 What is Radiation Therapy, and how does it work?
Radiation therapy, sometimes called radiotherapy, effectively treats cancer by using high-energy rays to pinpoint and destroy cancerous cells in your body. Although radiation therapy is similar to having a x-ray taken of a broken bone, the dose of radiation in cancer treatment is stronger and is given over a longer period of time. Many forms of radiation therapy are available. The best choice depends on the type of cancer you have, the extent of the cancer, and its location.
Cancers are growths of abnormal cells. Different types of cancer react to radiation in different ways, so treatments vary. Also, it takes time for the body to get rid of dead cancer cells. After you have completed treatment, months often pass before the tumor is completely gone. With careful planning, radiation can be directed to the cancer and away from most normal tissues. This means you may receive treatment on more than one side of your body or different angles. You may also need more than one type of radiation, which may require use of more than one machine. What can I expect in the Radiation Cancer Treatment Center?
For your initial visit, the Radiation Oncology Team usually meets you in the Radiation Cancer Treatment Center. If, after evaluation, you decide to proceed with treatment, you will receive more information about the radiation therapy treatment process and side effects that you might experience. Before you leave, an appointment will be made for your planning session (simulation).
The simulation visit includes seeing your doctor and setting up your treatment plan. The planning in the Radiation Cancer Treatment Center will take about an hour. You will be asked to sign a consent form agreeing to your treatment. Actual treatment time on subsequent visits may only take a few minutes, but preparation may add 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I make an appointment in the Radiation Cancer Treatment Center?
Patients can refer themselves to Radiation Medicine Specialists for cancer diagnosis, treatment, screening, or a second opinion.
Patients. Please complete the Patient Self-Referral form if you are ready to schedule a patient appointment. By completing this form, you will have initiated the new patient appointment process. A Referral Specialist will call you directly to collect the additional information that is required prior to confirming your appointment.
Physicians, please complete the Physician Referral form to initiate the new patient referral process. A Referral Specialist will first contact a representative in your office to collect additional information.
Will Radiation therapy make me radioactive?
No. After treatment, you will not be radioactive. You can continue to enjoy the same contact with your family and friends as before your diagnosis without fear of exposing them to radiation.
Who administers my treatment?
Your doctor, also known as a radiation oncologist, specifies what is to be treated and for how long. This includes the amount of radiation you will receive each day and the total number of treatment days. Your doctor will also manage any medical problems that may develop during your treatment. In the Radiation Cancer Treatment Center, each patient under treatment sees his/her radiation oncologist at least once a week. If a problem must be resolved outside of this scheduled appointment time, arrangements can be made to meet with the doctor at any time. A radiation therapist delivers the prescribed treatment and will help you before and after the treatments. All radiation therapists are licensed, certified professionals who have completed extensive training in radiation treatment delivery and patient care.
A radiation therapy nurse works closely with the radiation oncologist to help you through your course of treatment. The health care team also includes other physicians, disinterests (specialists who use computers to help design treatment plans).
Why do my treatments last more than five weeks?
Over the years, our radiation oncologist has collaborated with other physicians around the world to determine the most effective doses of radiation needed to treat patients. The doses that are often necessary to treat your tumor cannot be given at one time because of the side effects they would cause. On average, the course of treatment for radiation therapy takes five to seven weeks. This time period enables your body to better tolerate the effects of radiation.
Will the treatment hurt while they are being given?
No. The treatments do not hurt. However, the treatment table is firm and can be a little uncomfortable. Over time you may experience side effects from your treatment. Before you start treatment, your doctor will review with you the potential side effects that you may expect.
What will happen on my other visits?
At each radiation therapy session:
• You may be asked to put on a gown or remove some clothes to allow the treatment area marks to show.
• Although the actual treatment will only last a few minutes, you may spend 20 minutes getting ready. You will be helped onto a treatment table. Your position on the table will be the same for each treatment.
• Once you are positioned, do not move until the treatment is finished.
• After the radiation therapist has helped position you on the table, she will leave the room, monitor you by closed circuit television, and be in contact with you through an intercom.
Keep in mind that the treatment machines are large and sometimes noisy while in use. Relax and breathe normally. You should not feel any pain. If you need something or are in pain, tell the radiation therapist. She/he can turn off the machine and come into the room. The radiation stops when the machine is turned off.
How often will I get radiation treatments?
Your treatments will probably be scheduled every weekday, Monday through Friday, allowing you to rest on Saturday and Sunday. Your daily appointment schedule will be as convenient for you as possible. Your radiation therapist will notify you of any holidays on which you will not receive treatments.
Your doctor will examine you and review your progress once a week. This scheduled check-up will take longer than the treatment visits. The nurses who see you during the check-up will work closely with you and your doctor to help you manage any side effects you may experience, This is also the proper time to request refills for any medications that you need to manage side effects.
What delays can I expect?
Sometimes you may have to wait for your treatment or to see the doctor because the Radiation Cancer Treatment Center is very busy. However, if you wait longer than 30 minutes please notify someone at the front desk.
What it I have other questions?
If you or your family members have any questions about your care, please ask your nurse or doctor. With your help, your radiation therapy team can give you the best possible care. Which side effects may I have, and how long will they last?
Side effects depend on the part of the body being treated. Most go away a few weeks after the treatment is stopped.
Some common side effects include:
Red, itching and peeling skin in your treatment area. Refer to the next section for skin care information.
Fatigue. You may feel more tired than usual. Make sure to get plenty of rest, and not overexert yourself.
Hair loss. Hair loss may occur, but only in the area being treated.
You will receive specific information about your type of radiation therapy. This information will include what to do in case of problems and how to manage your specific side effects. Be sure to tell your nurse if you have any side effects.
How do I take care of my skin while I am getting radiation therapy? Toward the end of your treatment the radiated skin may become pink and itchy. In some cases, the skin will blister and flake like sunburn.
What to Do:
• Leave marks on your skin until all of your treatments are finished. In cases, you may rinse the treatment area wish warm water, but do not rub or scrub off the marks. Your nurse will talk with you in more detail about care for your treatment area.
• Do not use soap on the marks.
• Wear loose fitting, cotton clothing that does not rub the area, and do not let sun shine on the area.
• If your skin itches in the treatment area, do not scratch it. If this is a problem for you, tell the nurse or doctor. Some medicines may relieve the itching.
• DO not put anything (cream, lotion, powder, makeup) on the treatment area unless your doctor says it is okay to do so. After your treatment is complete, your doctor may give you ointment to soothe the skin.
• Before shaving any part of your treatment area, check with your nurse or doctor. If you are allowed to shave, use an electric shaver.
What things can I do to help myself during treatments?
• Eat a well balanced diet. Every day, choose foods from these groups:
breads and cereal, meats, eggs or beans, milk or milk products, vegetables and fruits.
• Try to eat enough food to keep your weight at the same level as before treatment. Your body needs more calories now, so you may need to eat more than usual.
• Drink at least 8 cups of fluid every day. Fluids may include water, gelatin, ice pops, juice, iced tea, soup, and milk.
• If you notice your weight going down, try to drink fluids that are high in calories, such as shakes or nutritional supplements.
• Get some exercise and plenty of rest. It is okay to continue your regular activities as long as you take rest periods and do not overexert yourself. Your doctor will talk with you about how much exercise you should get.
• Try to sleep at least six hours at night, and take naps during the day if you can.
What should I do about medicine?
Tell your doctor or radiation therapy nurse if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines. He or she will review your current medications, which usually can be continued throughout your treatment. Your family doctor will still prescribe any medications you are taking for problems other than cancer.
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