what to expect radiation treatment

What can I expect after my first radiation treatment?

The most common early side effects are fatigue (feeling tired) and skin changes. Other early side effects usually are related to the area being treated, such as hair loss and mouth problems when radiation treatment is given to this area. Late side effects can take months or even years to develop.Dec 10, 2020

How long does it take to feel normal after radiation?

Radiation therapy is associated with harsh side effects, many of which don't emerge until months or years after treatment. Acute side effects occur and disappear within 14 days of treatment, but long-term effects like bone degeneration, skin ulcers, and bladder irritation take much longer to manifest.

What happens on the first day of radiation?

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.

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.Nov 8, 2021

Is radiation worse than chemotherapy?

Since radiation therapy is focused on one area of your body, you may experience fewer side effects than with chemotherapy. However, it may still affect healthy cells in your body.Mar 27, 2020

What does radiation fatigue feel like?

Feeling very tired and lacking energy (fatigue) for day-to-day activities is the most common side effect of radiation therapy to any area of the body. During treatment, your body uses a lot of energy dealing with the effects of radiation on normal cells.

Do you feel sick after first radiation treatment?

Nausea and vomiting can be a common side effect of external radiation therapy, especially if the treatment area includes the stomach and abdomen. It can also happen as a general side effect regardless of the area being treated. Radiation sickness usually goes away a few weeks after radiation therapy is finished.

Can I drive after radiation therapy?

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.

Is radiation therapy painful?

Does radiation therapy hurt? No, radiation therapy does not hurt while it is being given. But the side effects that people may get from radiation therapy can cause pain and discomfort. This booklet has a lot of information about ways that you and your doctor and nurse can help manage side effects.

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 ...Mar 30, 2019

Can you shower after radiation treatment?

Bathe or shower daily using warm water and a mild unscented soap, such as Neutrogena®, Dove®, baby soap, Basis®, or Cetaphil®. Rinse your skin well and pat it dry with a soft towel. When washing, be gentle with your skin in the area being treated. Don't use a washcloth, scrubbing cloth, loofah or brush.Dec 12, 2018

What are the do's and don'ts after radiotherapy?

Don't wear tight clothing over the treatment area. It's important not to rub, scrub or scratch any sensitive spots. Also avoid putting anything that is very hot or very cold—such as heating pads or ice packs—on your treated skin.Oct 5, 2017

What Is the Difference Between Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy?

There are several distinct differences between radiation and chemotherapy. One is the delivery method. Chemotherapy is delivered either orally or t...

How Long is a Radiation Therapy Treatment?

Each treatment session will depend on your case specifics and the radiation treatment type. With that said, the average treatment session lasts for...

Is Radiation Treatment Painful?

No, radiation treatment should not cause you pain or bleeding of any kind. If you suddenly feel uncomfortable during treatment, let your care team...

What Lifestyle Changes Should I Expect to Make During Radiation Therapy?

During radiation therapy, your biggest focus should be on proper nutrition. You must consume more calories than normal so that your body has enough...

How long does radiation therapy last?

Type of radiation therapy used. Most external beam radiation, when used to shrink a tumor before surgery, is administered five days a week for five to eight weeks. Fewer treatments may be used if the goal is easing cancer-related symptoms.

How long does it take to get a radiation treatment?

This process can take up to two weeks before you return for your first actual radiation therapy treatment. When your treatment plan is developed, it will outline whether you will be receiving radiation therapy before, during, or after other treatments.

What is CT scan for radiation?

Instead, you’ll come in for a CT scan, which is used to help plan your radiation therapy. You will be positioned as you would during treatment — usually lying flat on your back — and scans will be taken of the area of the body that will be treated.

What is the name of the doctor who treats cancer?

A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer — called a radiation oncologist — will oversee your radiation therapy. If you are having more than one type of treatment, your radiation oncologist will work closely with the rest of your cancer team to coordinate your care.

Can you have side effects from radiation?

In many cases, you will not experience any side effects initially, but may experience some after multiple treatments as the therapy has a cumulative effect. If you had internal radiation, you may experience soreness or tenderness where the catheter was inserted, and you likely will experience some degree of fatigue.

What is the only treatment for cancer?

In some cases, radiation therapy will be the only treatment needed to treat a cancer, but often it is used in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or some combination.

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy used as preoperative therapy to shrink a tumor that will then be removed surgically is referred to as neoadjuvant therapy. When radiation is administered at the same time as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, it’s called concurrent treatment.

How long does radiation treatment last?

What Happens During Radiation. The treatment is normally Monday through Friday and lasts about 45 minutes. A lot of time is spent getting your body in the right position, so the radiation hits its desired locations. You lay down on a custom-molded table. A technician positions your body using lasers and measurements.

Does radiation cause hair loss?

