Prostate Cancer
RADIATION THERAPY
If radiation therapy is recommended, the patient will be scheduled for a treatment planning session called simulation. X-rays and/or CF scans are used to identify the tumor and help the Radiation Oncologist target the tumor. The treatment is delivered from the front, back, and usually both sides. Special devices called "blocks" are made to shape the x-ray beam and block out areas which do not need to be treated. Care is taken to minimize the dose to critical organs such as the kidneys and spinal cord. Once a treatment plan is prepared, the patient will come in for daily treatments lasting about 15 minutes each. Treatment is delivered Monday through Friday for four to seven weeks depending on the circumstances.
Side Effects
The side effects seen with radiation and chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer include nausea,vomiting, poor appetite, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Nausea can now be frequently controlled with newly developed medications. Diarrhea is also well controlled with medicines in most cases. The fatigue from therapy is typically temporary. Patients' weight should be monitored during therapy and nutritional guidance given when necessary.
Follow-up
After completing treatment for Prostate Cancer, patients are seen regularly for follow-up visits. Blood tests and x-rays may be ordered to evaluate the response and guide further treatment. The exact timing of any follow-up scans is determined by the physicians who treated the patient.