Frequently Asked Questions

Follow-up scans and your recovery will give you feedback regarding your progress.

No. Radiation treatments are painless.

This varies by individual. Ask your doctor at your first meeting.

Sometimes radiation treatment can cause headaches. If you experience a headache or a feeling of pressure, report your symptoms to your Radiation oncologist. You may be prescribed medications to help control pain.

There will be hair loss in the area targeted by the radiation. Your nurse and doctor will explain which areas will be affected by your radiation plan, and they will give you skin care instructions.

Not necessarily. Each breast cancer story is different because of variations in skin, genetics, breast size, and whether you had a mastectomy.

I exercise, don't smoke, and get regular mammograms. No one knows for sure why we get cancer. A strong family history of the disease is certainly a contributing factor. We can connect you with our cancer center, which has an amazing team that includes nutritionists and stress reduction specialists, and our oncology nurse navigator who will help you connect with any community resources available. Having the support to fight your cancer can go a long way in your recovery.

You will receive mammograms, MRIs, and scans according to your medical oncologist's and radiation oncologist’s suggestions.

This will vary with each patient. However, the best way to treat breast cancer with radiation is by administering a small dose each day to allow the regeneration of good cells. (approximately 1-4 weeks)

You will have access to our cancer center’s nutritionist for free counseling regarding your nutrition and health.

Pelvic skin irritation, increased bowel movements, gas and urinary changes are common. All of these conditions are treatable.

This depends on whether you have chemotherapy with your radiation or not. The lining of the bowel is very sensitive to radiation. Bowel changes are likely to occur during the 3rd or 4th week. If you are also receiving chemotherapy, bowel changes can occur during the 2nd or 3rd week. If you have bowel changes, your nurse will meet with you and discuss how to minimize the issue with a diet low in fiber, medications, and maintaining hydration.

When the bowel changes do occur, it helps to maintain a low-fiber diet, avoid foods that cause gas and cramps, and drink plenty of liquids to replace any fluids lost.

The answer will depend on your treatment plan and whether you are also receiving chemotherapy at the same time you receive your radiation. As a rule, you can continue working until either the bowel changes or fatigue limit you. Our nurse will meet with you during the first week of your radiation to design your physical and lifestyle approach to your radiation.

At the beginning of your treatments the nurse and doctor will discuss the goals of treatment with you. The more you know about treatment, the more relaxed you will be. Follow-up tests after your treatment will be outlined by your physician.

Skin irritation, vaginal discharge, increased bowel movements, gas, fatigue and urinary changes are common. All of these conditions are treatable.

Sometimes, when you have cancer and are going through treatment for cancer, your sexual drive will decrease. Intercourse may become uncomfortable and these symptoms may be reduced through the use of vaginal lubricants. The effects of radiation therapy on sexual and reproductive functions depend on which organs are treated. Before your treatment begins, ask your doctor about possible side effects and how long they might last.

You may not be able to prevent them, but you can treat them. We suggest two products that help: Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Udderly Smooth Cream.

The answer will depend on your treatment plan and whether you are also receiving chemotherapy. As a rule, you can continue working until either the bowel changes or fatigue limits you. Our nurse will meet with you during the first week of your radiation to design your physical and lifestyle approach to your radiation.

At the beginning of your treatments the nurse and doctor will discuss the goals of treatment with you. We understand that the more you know about treatment, the more relaxed you will be. Follow-up tests after your treatment, as well as planned visits with medical and radiation oncologists, will be outlined by your physician.

The initial tests usually performed are PET-CT scans, MRIs and other radiology exams. These tests will be done to assist in planning the course of your treatment.

Radiation in the mouth and throat areas can cause discomfort and pain when swallowing. We will stay closely in touch with you regarding the progression of your discomfort and will give you different levels of pain medication as needed.

Usually around 3-6 months after completion of radiation therapy, remembering that every individual is different.

Difficulty and pain with swallowing, leathery skin, and fatigue due to new cells regenerating.

The follow-up test is usually the same one you had to determine the extent of your disease and plan for radiation. This is performed after your radiation therapy is completed and will help in determining the effectiveness of your treatment.

The most common side effects are esophagitis (some discomfort with swallowing) and fatigue.

You will receive follow-up scans and close coordination with your oncology team to keep you apprised of your progress.

This is dependent on the area, size, and length of your treatment. Your nurse will help design a skin care plan to minimize any side effects that might occur. We suggest two products that help: Aquaphor Healing Ointment and Udderly Smooth Cream.

Radiation therapy to the chest may cause a cough and shortness of breath. These usually improve after treatment is over. Often breathing improves as the tumor decreases in size.

Each treatment is typically 1-3 minutes. Our doctors will let you know how many treatments you need when they see you at the consultation. The radiation therapists and doctors can explain to you how and where the radiation is being delivered.

Prostate cancer is very often fully curable. This depends on your pathology. Our doctors will be able to answer this for you at your consultation.

Yes, most men can continue working during treatments.

There is a possibility of erectile dysfunction. In the event this occurs, there are medications that can help.

Possible changes you may experience will relate to urination, bowel functions, and, as stated above, sexual function changes. These side effects can be very slight and return to normal on an individual basis.

Healthy nutrition, along with lifestyle changes such as minimizing stress as well as relaxation and exercise, can help prevent a recurrence. Our cancer centers offer resources to help guide you through these changes.

Dry skin, rashes, and itching are common side effects of cancer treatment. The side effects will only affect the portion of your skin being radiated. The effects will begin to show up 2-3 weeks into your treatment.

We suggest using Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Udderly Smooth Cream. We provide free samples, and you can also find these products online and at local drug stores.

Radiation therapy is highly effective in curing squamous and basal cell cancers, resulting in high cure rates.

No, radiation therapy does not hurt while it is being given. The side effects are minimal.

The healthy cells "fill in" and replace the cancer cells, resulting in an excellent cosmetic outcome, in most cases.