Proton Beam Therapy Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for proton beam therapy: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Healing & Nutrition
- •Your body needs extra protein and calories to heal
- •Small, frequent meals are often better tolerated than large ones
- •Stay hydrated; aim for pale yellow urine
Proton Beam Therapy recovery, day by day
After Treatment
- The treatment area may become red and irritated over time
- Fatigue is cumulative and may worsen over the course of treatment
- Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals
- Have someone available to help at home
Infection Prevention
- Follow wound care instructions carefully
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Monitor temperature twice daily
- Report any fever above 100.4°F immediately
Managing Side Effects
- Moisturize irradiated skin with recommended lotion, NOT before treatment
- Wear loose, soft clothing over the treated area
- Eat small, nutrient-dense meals
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your oncology team immediately
Recovery & Monitoring
- Continue all supportive care as directed
- Gradual return to normal activities as energy allows
- Nutrition: focus on protein and calories for tissue repair
- Attend all scheduled follow-ups and labs
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Fever above 101.5°F
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe nausea/vomiting that prevents keeping down fluids for 24 hours
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Wound infection: redness, drainage, opening
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Severe shortness of breath
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Sudden confusion or mental status changes
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe pain not controlled by medication
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 7
Initial Healing
Wound healing progressing
- Day 13
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 14
Follow-Up Evaluation
Post-procedure check and next steps
- Day 21
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact proton beam therapy recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
HIPAA compliant. No card, no contract.