Radiation Therapy
Can the tumor still grow? With therapy? Without?
Will it shrink the tumor? Make it go away completely?
What exactly will the radiation do?
What can radiation cause? IE: Pagets disease:
Paget’s disease is also a non cancerous disease of the bone resulting in bone degeneration or the formation of bone spurs. The bones affected can become large and misshapen. It may also occur in bones that have been exposed to radiation therapy.
How can it (if it does) affect someone my moms age, with Osteoporosis, and who is taking Forteo for now? Any other medicine affected? Are the eyes affected?
How can it affect someone who has had skin cancer?
How about arthritis?
What to do before radiation treatment? Is eating/coffee allowed?
What are the benefits and risks of having radiation therapy?
How successful is this treatment when it is given for the type of cancer I have?
Are there other treatments for this type of cancer?
When will my radiation therapy begin?
How long will my radiation therapy last?
How will radiation therapy be given to me?
How often will I receive treatments and how long will each treatment session be?
Will I feel anything during treatment?
When will I be able to go home after the procedure?
Do I need any special care when I get home?
What tests will I have to see if treatment is working?
Will I need other treatment along with radiation therapy?
Is there anything I should do before treatment starts, such as visiting my dentist to have my teeth cleaned and cavities repaired?
I take another medicine for other health reasons. Will I be able to keep taking it during radiation therapy?
Can I take over the counter medicine during radiation therapy?
I’m taking vitamin/mineral and herbal supplements. Will I be able to take these during radiation therapy?
Should I eat before or after treatment?
Are there any special foods I should or shouldn’t eat?
Are there any activities I should avoid after radiation therapy?
How do I contact my radiation therapy and healthcare team after-hours?
What are the possible side effects from the radiation I will be receiving?
Are any of these side effects likely to be long-term or permanent?
How do I deal with these side effects?
Are there any side effects that I should see my healthcare team about or report right away?
Will the radiation therapy cause any blood-related effects (for example, bruising, anemia or infection)?
Can I have vaccinations (for example, a flu shot)?
Will having radiation therapy affect my feelings or emotions?
Should I avoid other people and pets during radiation therapy?
Which doctor will be responsible for my follow-up care?
How often do I have to see the doctor once radiation therapy is over?
Will I need to have tests after my treatment is over?
What kind of tests will I need and how often?
What should I watch for and report to my doctor?
How is my family doctor involved?
Is there anything we should watch for or be concerned about?
What stage of cancer?