Winter Healing, Warm Companionship | Exclusive Care Guide Post-Winter Radiotherapy

Winter Healing, Warm Companionship | Exclusive Care Guide Post-Winter Radiotherapy

For many cancer patients, radiotherapy is an important battle in the fight against the disease. However, the body after treatment is like having undergone an "internal battle," requiring extra careful nurturing. When the cold winter arrives, the dry air and low temperatures pose new challenges to the fragile skin and bodily functions after radiotherapy.

Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital presents you with this "Exclusive Care Guide Post-Winter Radiotherapy," hoping to accompany you through a safe recovery and a warm winter, like the warm sun in winter.

I. Skin Care: The "First Line of Defense" Against Dryness and Sensitivity

The most common side effect of radiotherapy is skin reactions, such as dryness, redness, itching, and peeling. The dry, cold winter air can exacerbate these issues.

Gentle Cleansing:Use warm water (not hot) to clean the treated area. Choose a neutral, soap-free, fragrance-free mild body wash, or simply rinse with clean water.Gently pat the area dry after washing; do not rub back and forth.

Deep Moisturizing:Immediately after bathing, while the skin is still damp, apply a non-irritating moisturizer designed for radiated skin (e.g., containing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid).Apply multiple times daily to keep the skin consistently moisturized.Avoid skincare products containing alcohol, fragrance, heavy metals, or rough particles.

Strict Protection:The skin in the treated area should avoid direct exposure to cold wind and sunlight. When going out, cover it lightly with soft, breathable cotton clothing (like a scarf, high-neck sweater).Do not use electric blankets, hot water bottles, or heating pads directly on the treated area, as local sensation might be impaired, making burns highly likely.

II. Dietary Regulation: Nourishing the Body, the "Internal Heater" for Storing Energy

Winter wellness focuses on "storing." After radiotherapy, the body is weak and needs to store energy and boost immunity through diet.

High Protein, High Energy:

Increase intake of high-quality proteins like fish, chicken, eggs, milk, and soy products. These are the building blocks for repairing body tissues and producing antibodies.

Moisturizing and Preventing Dryness:

Winter dryness can easily deplete bodily fluids. Consider consuming more foods that nourish yin and moisten the lungs, such as snow fungus, lily bulbs, pears, and honey, prepared as soups or sweet soups for easy consumption and to relieve dry mouth.

Ensure adequate fluid intake, preferably warm water.

Balanced Nutrition, Easy Digestion:

Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins and fiber.

Opt for cooking methods like steaming, boiling, and stewing. Avoid stimulating foods such as fried, spicy, and raw/cold foods to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

III. Daily Life: The "Warm Guardian" in the Details

Keep Warm and Prevent Infection:

After radiotherapy, immunity is relatively low, making patients high-risk for flu. Pay attention to adding clothing promptly according to temperature changes, but avoid wearing clothes that are too tight to prevent skin friction.

Minimize visits to crowded public places. Wear a mask when going out and wash hands frequently.

Consider getting the flu vaccine under the guidance of a doctor.

Ensure Rest, Moderate Activity:

"Retire early and rise late, must wait for the sunlight" – ensure adequate sleep, which is beneficial for the recovery of vital energy.

When physical condition allows, engage in gentle indoor activities such as walking, Tai Chi, or yoga to promote blood circulation, but stop before feeling fatigued.

Living Environment:

Keep indoor air flowing by opening windows for ventilation daily.

Simultaneously, use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 50%-60% to alleviate skin and respiratory dryness.

IV. Emotional Management: Lighting the "Winter Warm Sun" in Your Heart

The bleakness of winter, combined with the stress of illness, can easily lead to low and anxious emotions.

Accept Emotions: Allow yourself to have emotional fluctuations; it's a normal response.

Take the Initiative to Talk: Communicate more with family and friends, or join patient support groups to share experiences and feelings.

Cultivate Hobbies: Listen to music, read books, do some handicrafts—let life have focus and divert your attention.

Seek Help: If emotional distress seriously affects your life, actively seek professional help from doctors, nurses, or psychological counselors.

V. Close Monitoring: The Indispensable "Safety Watchtower"

Some side effects of radiotherapy may have delayed effects. Please be sure to monitor closely and contact your primary doctor promptly if any of the following occur:

Skin in the treated area shows ulceration, oozing, severe pain, or signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, heat, pain).

Unexplained fever, persistent severe cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing occurs.

Original symptoms worsen or new, persistent discomfort appears.

Dear patient friends, the end of radiotherapy marks the beginning of a new recovery journey. Although winter is cold, our care for you does not diminish. We hope this detailed care guide can accompany you smoothly through this winter like a thoughtful friend. Please remember, you are not fighting alone. Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital is always your strong backing. Wishing you a warm, steady, and hopeful path to recovery!