RADIOTHERAPY
Radiotherapy (radiation therapy) is the treatment of cancer using ionizing radiation. The aim of radiotherapy is to kill cancer cells or prevent them from dividing and multiplying, while causing as little damage to normal tissue as possible. Radiotherapy is a local treatment method similar to surgical methods; It shows both its effect and side effects where it is applied.
Treatment Planning
Your Radiation Oncologist Doctor At your first meeting, he will tell you about the treatment and possible side effects and then ask you to sign a consent form confirming that you approve of the treatment. After your approval is received, the planning phase will begin.
In the phase called "planning", doctors direct the treatment by making the necessary drawings to ensure that diseased tissues are exposed to the most radiation and normal tissues are exposed to the least radiation. Making the treatment plan with computed tomography allows the determination of the areas with tumor and/or the most risky areas for the spread of the tumor, as well as the detection of normal tissues that need to be protected. For this procedure, first of all, an image of the area to be treated will be taken with computerized tomography at the Radiotherapy Department of Medical Park Bahçelievler Hospital.
Before Planning Tomography
During the tomography scan and subsequent treatment sessions, you will be asked to completely remove your upper clothing. For this reason, you will be given an apron to wear when passing from the changing cabin to the treatment room, and you will be asked to bring this apron with you throughout the treatment sessions.
Before tomography scans and all subsequent treatment sessions, your bladder and intestines must be completely emptied. You will then be asked to drink 500 ml of water. When you feel that your urine is stuck, a CT scan is performed. This process will be repeated before each treatment session. Having an empty intestine and a full bladder is intended to reduce the side effects of treatment that may occur.
When the tomography is taken, first the position you have to take in the device during the radiotherapy sessions is determined, and then the computerized tomography is taken in this position.
Rady In therapy sessions, the defined dose should be given in the most precise way, the rays should reach the right place in the body, the patient's position should not be disturbed throughout the treatment, the same position should be maintained in each treatment, and the patient's comfort should be ensured in the best possible way. For this reason, after your Radiotherapy Technician puts you on your back, he will ask you to put your hands together on your chest, and he will place a knee apparatus under your knees. Your Technician will assist you to ensure the correct position. You must take the same position in each treatment session.
During Planning Tomography
With the fixing system, you After the appropriate position is given, your tomography will be taken. During the shooting, the tomography table passes slowly through the device and you do not feel anything. You will be alone in the room, but your Radiotherapy Technician will always be watching you from behind the glass window. You need to stand still and breathe normally during the shooting. If you need anything urgently, please raise your hand and ask for help from your Radiotherapy Technician.
After Planning Tomography
Markings must be made on your skin in order to ensure that the target volume is irradiated under the same conditions from one radiotherapy session to the next. For this purpose, ink pens that do not come off easily are used, or an application called "tatuaj" that lasts much longer can be applied. For this reason, you must continue to lie still after the tomography scan and allow time for your Radiotherapy Technician to make markings. These signs should be needed until your treatment is finished. It is necessary to be careful not to remove these marks while washing. If there is any deletion, you must inform your Radiotherapy Technician. Please do not try to complete the erased marks yourself.
The amount of radiation required for your treatment is divided into small daily doses (fractions) to ensure the protection of normal tissues and cells.
Your doctor will determine the target volume and normal tissue with tomography sections. After making the determinations, he/she meets with the Dosimetrist and Medical Physics Engineer and determines how much dose will be given, how this dose will be given and how many sessions it will take. This planning phase usually takes 2-5 days. r.
The total treatment duration is generally 8 weeks. Unless stated otherwise, treatment will be daily from Monday to Friday. Although you stay in the treatment room for 15 - 30 minutes in each session, the radiation dose is delivered within 1 - 5 minutes.
You will not feel any pain during the radiotherapy sessions.
You will not emit radiation after leaving the device, There is no harm in coming into contact with others.
You do not need to come to treatment hungry. Continue taking the medications you used before during radiotherapy.
When you come to your first appointment, please seek advice. The staff at the information desk will direct you to the treatment room.
Just like in tomography, before each treatment you will need to empty your intestines and bladder and then drink 500 ml of water.
