Dear Friend,
Today, many of our readers are celebrating the seasons with friends and families. To each and everyone of you I wish you Happy Holidays.
As you enjoy the season and upcoming New Year I would like to take this time to say thank you to all our readers for their comments, support and encouragement. Your insights and recommendations have helped us to make a more valuable newsletter for other cancer patients.
As you enjoy your holiday today, know that there is hope for cancer patients and that there are friendly caring people sharing the cancer journey both within one's own network of friends and family, and also here at Issels.
Best Regards,
Ilse Marie Issels
Wife and Collaborator of Dr. Josef Issels, Our Founder
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Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill fast-growing cancer cells. But, as with other traditional cancer treatments, radiation also damages many healthy cells. This collateral damage can cause numerous aggravating side effects.
Boost Your Immune System
Side effects usually begin during or within the first six months following radiation treatment and may continue for months, sometimes years, after treatment ends. Maintaining a healthy immune system before, during and after radiation can help prevent or minimize adverse reactions and shorten their duration.
Many cancer patients benefit from a combination of radiation and integrative immunotherapy. Immunotherapy boosts your immune system, allowing your body to fight cancer cells more effectively during treatment. Immunotherapy may also help prevent cancer recurrence.
Managing Radiation Side Effects
Use these cancer care tips to weather the most common radiation side effects:
- Fatigue. Sleep and rest as much as possible. Eating a healthy diet and exercising can help boost energy and improve stamina.
- Skin changes. Redness, dryness, itching, peeling and blistering may occur around the treatment site. To prevent irritation, wear soft, loose clothing. Bathing in lukewarm water can be soothing. Cover up and wear sunscreen outdoors, but check with your cancer team before applying lotions or sunscreens as some can interfere with treatment.
- Swelling and soreness. Wear loose clothing to decrease discomfort. Symptoms gradually decrease after treatment but may persist for up to a year.
- Hair loss. Hair loss at treatment sites usually grows back in 3-6 months but can be permanent in cases of high-dose radiation. Treat your hair gently. Avoid harsh products, curling irons and hot rollers.
For more cancer care tips, sign up to receive our free eNewsletter.
We invite you to contact one of our patient care specialists today to chat about how the Issels® Integrative Immunotherapy Program for Cancer may be the right choice for your health needs. We invite you to phone 1-888-447-7357 or visit us online at www.Issels.com.