Radiotherapy Discharge Instructions
These guidelines will tell you what to expect after you complete your radiation treatments. They will also tell you how to take care of yourself.
1. Symptoms related to your treatment may last for weeks. Rarely, a symptom may persist for months. Most symptoms will go away over time. Sometimes they are permanent. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms when you return to see us in “follow up”.
2. Skin reactions may worsen for 7 to 10 days after your final treatment. During this time, gently clean and moisturize your skin with the recommended skin products. Let your markings slowly wear off. If you notice that areas of skin become open and weepy, if you get a fever, or if you notice large amounts of thick drainage, contact your radiation doctor or nurse.
3. Even after the skin in the treatment area has healed, it will be sensitive. Protect your skin from injury and avoid direct sun exposure. If you cannot avoid the sun, use a sunscreen with a SPF rating of at least 30. Use a skin moisturizer until your oil glands are back to normal.
4. Try to eat a well-balanced diet. Drink at least 8 glasses of fluid each day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol because they promote the loss of body water. Staying hydrated will help to speed the healing process.
5. If you have been on a special diet to control the side effects of your treatment, follow this diet until the side effects resolve. Then, slowly return to your normal diet to prevent the return of symptoms.
6. Fatigue or weakness may persist for several weeks. Get plenty of rest, pace yourself, and adjust your normal routine, as needed. It may take weeks or months before your energy level returns to normal.
7. If your radiation doctor has prescribed a narcotic pain medication, and you need a refill, please call the clinic at least 5 days before the refill is needed. We will then mail it to you or to your pharmacy. (State laws restrict the phoning in of most narcotic prescriptions).
8. Follow-up visits will be scheduled with your radiation doctor so that he or she can assess the status of your disease and symptoms. Please see your local doctor for health issues unrelated to your treatment or your cancer diagnosis. When you return for a follow-up visit, please register on the second floor in the Town Square. Then, check in at the Radiation Oncology desk. If your visit is at East Clinic, please check in at the main desk in the lobby.
9. Your first follow-up visit with Dr ___________________________ is scheduled for ________________________________________________
10. Some people feel nervous when their treatment is finished. Please call us with any questions or concerns.
UW Hospital
Radiation Oncology Clinic,
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
(608) 263-8500
UW Health East Clinic
Radiation Oncology Clinic
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Nurses’ desk (608) 265-7200
Treatment Unit (608) 265-4357
After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, call (608) 263-8500. The answering service will take the call. Ask for the Radiation Doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942 and ask for the Radiation Oncology Clinic.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your cancer treatment. We look forward to seeing you in follow up.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 10/27/2011
Copyright © 10/27/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5596
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