- How does radiation work?
- What type of radiation will I receive?
- Where will I receive treatment?
- How long will the sessions take?
- How many treatments will I need?
- How flexible is the radiation schedule?
- Can I work while receiving radiation?
- What are the possible side effects?
What questions should I ask my radiologist?
Do I need someone to bring me in and pick me up after the radiation treatments? What are the known side effects? How soon after starting my radiation will I experience side effects? What should I do if I experience these side effects?
What should I do before my first radiation treatment?
You can expect these steps before beginning treatment: Meeting with your radiation oncologist. The doctor will review your medical records, perform a physical exam, and recommend tests. You will also learn about the potential risks and benefits of radiation therapy.
What questions should I ask radiation oncologist breast cancer?
10 Questions to Ask the Radiation OncologistWhat is the goal of radiation therapy?Does radiation affect fertility?What are the risks and side effects of radiation therapy?Where do I go for radiation therapy?How long does each session last?How many weeks does treatment last?More items...•
What can I expect from the first round of radiation?
BEFORE RADIATION TREATMENT During your first visit, your radiation oncologist will evaluate your need for radiation therapy and its likely results. This includes reviewing your current medical problems, past medical history, past surgical history, family history,medications, allergies and lifestyle.
How do I prepare my body for radiation?
Listen To What Your Body Is Telling You. Most patients experience little or no side effects during cancer treatment, while some experience any of a number of side effects. ... Be Prepared – Stock Up On Healthy Foods. ... Eat Nutrient-Dense Meals. ... Break The Rules. ... Drink Plenty Of Liquids.
What questions should I ask a radiation oncologist?
Common Questions to Consider Asking Your Doctor Before TreatmentWhat type and stage of cancer do I have?What is the role of radiation treatment for my type of cancer?How will the radiation therapy be used to treat me?How many treatments will I receive?Will I need other treatments during radiation therapy?More items...
What are the disadvantages of radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy aimed at a person's head or neck may cause these side effects:Dry mouth.Mouth and gum sores.Difficulty swallowing.Stiffness in the jaw.Nausea.Hair loss.A type of swelling called lymphedema.Tooth decay.
Can you drive home after radiation treatment?
Will I be able to drive after my radiotherapy treatment? Almost all patients are able to drive while receiving radiotherapy treatment. However, with some types of cancer, driving may NOT be recommended due to fatigue or strong pain medication. Your physician will be able to address your specific case.
Can I drive myself to breast radiation?
Unless you feel ill, you can typically drive yourself to treatment. In fact, many patients are able to work full-time during their treatment.
What can you not do during radiation treatment?
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It's also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.
How many days a week is radiation therapy?
The total dose of external radiation therapy is usually divided into smaller doses called fractions. Most patients get radiation treatments daily, 5 days a week (Monday through Friday) for 5 to 8 weeks. Weekend rest breaks allow time for normal cells to recover.
How much weight do you lose during radiation treatment?
Weight changes during the radiotherapy were as follows: 78.7% of patients lost weight, 8.5% gained weight (0.7 −3.6 kg), and 12.8% had no weight change. Weight loss was significant (t-test two-paired, p-value <0.001) and ranged from 1.1% to 18.9%.
Do I need to bring someone with me for each treatment?
Unless you feel ill, you can typically drive yourself to treatment. In fact, many patients are able to work full-time during their treatment.
When will I start experiencing side effects?
Side effects depend on where you receive the radiation therapy, the dose given, whether you also receive chemotherapy and, if so, how much and what...
Will I lose my hair?
While chemotherapy causes hair loss throughout the body, that’s not the case for radiation therapy. Hair loss is associated with the radiation beam...
Am I radioactive?
You’re radioactive only if you’re undergoing treatment with a radiation seed implant. If you are hospitalized for this procedure, you’ll be in a pr...
Will I glow in the dark?
No. Even with permanent radiative seed implants, patients do not glow.
Can I be around children and pregnant women?
Yes -- unless you have just received a permanent radioactive seed implant. If that’s the case, you’ll only have the implant for a few days and shou...
Will I get a different cancer in the area where I’m receiving radiation?
The risk of developing a second cancer due to radiation therapy is very low. The benefits of your recommended treatment far outweigh the small risk...
Can I receive radiation in the same area if I have a cancer recurrence or secondary cancer?
With our newer technologies, we are able to carefully re-irradiate the same area in some situations. This is something you should discuss with your...
Will I feel the radiation treatment?
No, radiation therapy uses high-energy waves, like those used with an X-ray. They are invisible and painless.
How radiation therapy works
Has your doctor recommended radiation therapy? This treatment uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
Some questions you can ask
Not sure what to ask your doctor about radiation? Find some suggestions below. You can bring a notebook with you to write down answers, or even enlist a loved one to come along and take notes.
How does radiation therapy work?
But radiation is inherently damaging to DNA. Radiation therapy actually works by damaging the genes (DNA) in cells. Genes control how cells grow and divide. When radiation damages the genes of cancer cells, they can’t grow and divide any more.
Can radiation kill cancer cells?
When radiation damages the genes of cancer cells, they can’t grow and divide any more. Over time, the cells die. This means radiation can be used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors… or at least that was the theory. Radiologists know that DNA damage is one of the detrimental effects of ionizing radiation.
Questions
Do I need someone to bring me in and pick me up after the radiation treatments?
Alternative Names
What to ask your doctor about radiation therapy; Radiotherapy - ask your doctor
Questions for Your Doctor
It is important that you fully understand the potential benefits, side effects, and goals of radiation therapy. Your radiation oncologist and radiation oncology nurses are available to answer any questions you may have during treatment. They are the best source of accurate information about your particular case.
Questions to Ask After Treatment
What warning signs should I watch for that might indicate my cancer has returned?
Tips for Communicating with Your Care Team
Navigating a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re inside the doctor’s office. There are steps you can take to prepare for each appointment. This will help you prioritize your own questions, concerns, and needs during every visit with your care team.
