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GUIDE TO RADIATION
TREATMENTS |
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What is radiation therapy and
how does it work?
- Radiation therapy, also called
radiotherapy or radiation oncology, effectively treats
cancer by using high energy X-rays to pinpoint and
destroy cancerous tissue in the body. Although the use
of radiation is similar to having a chest X-ray, the
dose of radiation is stronger and is given over a longer
period of time. There are two methods of delivering the
radiation:
- External beam
radiation therapy (the most common method) - A series
of daily treatments are administered with a machine
called a Linear Accelerator. This device can deliver
multiple, converging X-ray beams of high energy
radiation to the necessary region of the body needing
treatment.
- Radioactive implant or
brachytherapy - This method delivers the radiation
energy by placing radioactive sources inside the body.
This effectively delivers treatment "inside-out."
Utilizing this method many times requires the patient
to stay in the hospital for a few days while the
treatment is being administered. It often will be
combined with external beam radiation therapy.
- What can I expect after I am told I need
radiation therapy?
- After your initial visit with the Radiation
Oncologist, an appointment will be made for a simulation
or radiation therapy planning session. This visit
includes working with your radiation oncologist and
his/her technical staff to set up your planned course of
treatments. This session can last from 1 to 2 hours
depending on the area involved.
- Your first step of planning may involve a CAT scan
of the region to be treated. After the scan is completed
and you have left for the day, it is probable that a
computerized virtual simulation will take place. This
simulation will allow those who will be treating you to
determine the exact body position you will be placed in
for your daily treatment.
- The radiation oncologist and physics staff will work
together to determine the treatment plan. Many times a
second simulation will be performed for the purpose of
checking customized blocking devices that may be
constructed for your treatment area. At this time, skin
markings will take place along with photographs of the
outlined treatment fields. In most cases, your first
treatment will follow this "block check" simulation. As
the treatment progresses, the treatment area and marks
may change as directed by your doctor.
- What will my daily visits be like?
- After your simulation visits, your daily treatment
visits will only last a few minutes. Depending on the
area being treated, you may be asked to put on a gown or
remove some clothes to allow the treatment area marks to
show. Your radiation oncologist may request that a blood
sample be obtained each week to allow him/her to monitor
your lab results on an ongoing basis while undergoing
radiation treatments. Once each week, you will visit
with your radiation oncologist after your treatment. The
oncologist will review your progress and answer any
questions you may have.
- How many treatments will I
have?
- Cancer is a generic term that simply means an
abnormal growth of cells. There are many different types
of cancers and they respond to radiation in different
ways; therefore, treatment courses will vary from
patient to patient depending on the type of cancer. This
will be determined during the simulation or planning
session prior to beginning your radiation treatments.
Your radiation oncologist will make this determination.
- How often will I receive radiation treatments?
- The standard course of treatment
will run Monday through Friday of each week. There will
usually be no treatments done on Saturday, Sunday or
major holidays. The treatment course will usually range
from 3 to 7 weeks.
- What side effect might I encounter during radiation
treatments?
- Side effects vary from patient to patient. There are
many side effects that can occur while undergoing
treatment; however, the most common side effect
regardless of the site treated is skin irritation. This
may appear as red, itching, and possibly peeling skin on
your treatment area. Skin irritation usually occurs
after the third or fourth week of treatments. You should
report any skin problems to your doctor who can
prescribe medication to help alleviate the problems that
might be occurring as a result of this irritated skin.
- Fatigue and tiredness often accompany radiation
treatments. Be sure and get plenty of rest while
undergoing treatment.
- Hair Loss may occur only if the scalp is being
treated. Hair loss will usually begin to occur after the
third week of treatment.
- A loss of appetite may occur while undergoing
radiation treatments. If this happens, a dietitian may
be consulted to assist the patient with his or her diet.
If you have a loss of appetite, tell your oncology nurse
so this consultation can be arranged.
The radiation oncology nurse will meet with you to
discuss side effects that you might expect as a result
of your treatment. This will be done during the first
week of treatment.
Are all radiation treatments the same?
- No. Each patient's treatment is "custom tailored" to
their individual tumor and reason for treatment. Even if
there are two patients who have the same tumor type, the
details of treatment may be different. Therefore, your
treatment course may be slightly different from someone
else that is being treated. Remember your treatment
course is tailored specifically for you.
- Will I become Radioactive?
- No! After your daily treatment has been completed,
there is no residual radiation inside of you, so there
is no risk to friends or family members.
- What about Implants?
- Almost all internal radioactive implants will
require the patient to be hospitalized while the implant
is in progress. During this time, your family will be
asked to keep visitation to a minimum. Children will not
be allowed to visit during this time for safety reasons.
After the implant is removed you will not be
radioactive. Prostate implants are considered permanent
implants and are handled differently. See Prostate Cancer.
Our staff is dedicated to providing you with the highest
quality of care. It is important for you to be on time for
your daily appointments. Inform your Radiation Therapists
(the people who treat you daily) if you need to change your
appointment time. Appointments for treatment are scheduled
from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reminders:
- Take care of the marks
placed on your skin
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You may have blood drawn once a week
- You will be seen by your
Radiation Oncologist (doctor) once a week and any other
time it is necessary.
A receptionist is available at the
Barren River Regional Canter Center from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00
p.m.
Remember, your health and well-being are very important to
us and we are available to help you in any way possible.
Never hesitate to ask questions or ask for help. |
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