You may want to ask your doctor some of the following questions: How long will it take for me to get better and feel more like myself? What kind of care should I expect after my treatment?
- What are reasons that I should call you after my treatment ends?
- How and when will I know if I am cured of cancer?
- What are the chances that the cancer will come back?
- How often do I need to return for checkups?
- What are the concerning long-term side effects?
How to find a good radiation oncologist?
Questions to Ask When Considering Radiation Therapy What is the purpose of radiation treatment for my type of cancer? How will the radiation therapy be administered? Will the radiation therapy be external beam or brachytherapy? For how many weeks will I receive radiation? How many treatments will I receive per week?
What questions should I Ask my hematologist?
Jul 27, 2017 · Generally, cancer patients who are treated with radiation therapy alone aren’t more likely to develop infections. Pamela J. Schlembach is professor of Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson in The Woodlands. Request an appointment …
What questions should I Ask my endocrinologist?
Once you have completed your treatment, you may still have questions about what to expect in the weeks and months following your treatment. You should always feel comfortable reaching out to a member of your treatment team if you have any questions. Below are some questions you may want to ask after your treatment ends.
What questions to ask radiologist?
Apr 01, 2022 · You are having radiation therapy. This is treatment that uses high-powered x-rays or particles to kill cancer cells. You may receive radiation therapy by itself or also have other treatments (such as surgery or chemotherapy) at the same time. Your health care provider may need to follow you closely while you are having radiation therapy.
What should I ask my oncologist after treatment?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You Have Finished TreatmentHow long will it take for me to get better and feel more like myself?What kind of care should I expect after my treatment?What long-term health issues can I expect as a result of my cancer and its treatment?What is the chance that my cancer will return?More items...•Apr 11, 2022
What should I ask my radiology oncologist?
Questions to Ask Your DoctorWhat 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 happens in a follow up appointment after radiotherapy?
Your radiotherapy team will be in touch with your GP to tell them about your progress. Follow up appointments give you the chance to discuss any problems or worries which may have come up. It can help to make a list of points to discuss before you go so you don't forget anything important.
What a radiation oncologist will assess after radiation therapy?
Meeting With a Radiation Oncologist This includes reviewing your current medical problems, past medical history, past surgical history, family history, medications, allergies and lifestyle. The doctor will also perform a physical exam to assess the extent of your disease and judge your general physical condition.
Can you drive yourself to radiation treatments?
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.
What does a radiation oncologist do?
A radiation oncologist is a specialist doctor who uses radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer patients. Radiation oncologists work in teams with other doctors to create and deliver radiation therapy programs.
What should I avoid after radiation?
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.Nov 8, 2021
What should I do after radiation therapy?
Continue to give your skin extra protection from sunlight, even after radiation therapy ends. Use only lukewarm water and mild soap. Just let water run over the treated area. Do not rub.Dec 10, 2020
What can you not do during radiation treatment?
With internal radiation, you may need to avoid touching the patient until the implant is removed or limit the time you spend very close to them. With systemic radiation therapy, you may also have to avoid the person's bodily fluids for a few days after treatment.Oct 18, 2019
What is life like after radiation therapy?
For most people, the cancer experience doesn't end on the last day of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy usually does not have an immediate effect, and it could take days, weeks or months to see any change in the cancer. The cancer cells may keep dying for weeks or months after the end of treatment.
Do tumors grow back after radiation?
Normal cells close to the cancer can also become damaged by radiation, but most recover and go back to working normally. If radiotherapy doesn't kill all of the cancer cells, they will regrow at some point in the future.Jul 6, 2020
How long after radiation treatment do you feel better?
Your skin should start to feel better a few weeks after therapy ends. But when it heals, it may be a darker color. And you'll still need to protect yourself from the sun even after radiation therapy has ended.Feb 8, 2021
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.
Can radiation cause cancer?
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 that your radiation treatment could cause another cancer later in life.
Can radiation therapy cause infections?
Generally, cancer patients who are treated with radiation therapy alone aren ’t more likely to develop infections. Pamela J. Schlembach is professor of Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson in The Woodlands. Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.
How long does radiation treatment last?
They usually begin by the second or third week of treatment and may last for several weeks after the final radiation treatment.
Can you be radioactive if you have a radiation seed implant?
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 protected room to limit your exposure to other people. This is something your doctor will talk to you beforehand.
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
