What to expect when starting radiotherapy presented by cancer care services. Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service. This presentation is a general overview of radiotherapy treatment.
Radiotherapy is available within the Adem Crosby Centre at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and this will be where you will attend for your treatment and any appointments with your doctor or nurse.
In addition to this presentation, you will also be able to talk to a nurse about your specific needs and concerns. Please pause this presentation at any time you need a break.
You may also find it useful to write down any questions or concerns you have. Keeping a journal of questions and answers can also be useful.
What is cancer? Cancer is a disease where cells start to grow and multiply uncontrollably. These cells grow into tumors or crowd out other cells in the blood and bone marrow, affecting normal cell growth. Cancer cells may have the ability to spread to different parts of the body.
What is radiotherapy? Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses radiation to damage cancer cells so they cannot grow or multiply. Radiotherapy is a localized treatment and affects the part of the body where the radiation is applied.
How is radiotherapy given? A machine called a linear accelerator (Linac).Your linac sends beams of radiation to the treatment area. The process is similar to having an X-ray and you will not see or feel the treatment. Although the machine may be noisy.
The type and amount of radiotherapy treatment you receive is different for everyone and this will depend on many different things:
- Your age.
- The type of cancer you have, other treatments you may receive.
- And if you have any other health problems.
Your doctor will explain the purpose of the radiotherapy and the expected benefits and risks of the treatment.
You will be involved in all decisions.
How often is your radiotherapy? Your doctor will prescribe a radiotherapy plan based on your specific requirements. This will determine the number of treatments you will receive. Radiotherapy is a daily treatment, from Monday to Friday and your appointment will be for 20 to 30 minutes.
Is the treatment working? Some people think that severe side effects mean the treatment is working well, or that no side effects mean that the treatment is not working.
The truth is that side effects have nothing to do with how well the treatment is fighting your cancer.
After treatment, your doctor may organize for you to have a follow up scan or blood tests.
Radiotherapy side effects. Your side effects will depend on the type, location and amount of treatment you are having. Your treating team will explain any side effects you can expect.
The two most common side effects for all radiotherapy treatments are fatigue and skin reaction.
A common side effect of radiotherapy is a skin reaction. Your skin may become dry, itchy or red. It'll become more sensitive to the sun, and you may sunburn more easily.
Tips for caring for your skin during treatment include using mild soaps such as Sorbolene, Dove Sensitive or Moogoo. Applying creams as instructed by your nursing team and being sun smart.
- Wear a hat.
- Keep the treatment area covered from the sun
- Avoid sunscreen as it can irritate the area.
Fatigue is a very common side effect of radiotherapy treatment. Fatigue is being tired physically, mentally and emotionally. Fatigue from radiotherapy can range from mild to extreme feeling of being tired even after a rest.
Managing fatigue. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Allow time for rest and relaxation.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise as tolerated. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family.
Who is involved in my care? Your radiation therapist will see you every day when you are having treatment. You will have a nursing review weekly and planned doctors appointments regularly during treatment.
These are good opportunities to ask questions. Your team are here to support you and your family through treatment.
There are many sources of support available to you before, during and after treatment. These include:
- Social work: provide practical and emotional support. Including counseling, financial distress, transport or accommodation.
- Psychology: can assist in managing difficult emotions and side effects.
- Dietitian and speech pathology: will provide nutritional support.
- Physiotherapy: will assist with body movement and function.
- Chaplaincy: will assist with religious and spiritual support if requested.
- An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison Officer can provide cultural, social and emotional support and referrals to other Indigenous services if required.
There are many non-government organisations that can provide you with support, such as the Leukemia Foundation, Bloomhill, Cancer Care, Cancer Council Queensland, Canteen and Wishlist.
Speak to your nurse about the best options for you.
It is common to have many different thoughts and feelings after a cancer diagnosis. This may include feeling upset, shocked, anxious, angry, guilty or alone.
