Treatment FAQ

what should i do before radiation treatment?

by Zackery Balistreri II Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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BEFORE RADIATION TREATMENT

  • Simulation. To be most effective, radiation therapy must be aimed precisely at the same target or targets each and every...
  • Treatment Planning. Once you have finished simulation, your radiation oncologist and other members of the treatment team...
  • Quality Assurance Before Treatment. Once your doctor approves the radiation therapy plan in...

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.

Full Answer

What to expect during and after radiation treatments?

  • Radiation cystitis. If the radiation damages the lining of the bladder, radiation cystitis can be a long-term problem that causes blood in the urine or pain when passing urine.
  • Urinary incontinence. ...
  • Fistulas. ...

What to expect after radiation therapy?

the heart. Fatigue: The most common side effect from any type of radiation therapy. This can last for weeks or months following treatment. Bowel problems: The rectum can be irritated resulting in pain, burning, diarrhea, and bleeding in some cases, although serious complications are not common.

How long will lethal radiation last after a nuclear war?

The radiation that is derivative of a nuclear blast is most dangerous for 1 to 2 weeks after the explosion. During this time, a lot of people contract radiation sickness, which can be lethal in extreme circumstances. In some cases. 10s of thousands of people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki died from illnesses and injuries related to nuclear fallout.

What to do about a rising PSA after radiation?

What to Ask When Your PSA Is Rising After Initial Treatment

  • What does it mean that my PSA level is rising again?
  • What is my PSA level now, and how will we monitor changes over time?
  • Can we (should we) chart the velocity or doubling time of my PSA? ...
  • Am I a candidate for local “salvage” prostatectomy or radiation? ...
  • Should I get a bone scan to see if the cancer has spread to my bones?

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What should you not do before radiation treatment?

Ask your radiation therapy team before you use anything on the skin in the treatment area. Powders, creams, perfumes, deodorants, body oils, ointments or lotions can irritate skin or may affect your response to the radiation treatment.

How do you prepare a patient for radiation treatment?

You may be advised by your doctors and potentially the dietician on your cancer care team to follow a special diet before, during and after radiation therapy. Eating enough calories and protein may be advised in order to keep up your energy and weight during this time.

What can I expect at my first radiation treatment?

During your first visit, your doctor 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.

What should I eat before radiation treatment?

Lean proteins Eat a variety of protein-rich foods that are low in fat. Include seafood, lean meat and poultry, Greek yogurts, eggs, beans, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds. Some soy products are highly processed and not as good for you as other types of soy.

What do I need to know before starting radiation?

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.

Do you feel sick after first radiation treatment?

Radiation therapy near the abdomen, pelvic region or head You may feel sick (nauseated), with or without vomiting, for several hours after each treatment. Your radiation oncologist may prescribe medicine (antiemetic) to take at home before and after each session to prevent nausea.

Can you wear clothes during radiation?

Wear loose, soft, cotton clothing over the area being treated. Avoid stiff or starched clothing near the area being treated. Do not put anything but mild soap (such as Dove) and lukewarm water on the skin in the treated area, unless the doctor or nurse says that it is safe to do so.

What should I eat after radiation?

After surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, extra protein is usually needed to heal tissues and help fight infection. Good sources of protein include fish, poultry, lean red meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts and nut butters, dried beans, peas and lentils, and soy foods.

How many days a week is radiation therapy?

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.

What time of day is best for radiation therapy?

New research from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, to be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2019 in Atlanta, reports that administering radiation treatments in the morning as opposed to later in the day can significantly reduce severity of mucositis and its related ...

Why do you drink water before radiotherapy?

Prior to your CT scan, and radiotherapy treatment, you need to ensure that you are WELL HYDRATED, which means drinking lots of fluid. We recommend that you aim to drink 2-3 litres of water (4-6 pints) throughout the day in the weeks prior to your CT scan and your treatment as well as during your treatment course.

What can you not do after radiation treatment?

What Kind of Skin Problems Can Radiation Therapy Cause?Don't wear tight clothing over the area that's being treated.Don't scrub or rub your skin. ... Avoid putting anything hot or cold on the area unless the doctor tells you to.Ask your doctor before you use any type of ointment, oil, lotion, or powder on your skin.More items...•

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