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Radioactive Treatment for Cancer

Radiation therapy is a form of treatment for many cancer patients. Instead of taking chemicals as in chemotherapy, radiation therapy involves targeting a specific tumor and blasting it with radiation until it shrinks, all the while sparing surrounding tissue from any real damage. Understanding what's involved with radiation therapy and preparing for it before and after can ease the procedure.

  1. Education

    • It always helps to educate yourself in whatever treatments you will be going through. For external radiation therapy, you would most likely receive a radiation beam that is targeted to the tumor's specific location. This is a painless procedure. In systemic therapy, you would take radioactive material orally or have it injected into your system, much like chemotherapy. For internal therapy, radioactive materials are placed next to a tumor via a catheter or surgical procedure and left there for a number of days or weeks.

      Also, it is important to know that you will not become radioactive while receiving therapy. However, if you receive internal therapy, you may be cautioned not to expose the treated area to people, especially during the onset.

    Preparing for Therapy

    • By understanding which type of therapy you are going through, you can better prepare yourself. External therapy sessions are two or three times a week and require you to keep still. It is best to wear loose-fitting clothing during treatment days. Internal therapy might require an overnight stay, since they have to put a catheter in you to deliver radioactive materials. You might also feel a little uncomfortable depending on the location, so wear loose clothing around that area or give fair warning to loved ones who like to hug. If systemic therapy requires shots, keep your arms clean and be wary of any dietary adjustments that may need to be made.

    Post Therapy

    • Radiation therapy also has its side effects that you really need to pay attention to. Fatigue is a huge one, so get plenty of rest before and after treatments. You need to inform your doctor for certain side effects like blistering or big rashes in the treated area. Most developments can be treated with mild soap and lukewarm water.

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