Radiation Therapy

Monitoring Treatment

Careful monitoring is critical to the success of your radiation therapy and is a vital component of the care you receive. Before your first treatment session, your radiation oncologist will meet with you to discuss the side effects that may be associated with your treatment and give you special instructions to follow. In general, you will be encouraged to get plenty of rest, maintain a balanced diet that will prevent weight loss and to continue with the regular activities of your life. You will also be given instructions for protecting the skin in your treatment area. These instructions include:

• Be gentle with the skin in or around the treated area.
• Use mild soap (not deodorant Soap) and pat dry. Do not rub!
• Do not use a heating pad, hot water bottle, heat lamp or ice pack on this area.
• Do not expose the treatment area to direct sunlight. If exposure can’t be avoided, use sunscreen for protection.
• Do not use lotions, powder or ointments on the treated area. If your skin becomes unusually dry or flaky, your doctor may prescribe a special cream.
• Always check with your doctor before using anything on the treated area of your skin.
    

During the course of treatment, you will be seen weekly by your radiation oncologist for a brief discussion and examination. This allows your radiation oncologist to continually check your progress. Weekly exams also provide an ideal opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss any side effects that you may be having. Progress notes are recorded weekly. Your physician may also order blood tests.

At the end or your treatment series, you will be referred back to your primary physician, who will work closely with your radiation oncologist to develop a program of follow-up care. You will need to have regular check-ups and, depending on your specific case, lab tests, X-rays and other diagnostic test may be needed to evaluate your condition.