Radiation Therapy
Radiation works by destroying rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells
making them unable to multiply. The radiation passing through normal tissue usually
is not harmful, though some cells of the body, such as the lining of the intestinal
tract, are susceptible to damage. Your child will not be radioactive during or
after radiation therapy. No one needs to be concerned about having contact with
your child.
The radiotherapist, a physician who specializes in the radiation treatments
for cancer, will discuss both the treatment plan and its possible side effects
on your first visit with him. An outline of where radiation will be delivered
may also be drawn of the skin (called "simulation") and this usually happens
the day before radiation therapy starts. For little children, it may be necessary
to put them to sleep (general anesthetic) so that they don't move when radiation
doses are given.
The radiation treatments are painless. Your child will not experience any sensation
during the treatment, but will hear a humming sound made by the machine. Please
remember not to apply lotions or creams to your child's skin before their radiation
treatments.
Side Effects
Some temporary side effects that your child may experience from radiation
are mouth sores, feeling sick to their stomach, diarrhea, loss of appetite,
loss of the ability to taste, hair loss and dry, sensitive skin. The nurses
can give your child medicine to make them feel better and lotion for their dry
skin. The hair loss usually occurs within three weeks after the completion of
radiation treatments. Remember, when it grows back it may be darker or lighter
in color, curlier, or straighter than before. It may also be a different texture.
If interested, please ask your nurse about "Hairy the Fairy". Also, sometimes
children will become sleepy and have less energy anywhere from 4-6 weeks after
radiation therapy, and this side effect may last for a few weeks. Your child's
skin may also lighten or darken a bit, after the transplant, and this may be
due to radiation.
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