Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases
Caring for yourself during treatment
- You should try to get as much rest as possible.
- Coping with cancer may be easier with good support from family and friends. You may want to consider asking your doctor or nurse about support groups in your area that may also help.
- It is important to follow the doctor’s orders and ask a lot of questions. There are no silly questions; often the treatment team has heard similar questions.
- You and your family should ask the doctor if it’s safe for you to drive.
- It is important to tell your doctor about any medications or vitamins you are taking to make sure they are safe to use during radiation therapy.
- Try to eat a balanced diet. The doctor, nurse or dietician can help suggests foods if you are having trouble eating or if food tastes funny.
The area exposed to radiation must be treated with special care. This includes staying out of the sun, avoiding hot and cold packs, cleaning the area with warm water and mild shampoo (such as baby shampoo), and using lotions and ointments only after checking with your doctor or nurse.
