What Aftercare Is Available For You Following Radiotherapy?

Treatment at a radiotherapy centre does not start nor end with the radiosurgical procedures themselves, but is instead part of a complete, holistic package of care.

Radiotherapists work as part of a multidisciplinary team in planning treatments, physiotherapists, nutritional experts and psychologists are there to help during the preparation for a course of radiotherapy, and aftercare is similarly important following the completion of treatment.

This does not only include follow-ups, active monitoring and managing the lingering effects of the tumour and the treatment to remove it but can also include rehabilitation processes that ensure that recovery is as effective and long-lasting as possible.

Here are some of the stages of aftercare available following a course of radiotherapy treatment.

Follow-Up Appointments

The most direct form of aftercare is in the form of follow-up appointments, which are regular meetings with the lead doctor of your brain tumour treatment.

These appointments will vary considerably in terms of duration and frequency, with the first follow-up often taking place after a course of radiotherapy has been completed in order to provide a full assessment of its progress.

They can be undertaken either in-person at the clinic, via a phone call or on a video conferencing tool depending on a person’s preferences and whether there is a need for tests or scans. Experts, doctors and nurses will be available between appointments to discuss any concerns or new symptoms.

Typically, follow-up appointments take place every few weeks, may include scans, X-rays and occasionally blood tests depending on the type of brain tumour, as well as the opportunity to discuss symptoms.

Self-Management

Some people prefer to have a less hands-on form of aftercare, particularly following the first few months, and this is where supported self-management becomes an option. Follow-up tests and scans will continue to be arranged and undertaken in person as and when required.

This involves regular telephone appointments from the MDT, the option for regular contact if required and information on symptoms to be mindful of, invitations to courses on self-management as well as advice on support in a person’s local area.

Some people prefer a more independent approach as a way of reestablishing control of one’s health, but there are a wide range of options available to access support when it is needed.

Establishing A Recovery And Rehabilitation Routine

Nutrition and physical activity is essential before, during and after treatment for a brain tumour, as it can aid significantly in recovery, and establishing an individually tailored recovery routine is an early and essential part of planning.

A physiotherapist in an MDT will help to establish a schedule for recovery, which may include in-person training sessions, a recommended exercise routine or a combination of both.

This routine will take into account current levels of recovery, energy levels and if there are some complications which make certain exercises less advisable such as peripheral neuropathy or temporary effects to the immune system.

This routine will be based on best practices, as well as the types of exercise activities an individual enjoys, as the best routine for recovery is the one that is most likely to be followed.

It will be flexible and take into account that certain days will need to prioritise rest as a form of recovery rather than physical rehabilitation.

Nutrition Changes

Similar to exercise, changes to a diet can assist in the recovery process or help to manage symptoms, and a nutritional expert will typically be part of an MDT in order to facilitate this.

In some cases, a recovery diet following a brain tumour will simply consist of a balanced diet, one that is often a part of prehabilitation as it pertains to treatment and will benefit almost anyone regardless of treatment progression.

For other people, there may need to be a more strictly tailored diet following treatment to help manage symptoms.

For example, if someone loses weight following a course of radiotherapy, they may be recommended a healthy high-calorie diet initially to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need. This is sometimes known as a building-up diet.

Psychological Aftercare

The multidisciplinary team will do everything they can to ensure that treatment is undertaken as efficiently and as comfortably as possible, but there can be questions and psychological effects that occur that are related to the end of treatment and the recovery process.

Part of this is the result of the end of the structure that comes from regular appointments, and another part comes from the transition from focusing on managing the treatment itself.

A counsellor or psychologist is a common part of many MDTs to provide a safe place to discuss mental health, and they can also direct you to local support groups that allow people to share their experiences.