You can help patients by being supportive and patient

Radiation therapy is frequently given as a series of daily treatments lasting from 1 week up to 9 weeks. If you are the caregiver of someone undergoing radiation treatment, you may need time off or to alter your schedules to assist in getting the cancer patient to these daily treatments. However, because treatments often require short visits and often do not cause physical discomfort, you and the patient may be able to work appointments into your normal routine with minimal disruption.

Charles A. Enke, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology with the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, offers tips for caregivers:

• Caregivers can assist by coordinating transportation for treatments when/if patients are unable to drive.
• Depending on the type of cancer, some patients may be unable to eat or drink enough calories to maintain their weight. Caregivers can play a key role in helping patients maintain good nutrition and meet specific dietary requirements.
• Caregivers can help patients by taking notes, asking questions for clarification, and providing important information to health care providers that patients can’t.

You can also help patients with daily tasks, such as childcare and chores, to help reduce fatigue, and by being supportive and patient, because the side effects can be troublesome.

You can also help make sure that the patient, and you as caregiver, understands the recommended treatment, including the side effects and how they may impact the patient’s life and health.

For more information on radiation therapy, see Understanding Radiation and Safety in Radiation Therapy.