Because cancer is different for each person, it will be good to work closely with your doctor and nurse to decide what is best for you.
Ask your doctor, nurse or others on the medical team supporting your journey all the questions you have. Do not be afraid to say you need to know more. Nothing you say will sound silly or strange to your doctor or nurse.
Understanding your condition and options will empower you to take control. It will be very difficult to make clear, informed decisions if you are confused, fearful, and lack the necessary information. Asking questions will help you to understand better the risks and potential side effects of your treatment options and alternatives.
If your doctor has recommended that you undergo radiation therapy (or radiotherapy, as it is also commonly called), here are some questions you might want to ask.
The answers are different for each patient. So it is all the more important for you to ask these questions.
Understanding your diagnosis, options for treatment, and what radiation therapy is all about will help you weigh the benefits and risks of undergoing radiotherapy. You need to know if this treatment is the only one available, if there are alternatives, or whether it is being combined with other forms of treatment.
As you make your decision to undergo radiotherapy, you will need to know what exactly it will involve and how it will affect you. Knowing the details will help you determine if you are prepared for any pain or discomfort, side effects, and any short-term or long-term risks. It will also help you and your family plan for caregiving during the treatment process. Ask the doctor to describe and explain the kind of radiation therapy that he is recommending and the treatment process.
As with most treatment, radiotherapy will have associated side effects. But there may be ways to deal with the discomfort or other effects. Find out from your doctor what you can do, such as what you should eat, or what you should not do. The information can be very useful for you and your family as they care for you through the treatment process, and help you to recover better and faster.
Even though you may have completed your treatment, there may be things you need to look out for and address in your journey through cancer. Knowing what may come next and what you need to do will help you prepare for and plan your follow-up. This will in turn improve your recovery process and help you regain your strength better. It is also important to understand any potential future risks and know what to look out for, so that you know when you should seek help.
POSTED IN | Cancer Treatments |
TAGS | cancer diagnosis, common side effects of cancer treatment, follow up care, radiotherapy (radiation therapy) |