How does radiation therapy proceed and what side effects can be expected?
October 5, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Marie Hahn
Dear Doctor,
My name is Babette Freudenberger and I was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. My treating physician has now recommended that I start radiation therapy to combat the tumor. Since I have no previous experience with this type of treatment, I would like to learn more about how radiation therapy works and what side effects I can expect.
I am very concerned about how the radiation therapy will affect my body and what impact it will have on my daily life. I wonder if I will be able to work during the treatment and if I will be able to continue with my daily activities such as sports or household chores. Additionally, I am worried about possible long-term effects of radiation therapy and how they may affect my quality of life.
Could you please explain in detail how radiation therapy is administered and what steps are involved? What side effects can be expected during treatment and how can they be best treated? Are there any specific precautions I should take during therapy to minimize side effects?
I thank you in advance for your help and guidance during this difficult time. Your information will help me better prepare for radiation therapy and approach the treatment with more confidence.
Sincerely,
Babette Freudenberger
Dear Ms. Freudenberger,
First of all, I would like to thank you for your trust and assure you that you are not alone with your questions and concerns. The diagnosis of lung cancer and the recommendation for radiation therapy can certainly be unsettling, but I am here to provide you with information and support.
Radiation therapy is a proven treatment method for various types of cancer, including lung cancer. The goal of radiation therapy is to destroy the tumor with high-energy radiation while minimizing damage to healthy tissue as much as possible. The treatment is delivered in multiple sessions spread out over a period of several weeks.
Usually, radiation therapy begins with a detailed planning phase, during which the exact position of the tumor in the body is determined using imaging techniques such as CT or MRI. An individualized radiation treatment plan is then created to ensure that the tumor is treated optimally.
During the actual radiation therapy, you will lie on a treatment table and be irradiated from outside with rays. The treatment itself is painless, lasts only a few minutes, and is usually done on a daily basis. The number of sessions depends on the size and location of the tumor.
Side effects of radiation therapy may occur as healthy tissue surrounding the tumor can also be affected by the radiation. The most common side effects include fatigue, skin reactions such as redness or itching, difficulty swallowing, nausea, diarrhea, or increased urination. These side effects are usually temporary and can be alleviated with medication or other supportive measures.
It is important to listen to your body during radiation therapy and rest adequately. If you feel tired or exhausted, it is advisable to take breaks and not overexert yourself. A healthy diet and adequate fluid intake can also help minimize side effects.
As for your question about working during radiation therapy, this depends on your individual health condition and the nature of your job. It is important to discuss this with your treating doctor and decide together if taking a break from work during treatment is advisable.
Long-term effects of radiation therapy are possible but rare. Possible long-term effects include tissue damage, inflammation, or scarring in the irradiated area. Your treating doctor will inform you about possible risks and long-term effects and help you take appropriate preventive measures.
In conclusion, I want to emphasize that you are not alone during radiation therapy. Your medical team will accompany you throughout the entire treatment period, answer your questions, and support you to the best of their ability. Please do not hesitate to share your worries and fears with them.
I wish you all the best for your upcoming radiation therapy and am always available for further questions.
Best regards,
Marie Hahn
