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What is radiation therapy?
Radiation
therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses high levels of radiation to kill
cancer cells or keep them from growing and dividing — while minimizing damage
to healthy cells. When used for breast cancer treatment, radiation is delivered to the affected breast and, in some cases, to the
lymph nodes under the arm or at the collarbone.
When is radiation therapy given for breast cancer?
Radiation
therapy is usually given after a lumpectomy and sometimes after a mastectomy to
reduce your risk of local recurrence of breast cancer. The treatments
generally start several weeks after surgery so the area has some time to
heal. If your doctor recommends adjuvant chemotherapy with radiation therapy,
chemotherapy might be given before you start radiation therapy.
Once radiation therapy treatments start, you can expect to receive small
daily doses of radiation over a period of several days to several weeks.
Will my other breast be affected by radiation during treatments?
The key to successful treatment is providing the maximum dose of radiation to
the tumor and the minimal dose to the surrounding normal tissue.
What happens on treatment days?
The
radiation therapist will escort you into the treatment room. The therapist will
help you onto the treatment table and help place you in the correct treatment
position. Once the therapist is sure you are positioned correctly, he or she
will leave the room and start the radiation treatment.
You will be under constant observation during the treatment. Cameras and an
intercom are in the treatment room, so the therapist can always see and hear
you. If you should have a problem, you can let the therapist know. It is very
important that you remain still and relaxed during the treatment.
The therapist will be in and out of the room to reposition the machine and
change your position. The treatment machine will not touch you and you will feel
nothing during the treatment. Once your treatment is complete, the therapist
will help you off of the treatment table.
How will the radiation therapist know I am in the correct position?
An
X-ray, also known as a “port film,” will be taken by the radiation
therapist on the first day of treatment and about every week thereafter.
Port films verify that you are being positioned accurately during your
treatments.
Port films do not provide diagnostic information, so radiation therapists
cannot learn about your progress from these films. However, port films are
important to help the therapists maintain precision in your treatment.
How can my family members learn about my treatments?
On
the first day of your treatment, your family is encouraged to meet the radiation
therapist who will show them the treatment machine and answer any questions.
Family members are also welcome to wait in the waiting area during your
visits once a week with your doctor. Your family will be encouraged to join
you after the doctor and nurse examine you. This will give them an opportunity
to ask questions.
Will my diet make a difference on the effect of my treatment?
Yes.
Good nutrition is an important part of recovering from the side effects of
radiation therapy. When you are eating well, you have the energy to do the
activities you want to do, and your body is able to heal and fight infection.
Most importantly, good nutrition can give you a sense of well-being. Since
eating when you don’t feel well can be difficult, a dietitian can work with
you. The dietitian is available to help you maintain good nutrition during your
radiation therapy.
Side effects
How will radiation therapy affect my skin?
During
your treatment, radiation must pass through your skin. You might notice some skin
changes in the area exposed to radiation. Your skin might become red, swollen,
warm, and sensitive — as if you had a sunburn. It might peel or become moist and
tender. Depending on the dose of radiation you receive, you might notice a loss of
hair or decreased perspiration within the treated area.
These skin reactions are common and temporary. They will subside gradually
within four to six weeks of completing treatment. If skin changes appear outside the
treated area, inform your doctor or primary nurse.
Long-term side effects, which can last up to a year or longer after
treatment, might include a slight darkening of the skin, enlarged pores on the
breast, increased or decreased sensitivity of the skin, a thickening of breast
tissue or skin, and a change in the size of the breast.
How can I reduce skin reactions caused by radiation therapy?
Gently
cleanse the treated area using lukewarm water and a mild soap such as Ivory,
Dove, Neutrogena, Basis, Castille, or Aveeno Oatmeal Soap. In addition:
- Do not rub your skin. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel or use a hair
dryer on a cool setting.
- Do not scratch or rub the treated area.
- Do not apply any ointment, cream, lotion, or powder to the treated area
unless your radiation oncologist or nurse has prescribed it for you.
- Do not apply cosmetics, shaving lotions, perfumes, or deodorants on the
treated area.
- Use only an electric razor if you need to shave within the treated area.
- Do not wear tight-fitting clothing or clothes made from harsh fabrics such
as wool or corduroy. These fabrics can irritate the skin. Instead, choose
clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton.
- Do not apply medical tape or bandages to the treated area.
- Do not expose the treated area to extreme heat or cold. Avoid using an
electric heating pad, hot water bottle, or ice pack.
- Do not expose the treated area to direct sunlight. Sun exposure might
intensify your skin reaction and lead to severe sunburn. Choose a sunblock/sunscreen
of SPF 15 or higher. Protect yourself from direct sunlight even after your
course of treatment has been completed.
Why are there marks on my skin?
Small
marks resembling freckles will be tattooed on your skin along the treatment area
by the radiation therapist. These marks provide a permanent outline of your
treatment area. Do not try to wash these marks off or retouch them if they fade.
The therapist will remark the treatment area when necessary.
Will radiation therapy make me tired?
Everyone
has a different level of energy, so radiation treatment will affect each patient
differently. Patients frequently experience fatigue after several weeks of
treatment. For most patients, this fatigue is mild. However, a loss of energy
might require some patients to change their daily routine.
If your doctor thinks it might be necessary for you to limit your activity, he
or she will discuss it with you.
To minimize fatigue while you are receiving radiation treatment:
- Be sure to get enough rest.
- Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet.
- Pace your activities and plan frequent rest periods.
Who can I contact if I have personal concerns about my treatment?
Generally,
a social worker will be available to help you during your course of treatment.
The social worker can discuss any emotional issues or other concerns about
your treatment or your personal situation. The social worker can also discuss
housing or transportation needs if necessary.
The social worker will provide information about appropriate resources as
well.
Support groups
People dealing with
certain medical issues find it helpful to share experiences with others in the
same situation. Your doctor can provide a list of support groups if you are
interested. Your social worker can provide additional information about more
support groups that might be of value to you.
Follow-up care
After your radiation
therapy sessions are complete, you will visit your doctor for periodic follow-up
exams and diagnostic X-rays. Your doctor will tell you how often to schedule
your follow-up appointments.
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