Counseling Center646-888-0200 For example, if you’re able to exercise, you can go for a walk, do yoga, or ride a bike. Depending on where your cancer is, you will either lie down on a treatment table or sit in a special chair. As they travel through the body, photon beams scatter little bits of radiation along their path. Radiation therapy also affects normal cells. After you change, your radiation therapists will bring you to the simulation room and help you lie down on the table. You might find it comforting to talk with a cancer survivor or caregiver who has been through a similar treatment. And I'm glad you brought along your sister for support and to take notes. Dr. Ross: Arriving on time for all of your radiation therapy appointments. Want to use this content on your website or other digital platform? Let's listen in on a visit between Cara and her oncologist, Dr. Ross. Electron beams cannot travel very far through body tissues. Like 3-D conformal radiation, radiation beams are aimed at the tumor from several directions. Sign up for MyMSK to send your questions and receive answers to your most pressing concerns. The table will have a sheet on it, but it’s hard and has no cushion. IMRT uses many more smaller beams than 3-D conformal and the strength of the beams in some areas can be changed to give higher doses to certain parts of the tumor. If you’re having TSEB therapy, you will be standing on a platform that rotates. It is especially useful for skin disorders such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), because it can be highly effective as an anti-cancer strategy and have no effect on underlying tissues and organs. Electrons don’t go deep in your body. The therapist watches you on a TV screen or through a window and talks with you through a speaker in the treatment room. Before each follow-up appointment, write down your questions and concerns. Dr. Ross: A computer program is used to analyze the images and to design radiation beams that conform to the shape of the tumor. Anderson Cancer Center Why use electrons? The mask helps keep your head from moving so that you are in exactly the same position for each treatment. Pain, nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, or feeling depressed or anxious can increase your fatigue. Call for more information. Also, do not wear jewelry, adhesive bandages, or powder in the treatment area. We all have our own way of dealing with difficult situations. However, working less can help you have more energy. Choose clothes that are easy to take off, since you may need to expose the treatment area or change into a hospital gown. Talking can help the people around you know what you’re thinking. During your simulation, you will feel the table move into different positions. Your appetite might decrease while you’re receiving treatment. How is radiation therapy given? Patient and Caregiver Support Program212-639-5007 Your radiation oncologist can recommend physical therapy to prevent further stiffness. If you’re running low on any medication you need, tell your radiation oncologist before you run out. If you have an infection, you might need antibiotics. This is for your safety. Provides support and education to people affected by cancer. We can visit the treatment room later, if you're interested. If you don’t have a computer or if you don’t know how to use the Internet, check with your local public library or community center. Don’t shave in the treatment area. Try to keep doing your usual activities as best as you can. That's good to know. We will give you the resource. They can give you a prescription for medication to treat itchy skin. TSEB therapy is given 2 times a week over _________weeks. This program helps female patients who are dealing with cancer-related sexual health challenges, including premature menopause and fertility issues. It may be an option if surgery is too risky due to your age or other health problems or if the tumor cannot safely be reached with surgery. Therefore, the radiation beams cannot be targeted as precisely as they are in stereotactic radiosurgery. Radiation oncologist: _____________________ Many of the resources listed in this guide can be found on the Internet. After 5:00 pm, during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000 and ask for the radiation oncologist on call. Would you tell us how external beam radiation therapy works? Your body is then naturally able to get rid of the damaged cancer cells. Read through this resource before you start radiation therapy. The lights in the room will be turned on and off and you will see red laser lights on each wall. Write down the answers during your appointment so you can review them later. Generally, we use whatever has worked for us in the past. If you would like to reproduce some or all of this content, see Reuse of NCI Information for guidance about copyright and permissions. Apply moisturizer. Use only the moisturizers, creams, or lotions that you have discussed with your radiation oncologist or nurse. This information will help you get ready for electron beam radiation therapy to your skin at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). Think about the things you need to do or that are most important to you. Most people have treatment once a day, Monday through Friday. The American Cancer Society has resources about sexual health issues during cancer treatment. The patient sits or lies on a couch and an external source of ionizing radiation is pointed at a particular part of the body. Follow the guidelines below to care for your skin. Each type relies on a computer to analyze images of the tumor in order to calculate the most precise dose and treatment path possible. You can use deodorant on intact skin in the treatment area. What kind of late side effects should I expect after radiation treatment? Most of this time will be spent putting you in the correct position. Radiation beams used in external radiation therapy come from three types of particles: Most radiation therapy machines use photon beams. You will hear your radiation therapists talking to each other as they work, and they will talk to you to explain what they’re doing. It uses images from CT, MRI, and PET scans to precisely plan the treatment area, a process called simulation. You will be asked to state and spell your full name and birth date many times. These include the dose of radiation, the number of treatments, and your overall health. Unlike older technologies that use penetrating X-rays or strong, high-dose radioactive sources, the electron beam system used at Water’s Edge Dermatology protects healthy tissues. However, your body needs protein and calories. You may safely be around other people, even pregnant women, babies, and young children. Fatigue will gradually go away after your treatment is done, but it can last for several months. It may be an option when you cannot have surgery due to age, health problems, or the location of the tumor. For example, if you have cancer in your lung, you will have radiation only to your chest, not to your whole body. Your doctor might stop your treatment until your skin heals. Electron beam radiation therapy is a special type of radiotherapy that just penetrates the outer layers of the skin. If you’re having spot treatment, you will be lying in the same position that you were in during your simulation. Use warm water and a mild, unscented soap (such as Neutrogena. Eat your meals in a calm place. Cara: Apply it to your entire body. Drink plenty of liquids during warm weather. 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