Radiation Oncology - FAQ's
Q. Who will plan my radiation treatments?
A. Your radiation oncologist along with a team of medical professionals and scientists, including medical dosimetrists and medical physicists, will plan the best course of treatment for your cancer. The type of radiation your doctor decides to use depends on what kind of cancer you have and how far into your body the radiation should go. The first step in this process begins with an initial consultation.
During your initial visit with your radiation oncologist, he or she will discuss your cancer and advise you about the different treatment options available. You will also be informed as to the length of treatments, possible side effects and whether any further tests will be necessary. This is the best time to ask questions about your diagnosis and treatment. It is recommended that you bring a family member with you.
Q. What is meant by a “Simulation?”
A. After the consultation with your radiation oncologist, you will begin the part of the treatment planning process known as simulation. During this phase, the treatment team will use x-ray equipment or a CT scanner to plan your treatment. To properly position your body you may be placed in a special positioning device. A non-toxic dye may also be given orally or by IV to enhance the visibility of your internal organs.
If you are receiving external radiation, tiny black permanent or semi-permanent marks will be made on your skin in the area of your tumor. These marks will allow the delivery technicians to precisely target the radiation area.
Once simulation has been done, your doctor will meet with the radiation physicist and the dosimetrists. Based on the results of your medical history, lab tests, x-rays, other treatments you may have had, and the location and kind of cancer you have, they will decide how much radiation is needed, where it will be distributed in the area of your tumor by developing a computer plan, what kind of machine to use and how many treatments are needed.
There are different types of treatment and each type of treatment requires a different form of planning. Initiation of treatment will be different for each person following simulation.
Q. What happens during treatment?
A. During the course of your treatment, you will be asked to lie flat on a table. If you are receiving radiation treatment from an external source, the therapist will align your body to ensure that treatment is administered properly. When necessary, specially designed blocks may be used to shield your healthy tissues from radiation. After these steps are completed, the therapist will leave the room to monitor your treatment through a closed circuit television and intercom. It is extremely important that you do not move during your treatment.
Over the course of treatment, you will see your physician on a regular basis to assess how you are responding to the therapy. When necessary, your doctor may revise the treatment plan by changing the radiation dose or the number and length of your remaining radiation sessions.
External radiation therapy is usually given 5 days a week for 5 to 8 weeks. The total dose of radiation and the number of treatments you will need depends on the size, location, and kind of cancer you have; your general health; and other medical treatments you may be receiving.
It is very important that you have all of your scheduled treatments to get the most benefit from your therapy. Missing or delaying treatments can lessen the effectiveness of your radiation treatment.
Q. What happens after I finish my radiation treatment?
A. After your treatment, it is important to schedule and attend your follow up appointments. An important part in monitoring the effects and progress of your treatment may include both blood work and/or x-rays.
Q. What kinds of side effects occur during radiation therapy?
A. The side effects of radiation treatment vary from patient to patient. You may have no side effects or only a few mild ones through the course of your treatment. The side effects that you have depend mostly on the radiation dose and the part of the body that is treated.
The most common early side effects of radiation therapy are fatigue and skin changes. They can result from radiation to any treatment site. Other side effects are related to treatment of specific areas. Fortunately, most side effects will go away in time.
- Plan your day so that you can rest between activities.
- Allow friends and family to help you with daily activities until you feel stronger.
- Save energy for doing the things that you feel are most important.
- Take short walks or light exercise (with the permission of your doctor). Patients report increased energy when they try simple exercises such as walking.
- Talking with other cancer patients in a support group may also help you learn how to deal with fatigue.
- Talk to your employer about your work during radiation treatment. Some people continue to work a full-time schedule during radiation treatments while others prefer working part-time or working from home.
- Ask the radiation department to try to schedule treatment times with your workday in mind.
- Make efforts to drink plenty of fluids and eat well.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine
Q. Will I suffer fatigue and be too tired to work?
A. Radiation therapy will not necessarily limit your activity. Many patients are able to work, prepare meals, and enjoy their usual leisure activities while they are having radiation therapy. Others find that they need more rest than usual and therefore cannot do as much. Try to continue doing the things you enjoy as long as you don’t become too tired.
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