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Radiation Treatments

Before each external treatment you will need to change into a hospital gown. Wear soft comfortable clothing to make easier to undress. External radiation treatments are painless. You will not feel or see the radiation. The therapists will assist you onto the treatment table and position you with the supports or body forms made during simulation. The marks and tattoos made during simulation are also used to line up the treatment site like a target area. The table you are lying on will be moved several times in order to obtain the correct position.

The therapists may put special shields, called blocks, between you and the machine to prevent radiation from affecting certain areas of the body. These blocks help protect normal tissues and organs.

You may breathe normally during the treatment but it is important to remain very still so the radiation is given to the correct site. Once you are positioned correctly, the therapists will go to the control room located next to the treatment room. The therapists can hear you and speak to you on an intercom and they can see you on a TV monitor. If pain or illness makes it difficult for you lie still during the treatment, notify the therapist so your doctor or nurse can provide medical care or assistance to help you. Sometimes medication is ordered before the treatment to help you feel more comfortable on the treatment table.

A single radiation treatment is usually given in divided doses with the machine positioned at different angles. For each position, the therapist will stop the machine and move the table or change blocks. When the radiation is being given you will hear the machine making a buzzing or humming sound. The machine is only turned on for one to two minutes. You will be in the treatment room for about 10 to 20 minutes. The very first treatment may take longer because the therapists are setting up the treatment for the first time. After that your treatment time will be shorter.

After treatment you will change back into your clothes and you may leave. You are not radioactive and will not pass radiation on to anyone else. You may resume your normal activities after treatment unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise. Any side effects from radiation usually start about the second week of treatment.