Patient's Guide to Radiation
Treatments
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. The radiation oncologist and physics staff will work together to
determine your treatment plan.
What will my daily visits be like?
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 which 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 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 to 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 8:00 a.m. to
4:15 p.m.
Reminders:
- Take care of the marks placed on your skin
- 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 Cancer Treatment Center from 7:45 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. If you need to speak with your Radiation Oncologist outside of these
hours, call (270) 781-7178 or The Medical Center operator at (270) 745-1000.
Remember, your health and well-being is very important to us and we are
available to help you in any way possible. Never hesitate to ask questions or
ask for help.
