Instructions for Patients Who Have Completed Treatment Patient Information on Radiation Therapy to the Skin Patient Information on Radiation Therapy to the Brain Patient Information on Radiation Therapy to the Head & Neck Area Patient Information on Radiation Therapy to the Breast Patient Information on Radiation Therapy to the Chest Cramps / Diarrhea Patient Information for Radiation Therapy to the Male Pelvis Patient Information for Radiation Therapy to the Female Pelvis Patient Information for Prostate Seed Implants	PATIENT INFORMATION ON RADIATION THERAPY TO THE HEAD AND NECK AREA About two or three weeks after starting treatment, your mouth and throat may become sore and it may become painful to swallow. The skin in the radiation therapy field may also start to become red. You may notice that your saliva is thicker, that your mouth is becoming dry and you will be losing your sense of taste. These reactions are an expected part of treatment. In order to minimize the possible side effects of treatment, the following is recommended: If you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages, you must stop. Both of these activities are extremely irritating to the tissues of the mouth and throat. Eat a nourishing soft diet with plenty of liquid. This will compensate for your thickened and decreased saliva. Avoid highly seasoned food, sharp edged or dry foods. Do not wear dentures or removable partials while under treatment. These can irritate the tissues of your mouth. You may have been referred for special radiation dental care. Be certain to follow the dentist recommendations regarding fluoride treatment and general dental hygiene. To diminish the thickened saliva rinse your mouth with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of Baking Soda in one quart of water. Do so upon arising in the morning, before and after meals, and before going to bed at night. Avoid all mouthwashes and lozenges unless suggested by your physician. It is important to maintain a high liquid intake. Drink two quarts of liquid each day. Do not wash or remove any marks that have been placed on your skin by the technician unless you specifically ask if those marks can be washed away. You can use lukewarm water for washing. Blot your skin dry. Do not scrub. Do not apply any lotions, ointments, deodorants, pre-shave, after-shave, perfumes, colognes, cosmetic, powder or creams to the treated area unless approved by our nurse or physicians. The treated area is to be out of the sun as much as possible. Avoid sun burn by wearing a hat with a brim and/or using a number 15 sun block. Nivea, Eucerin, pure Aloe Vera lotion may be used in the treatment area for dry, itchy skin. Blood counts will be obtained on a routine basis by our oncology nurse. Protect your skin against trauma. Use an electric razor, not a blade razor for shaving.