How can I cope with fatigue during radiation treatment?

Hello Vanessa! Radiation treatments are very exhausting, one of the things that I found that helped me was extra hydration. My oncology nurse suggested it and I took advantage of it. I would go to oncology no appointment needed. I would go every 2-3 days and get it. I have throat cancer and could not eat solid food for a couple months. I lost 35 +lbs but, I found that protein shakes and blended foods helped me with nutrition and energy. Good luck! Keep fighting! “Don’t Let The Bad Days Win!”

Thanks

At the end of May I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and as soon as I found out I stopped all red meat and went on something similar to a Mediterranean diet if you'd be interested in looking it up make sure I was hydrated and had to blend some of my foods in order to eat it but I made it through 30 days of radiation treatment and oral chemotherapy I think diet plays pretty much a role in the tolerance of radiation and oral chemotherapy however I haven't gone through the IV therapy yet so I can't make any comments on that

Richard D. I absolutely agree that good nutrition is a major contributor in our health and recovery! I did the IV chemo They gave me 3different bags. One is hydration, one is anti nausea, and one is the chemo. I would agreed with the Mediterranean diet. Very clean and very healthy. One other thing that I eat a lot of is beets, high in vitamins, and a good source of antioxidants. I make them in a (instapot) you can drizzle them with honey to sweeten them up a little. I also like to cut them real thin (1/8) inch add on toast with two poached eggs on top. I also drink the juice of the beets just add honey.

Radiation fatigue and swallowing difficulties are common challenges that many patients face, especially in the final weeks of treatment. Small, frequent sips of cool liquids and soft foods like smoothies or broths can sometimes be easier to manage when solid foods feel difficult. Many find that energy levels gradually improve in the weeks following treatment completion, though recovery timelines vary for everyone. Consider reaching out to your care team about ways to manage these symptoms - they may have specific suggestions for nutritional support or medications that could help with nausea and swallowing discomfort during this challenging time.