and how long they will last. The following instructions are intended to help you care for these areas and minimize the effects of radiation.

• Do not remove the colored ink marks from your skin. These outline the area to be treated and must remain in place until treatments are completed.
• Avoid all soaps, lotions, ointments, cosmetics, and perfumed powders on the treatment area. You may dust the area with Johnson's baby powder or cornstarch.
• Do not use heating pads or ice bags on the treatment area.
• Avoid exposing treatment area to sun.
• Your body hair in the treatment area will come out between 2 or 3 weeks after beginning treatments. This is temporary.
• Skin changes such as redness, dryness, peeling, and tanning are to be expected. Itching and dryness may occur, but do not scratch the affected area. Specific instructions will be given to you. Please report any break in the skin to the doctor or nurse.

Adequate caloric and protein intake are an essential part of your therapy in order to maintain your weight. If you need assistance with your diet, please talk to your nurse or doctor.

Foods that are soft and moist will be swallowed more comfortably than those that are firm and dry.

• Try eating smaller amounts of food at more frequent intervals.
• Liquids before meals may be helpful, especially if you are having difficulty with swallowing or are experiencing a burning sensation with food intake.
• If you are to take medicine in pill form and have difficulty swallowing pills, try crushing them and taking them with a teaspoon of ice-cream or another soft food, such as applesauce.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages, as they will irritate your throat.
• Avoid highly seasoned foods, acidic foods, or foods that are very hot or cold.

• Try using a humidifier or vaporizer in your bedroom or main living area.
• Try chewing Aspergum to decrease localized soreness and inflammation, unless there is a medical reason that you may not take aspirin.
• Do not smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Do not chew tobacco.
• Drink plenty of fluids, preferably 8 to 10 eight ounce glasses per day.
• Try sucking on sugarless mints and candy for added oral lubrication.
• Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle with this solution several times a day. Do not use over the counter mouthwashes or lozenges.

For persistent cough, doctors advise the use of Robitussin cough medicine due to its low alcohol content. If you have a lot of phlegm, make sure you are drinking enough fluids to keep the phlegm thin so you may cough this up more easily.

You may notice that you feel unusually tired during the latter weeks of your treatment. This is not unusual. We recommend you pace your activities and plan for frequent rest periods to avoid becoming overtired.

You are encouraged to discuss any problems concerning side effects, diet, or any other aspect of your therapy with your physician, nurse, or therapist.