What questions should I ask about radiation therapy?
Some questions you can ask
- 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?
How do you prepare for radiation?
Preparing for radiation therapy
- Find out about quitting.
- Explore ways to relax.
- Organise help at home.
- Arrange transport.
- Mention metal implants.
- Ask about travel assistance.
- Discuss your concerns.
- Consider fertility.
What happens at a radiation consult?
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.
Do you wear clothes during radiation treatment?
You may want to: 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 happens at first radiation appointment?
In some cases, a patient may receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy at the same time. The chemotherapy may be delivered weekly, every three weeks or at some schedule determined by the medical oncologist together with the radiation oncologist.
What should you know about radiation therapy?
Radiation stops the rapid growth of cancer cells. Radiation damages DNA inside cells.
Why to become a radiation therapist?
They also work in stimulating environments where they receive the respect of peers and clients. Perhaps the most important reason to become a radiation therapist is to help your fellow humans. This is a job that, when performed deftly, can save lives.
What to expect during radiation therapy?
What To Expect During Radiation Therapy Treatment. When you arrive at the hospital, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown or robe and wait until your session time, if you are early. If this is your first session, you will be fitted with your personalized immobilization device, or face mask.
What is radiation therapy and how is it used to treat cancer?
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors . At low doses, radiation is used in x-rays to see inside your body, as with x-rays of your teeth or broken bones. At high doses, radiation therapy kills cancer cells or slows their growth by damaging their DNA.