INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIATION TREATMENTS TO THE BONE This information is designed to answer some of your questions during radiation treatments. Pain It is very important that you inform your physician of any pain that you may be experiencing. You will be given a pain scale that will help you to rate the severity of your pain. Please be prepared to report your current pain medications, the cause of your increased pain (ex. walking, bending, etc.) and methods you have attempted for relief of pain (ex. meds, elevation, etc.). Other symptoms of which you should inform your doctor are loss of bowel and bladder control, weakness, numbness or tingling in arms or legs. Nutritional care Maintaining your weight during treatment is very important, even if you are overweight. Why is this so? Patients who eat well are able to withstand the side effects of treatments better. A balanced diet can help you maintain your strength and prevent body tissues from breaking down. Adequate protein in your diet helps to rebuild the normal tissues that may be affected by the treatments. A feeling of tiredness or fatigue usually accompanies treatment, but it will become progressively worse if your nutritional intake is not adequate. Many patients ask about vitamin pills. The best source for vitamins and minerals is foods. During illness, your food intake may be less than optimal, and a vitamin and mineral supplement may be needed. The best choice is a balanced multiple vitamin/mineral supplement that contains up to 100% of the "Daily Value" of most nutrients. It is not a good idea to take "mega-doses" of any vitamin or mineral, including the antioxidant nutrients, as they may interfere with the effectiveness of your treatments. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources for naturally occurring antioxidants. If you need to have more information about a balanced diet, the Center's dietitian will be happy to speak with you. If you are experiencing nausea/vomiting, the administration of medication called an antiemetic may be necessary. This medicine will help to control any nausea/vomiting you may be having. (Notify your nurse, therapist, or physician if you are having these symptoms.) Side effects to blood counts Rarely, radiation therapy can cause lowered white blood counts or platelet levels. These blood cells help to fight infection and prevent bleeding. Your doctor may order a blood test to check your blood counts and monitor them throughout your treatment. If your blood counts are low, your doctor may delay your treatment until your blood count improves. The doctor/nurse will go over any precautions of low blood counts with you if this should occur. Return To Commonly Asked Questions