Radiation to your brain causes hair loss, but over time it grows back. As your hair grows again, so will you. Remember, during and after radiation treatment, listen to your body, ask questions, acknowledge side effects and adjust.

How long does it take to get a radiation treatment?

The radiation therapist will administer your external beam treatment following your radiation oncologist’s instructions. It will take about five to 15 minutes for you to be positioned for treatment and for the equipment to be set up.

How to determine if radiation therapy is right for you?

If you are considering radiation therapy, you must first schedule a visit with a radiation oncologist to see if radiation therapy is right for you. During your initial visit, the 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. The doctor will also perform a physical examination to assess the extent of your disease and judge your general physical condition. Depending on where your radiation oncologist practices, you may also be seen by a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant.

What tests are done to determine the benefits of radiation therapy?

After reviewing your medical tests, including CT scans, MRI scans and positron emission tomography scans (PET scans), and completing a thorough examination, your radiation oncologist will fully discuss with you the potential benefits and risks of radiation therapy and answer your questions.

What is the process of measuring your anatomy and marking your skin to help your team direct the beams of radiation safely and

To be most effective, radiation therapy must be aimed precisely at the same target or targets each and every time treatment is given. The process of measuring your anatomy and marking your skin to help your team direct the beams of radiation safely and exactly to their intended locations is called simulation .

Does radiation therapy affect cancer?

Still, radiation will affect some healthy cells. The time in between daily treatments allows your healthy cells to repair much of the radiation damage.

What is a multileaf collimator?

Some treatment machines have built-in blocks or shutters called multileaf collimators, which also help shape the radiation. Although simulation is typically only one session, your physician may schedule additional sessions depending on the type of cancer you have and the type of radiation therapy that is being used.

Can a radiation oncologist monitor your health?

After treatment is completed, follow-up appointments will be scheduled so that your radiation oncologist can make sure your recovery is proceeding normally and can continue to monitor your health status. Your radiation oncologist may also order additional diagnostic tests. Reports on your treatment can be sent to your other doctors.

How long does radiation therapy last?

Each session is quick and painless, usually lasting no more than 15 minutes. Treatments usually occur five times a week (Monday through Friday) and continue for three to nine weeks.

What are the side effects of radiation?

Late side effects, also known as chronic side effects, may or may not appear after treatment is over. The type of late side effects you could experience depend on where radiation therapy was given on the body. Some patients experience: 1 Memory loss 2 Infertility 3 Fibrosis (restricted movement in the area where treatment was given) 4 Bowel damage 5 Salivary gland damage

What is radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancer. In this section, we’ll address what to expect before, during, and after radiation treatment.

What does an oncologist do?

The oncologist will review your records, speak with your medical oncologist if one has been involved in your treatment, and may even speak with the surgeon if you’ve had surgery. The radiation oncologist will also perform a medical exam as well as other tests that will help plan your treatment.

Can radiation therapy cause cancer?

Rarely is another type of cancer caused by radiation therapy. For many patients, the benefits of radiation therapy outweigh the risks. Learn more about radiation side effects and how to manage them. If needed, continued special care will be given until you are fully healed.

What is the first radiation session?

Your first radiation therapy session is actually a simulation that will prepare you for a true therapy session. Imaging scans such as computed tomography (CT) scan, a magnetic resonance image (MRI), or an x-ray will be used to help identify the specific location of the tumor, or where the tumor used to be.

What is a mesh mask used for?

A special mesh mask, known as a thermoplastic mask, may be used if you are receiving radiation therapy to your head or neck. The purpose is to be sure you are in the exact same spot on the table for every single treatment you receive.

How long does radiation treatment last?

Each session lasts about 10-20 minutes.

What is radiation therapy for breast cancer?

Radiation therapy is planned specifically for your breast cancer, the shape of your body and your internal anatomy. This is why sessions can’t be split between different treatment centers. Your treatment plan is based on: The tumor size, type and location. The number of lymph nodes with cancer. The type of breast surgery (and lymph node surgery) ...

How to contact Komen for breast cancer?

Transportation, lodging, child care and elder care assistance 1 If you or a loved one needs more information about breast health or breast cancer, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636). All calls are answered by a trained specialist or oncology social worker in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. You can also email the helpline at [email protected]. 2 We offer an online support community through our closed Facebook Group – Komen Breast Cancer group. The Facebook group provides a place where those with a connection to breast cancer can discuss each other’s experiences and build strong relationships to provide support to each other. Visit Facebook and search for “Komen Breast Cancer group” to request to join the closed group. 3 Our fact sheets, booklets and other education materials offer additional information.

What is hypofractionated breast irradiation?

This is called hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation. It’s like standard whole-breast radiation therapy except it uses a slightly higher dose of radiation per session (hypofractionation). This reduces the number of treatment sessions, making the overall course shorter. For most women with early breast cancer, ...

Can you be radioactive after radiation?

With any standard radiation therapy (whole-breast radiation therapy, accelerated, hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation, partial breast irradiation or a boost) you will not be radioactive when you leave the radiation treatment center. You will not pose any radiation risk to your family or your pets.

What is a boost breast?

After radiation therapy to the whole breast, you may have more radiation (called a boost) to the part of the breast that had the tumor. This boost increases the amount of radiation given to the area at highest risk for breast cancer recurrence. Your boost radiation session is similar to a regular session.

What is brachytherapy in cancer?

Brachytherapy uses targeted radiation placed inside the tumor bed. Implanted radiation “seeds” (interstitial radiation therapy) or a single small balloon device (intracavitary radiation therapy) can be used to deliver the radiation. External beam radiation therapy uses standard external beam radiation therapy, but only targets the tumor bed.

How long does it take for radiation to show up?

Late side effects, such as lung or heart problems, may take years to show up and are often permanent when they do. The most common early side effects are fatigue and skin problems. You might get others, such as hair loss and nausea, depending on where you get radiation.

How long do radiation side effects last?

There are two kinds of radiation side effects: early and late. Early side effects, such as nausea and fatigue, usually don’t last long. They may start during or right after treatment and last for several weeks after it ends, but then they get better.

How does radiation kill cancer?

Radioembolization. Cancer Caused by Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy treats cancer by using high-energy waves to kill tumor cells. The goal is to destroy or damage the cancer without hurting too many healthy cells. This treatment can cause side effects, but they’re different for everyone. The ones you have depend on the type ...

Can radiation cause appetite loss?

Radiation therapy to the head, neck, or parts of the digestive system can make you lose your appetite. But it's important to keep eating a healthy diet while you’re having treatment to keep your body strong.

What happens to the body after radiation?

These problems happen when radiation damages your body. For example, scar tissue can affect the way your lungs or your heart works. Bladder, bowel, fertility, and sexual problems can start after radiation to your belly or pelvis. Another possible late effect is a second cancer.

How to get rid of fatigue from cancer?

Get plenty of rest, be as active as you can, and eat the right foods. Work with a counselor or take a class at your cancer treatment center to learn ways to conserve energy, reduce stress, and keep yourself from focusing on the fatigue. Save your energy for the activities that are most important to you.

Can radiation therapy make you tired?

The fatigue you feel from cancer and radiation therapy is different from other times you may have felt tired. It’s an exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest and can keep you from doing the things you normally do, like going to work or spending time with family and friends.

What happens if you get radiation treatment?

After a few weeks, your skin might become dry, flaky, or itchy, or it may peel. This is sometimes called radiation dermatitis.

How long does it take for side effects to show up after radiation?

Some side effects might show up quickly, but others might not show up until 1 to 2 years after treatment. Talk with your radiation oncologist about what to watch for and when to call your doctor. If the cancer is in many areas, sometimes the whole brain is treated with radiation.

What is the best treatment for radiation?

One way to reduce side effects is by using radioprotective drugs, but these are only used for certain types of radiation given to certain parts of the body. These drugs are given before radiation treatment to protect certain normal tissues in the treatment area. The one most commonly used today is amifostine. This drug may be used in people with head and neck cancer to reduce the mouth problems caused by radiation therapy.

How long does radiation side effects last?

Remember that the type of radiation side effects you might have depends on the prescribed dose and schedule. Most side effects go away within a few months of ending treatment. Some side effects may continue after treatment ends because it takes time for the healthy cells to recover from radiation. Side effects might limit your ability ...

What are the side effects of brachytherapy?

If your treatment includes brachytherapy (internal radiation implants), you might notice breast tenderness, tightness, redness, and bruising. You may also have some of the same side effects that happen with external radiation treatment.

How long does it take for radiation to cause side effects?

Late side effects can take months or even years to develop. They can occur in any normal tissue in the body that has received radiation. The risk of late side effects depends on the area treated as well as the radiation dose that was used. Careful treatment planning can help avoid serious long-term side effects.

Can radiation therapy cause low blood count?

Rarely, radiation therapy can cause changes in your blood count levels. These blood cells help your body fight infection and prevent bleeding. If your blood tests show low blood counts, your treatment might be stopped for a week or so to allow your blood counts to return to normal. This side effect is more likely if you’re also getting chemotherapy.

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What Happens During Radiation

What Happens After Radiation

• Radiation side effects are different for each person. You may be able to exercise or perform your ‘normal’ activities. Or you may not. Side effects also tend to get worse as more treatments are given. I lost my hair, experienced a great deal of fatigue and nausea, and skin dryness on treated areas. When these changes happen, acknowledge your side e...

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