Psychology services are available if you need help. There is no right or wrong way for you to feel.
Research suggests that exercise benefits most people during and after cancer treatment. Exercise has many benefits for your physical and mental wellbeing such as helping to manage some of the common side effects of treatment, improving your energy levels to help you cope with stress and anxiety.
There is little risk of exercise causing harm if care is taken and professional exercise advice is followed. Exercise physiology is available to assist you.
Ask your nurse or doctor for further information.
Sexuality is how we experience physical and emotional closeness. It is important to how we develop and maintain our intimate relationships which are associated with how we feel about ourselves and relate to others.
A cancer diagnosis and treatment can affect your sexuality and your ability to be intimate in both physical and emotional ways. Addressing any changes and challenges early on may help.
You are encouraged to discuss any concerns with your partner, doctor, nurse or psychologist.
Complementary and alternative medicines are often referred to as CAMS. These can include herbs, vitamins, supplements, dietary supplements and traditional medicines.
Most CAMS can be very beneficial, but a small number can interfere with your radiotherapy. Please talk to your treating team before starting any complementary alternative medicines, so we know what you are taking and can assist you to make more informed and safe choices.
Your general practitioner or GP is an important role throughout your cancer treatment. If you don't have a regular GP, you will need to choose one and advise us of their contact details.
Your GP is important for looking after your overall health, including health needs apart from your cancer, assisting with managing side effects of treatment, monitoring and ongoing care after treatment, and managing and providing scripts for non treatment related issues.
On your first day of treatment, you may feel anxious and overwhelmed. Your team will aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Some tips include wearing comfortable clothes, bring a support person with you, take all your normal medications and eat and drink as normal unless directed otherwise.
Car parking and transport while on treatment. You will have access to parking close to Adam Crosby Center via entrance gate six at Fraser Lane. You can request a hospital map at your planning appointment to assist you.
You will be provided with a car parking permit to use from day one of treatment. If you need assistance, organizing transport to and from treatment. Speak to your nurse about transport options.
You will have many questions that are important to you and your life. These are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Can I eat and drink before treatment?
Yes. You can eat and drink and take your regular medications as normal unless we advise you otherwise.
Can I work during treatment?
Some people can manage to work during treatment others may need to reduce their hours or take time off. We encourage you to talk to your treating team about your individual situation.
Can I drive myself to treatment?
Some treatments restrict the ability to drive. Your treatment team will discuss this with you if necessary. After a few weeks, you may need or prefer someone else to drive you if you're feeling tired.
Will I be radioactive?
No. Treatment does not make people radioactive. The X-ray stops when the machine is turned off. It is safe for you to interact as normal with those around you, including children and expectant mothers.
Can I smoke?
Smoking is not recommended as it can interfere with the effectiveness of treatment.
Can I drink alcohol?
Occasional alcohol in moderation is usually okay during treatment. Please speak to a nurse if you need assistance ceasing or reducing smoking and alcohol.
As a patient, you have the right to safe and high-quality health care. You also have the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and to be included in all decisions and choices about your care. The Australian Charter of Health Care Rights allows patients, consumers, families, carers and service providers to have a common understanding of the rights of people receiving healthcare.
It describes seven key rights of consumers and patients when interacting with health services and programs.
Choosing wisely encourages patients to ask questions about their healthcare we encourage our consumers to ask, What are the benefits? What are the risks? What are the alternatives? What if I do nothing? What are the delivery options?
Got questions? We're listening.
Ryan's Rule is a process to assist you and your family or carer to get help when you are concerned about your condition. If you feel your condition is getting worse, you're not doing as well as expected or not improving either you or your family or carer can request a Ryan's Rule clinical review. For more information about these, please speak to your nurse or doctor.
We hope this information will help you prepare for your treatment. We encourage you to ask questions and raise any concerns to help make your time in our service as easy as possible. If you would like further information, some online resources, we recommend:
