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How Does Radiation Therapy Make a Person Feel?

Getting a radiation treatment doesn't hurt and you do not see, smell, or feel the radiation. But these treatments can cause some temporary health problems called side effects. The kinds of side effects experienced by the patient depend on the location of the radiation and the dose, or how much radiation the patient receives. Common side effects include hair loss, rash, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. All of these side effects get better as the effects of the radiation wear off.

For a kid getting radiation therapy, it's normal to feel a little nervous. One important thing to remember is that a kid's parents will be there to help. Also, doctors, nurses, and other health care workers can answer questions and help patients feel comfortable. It's a good idea to visit the center where the treatment will be done, so the patient can see the place and meet the people who work there. Here are some more tips to help a person feel better during treatment:

* Get plenty of sleep.
* Try to eat healthy meals and drink plenty of fluids.
* Ask the doctor about medicine to help with nausea and stomach upset.
* Keep affected skin protected from the sun and ask about getting a special cream if a rash develops.

After the radiation treatments, patients visit the doctor for follow-up care. In many cases, the person will be well on the way to being cancer free.

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