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Click
on a question below for more information and answers to some
of the most commonly asked questions about radiation therapy.
:
What
happens on a typical treatment day?
Each day, the patient checks in with the receptionist at
the scheduled treatment appointment time. A radiation therapist
escorts the patient into the treatment room, where clothes
covering the treatment fields are removed. The patient is
positioned on the treatment table in the treatment position.
Sheets and blankets are available to provide privacy and
comfort. The shielding block for the first treatment field
is placed in the machine. The therapists confirm the position,
touch up the lines that outline the field, and then leave
the room. The machines are turned on for the appropriate
treatment dose and time.
Once
the treatment is completed, the therapists position the
machine for the next treatment field, and the process is
repeated until all fields have been treated. After the treatment
is completed for the day, the patient can dress and go home.
Once
a week, the radiation oncologist meets with the patient
to determine how well the patient is reacting to the treatment
and to answer questions from the patient or family. However,
if the patient develops a new problem during the week, the
radiation oncologist, nurse, or other designated person
is available to assist the patient.
What
are the side-effects of radiation therapy?
The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the area
of the body that is exposed to the radiation, as well as
the dose given. There are two common side effects among
most patients: fatigue and skin irritation. The fatigue
usually begins after several weeks of treatment and may
continue for 2 to 3 months afterward.
Skin
irritation occurs on the area of the body being treated,
whether the radiation is given superficially or deeply into
the body, and depends on the dose of radiation given. The
skin becomes red, dry, and itchy. Occasionally the skin
becomes blistered. The radiation oncologist provides the
patient with instructions for cleaning the skin and treating
the irritation when this occurs.
A
number of other side effects are possible and depend on
where the radiation is given. Hair loss may occur in the
field of radiation. If radiation is not being given to the
head, however, hair loss from the scalp does not occur.
If the treatment is to the mouth, throat, or neck, side
effects may include a sore mouth, dry mouth, and difficulty
swallowing. Treatment to the lung may irritate the lung
and esophagus, causing coughing and increased sputum production
as well as some difficulty swallowing. Treatment to the
abdomen may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Treatment
to the pelvis may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as
well as rectal, bladder, and vaginal irritation.
Most
of the side effects caused by radiation therapy resolve
within 4 to 6 weeks of completing treatment. Long-term effects
of treatment may include some permanent changes in the color
and elasticity of the skin in the treatment field. Other
changes depend on the site of treatment and the dose. These
effects are discussed by the radiation oncologist before
the start of any treatment.
Responsibilities
of the patient and family
To avoid delays in treatment and potential problems, the
patient and family have several responsibilities. The first
is to provide the radiation oncologist with an accurate
and detailed medical history, medication list, and allergy
list. If the patient has received any treatments for cancer
in the past, including radiation, chemotherapy, surgery,
or biological therapy, it is important to provide the radiation
oncologist with the name, address, and phone number of the
appropriate physician(s). Delays in obtaining outside records
can hamper the start of treatment.
The
second responsibility is a commitment to the treatment plan.
This includes arriving on time for appointments, not removing
the marks on the skin, and reporting side effects or other
problems that the patient may experience. The earlier a
new problem is identified, the sooner it can be managed
and, it is hoped, solved. This includes problems with insurance,
housing, transportation or employment, in addition to physical
side effects related to the treatment. It is also important
to try to follow recommendations for taking medications
and nutritional supplements. Following these recommendations
can help avoid a break in the treatment course, which can
have a negative impact on the desired outcome.
Is
radiation therapy expensive?
Treatment
of cancer with radiation can be costly. It requires very
complex equipment and the services of many health care professionals.
The exact cost of your radiation therapy will depend on
the type and number of treatments you need.
Most
health insurance policies, including Part B of Medicare,
cover charges for radiation therapy. In some states, the
Medicaid program may help you pay for treatments. You can
find out from the office that handles social services in
your city or county whether you are eligible for Medicaid
and whether your radiation therapy is a covered expense.
If
you need financial aid, contact the Cancer Information Service,
or the local office of the American Cancer Society. They
may be able to direct you to sources of help.
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