During Treatment
During treatment, you must remain still and breathe normally. Your Radiotherapy Technicians will help you take your position in the computerized planning tomography on the treatment table, the table will be moved slowly within the treatment machine, but the machine will not touch you.
The radiotherapy technician will leave the room before the beam is administered. However, you will be monitored externally through a monitor. Even if you are alone during the treatment, when you speak, your voice can be heard through the speaker and the technician can communicate with you.
Radiotherapy devices are quite large and can make noise as they rotate at different angles around the treatment area. At first, the size and noise of the devices may seem intimidating. It should not be forgotten that the devices are operated by the relevant technicians and their proper functioning is constantly checked. You can ask your technician or doctor any questions you want about the treatment room or devices.
Evaluation of Treatment
During the treatment, you will be monitored for side effects regularly by your Nurse or Radiation Oncologist. Possible side effects due to treatment are detected and, when necessary, efforts are made to reduce or prevent these undesirable effects with practical advice and medications. You can always ask about your situation. You can convey your concerns to your doctor or the nurses who follow you.
Side Effects Seen in Radiation Treatment
Side effects usually begin not in the first days, but in the following days, as the dose increases. It may not occur all the time and may vary from person to person. Additionally, it is only seen in the area where radiotherapy is applied. Possible side effects will be explained to you at the first meeting with our Radiation Oncologist. Doctors and Nurses will assist you throughout the treatment, do not hesitate to talk to them about your questions and problems.
Fatigue
Most patients feel tired within a few weeks after starting treatment. During radiotherapy, the body spends great energy to renew itself. The stress caused by your illness, combined with your commute during treatment and the effects of radiation, creates a feeling of weakness and fatigue. This situation gradually decreases after the completion of the treatment.
It is more appropriate to avoid strenuous activities during your treatment and restrict activities when you feel tired.
Skin Reaction
Generally, no serious skin reaction develops in lung cancer radiotherapy. You may notice that the skin texture in the treatment area becomes more reddish, darker, sensitive, or sunburned. Your Doctor or Nurse will make suggestions for the treatment of such disorders or itching complaints.
Change in Intestinal Habits
Changes in bowel habits may be observed during treatment. This usually occurs as straining while passing stool, and constipation and bleeding may occur in later periods.
Frequent Urination and Burning While Urinating
One of the most common side effects of radiation therapy is frequent urination and burning sensation while urinating. In this case, consult your Nurse and Doctor; Antibiotics will be given for urinary tract infection.
General Recommendations
Cleaning with warm water and soap. do not use shower gel, bath oils or bubble bath on the area to be treated, oval Avoid picking, scrubbing and scratching. Hair removal cream, wax, talcum powder, etc. Do not use on the treated area. There is no harm in using them on areas of your body outside the treatment area.
Protect your skin in this area from sun exposure during your treatment and for at least 1 year after the end of treatment. If you have to go out in the sun, protect the area with light, non-constricting clothing. Get recommendations from your doctor or nurse for sunscreen creams.
During the treatment, never go to swimming pools, the sea, sauna or Turkish bath until the side effects are gone.
Care should be taken to consume 1.5 - 2 liters of liquid per day. and the consumption of the following beverages should be reduced:
Caffeinated beverages (such as tea, coffee, cola)
Very cold and hot beverages
Acidic fruits and fruit juices
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Alcohol
Energy drinks
Milk and special probiotic supplements
If possible, you should consume liquid every hour.
If diarrhea develops, vegetables and fibrous foods should be avoided. In addition, it may be useful to stay away from raw vegetables, legume dishes and soups, hot and intense spices, and vegetables that accelerate the intestines even though they are cooked, such as spinach and purslane.
If your diarrhea does not stop with diet, inform your Nurse and Doctor about this situation and arrange the necessary prescription.
After Treatment
After your treatment is over, the side effects of radiotherapy last for 7 to 10 days. can reach the top. The severity of side effects that occur during this period may increase, and may even occur after the treatment is completed, even if no side effects are observed during the treatment. Most of these side effects will improve within a few months after treatment.
Do not forget to make an appointment for a follow-up examination 2 months after the last day of treatment. If the side effects are severe, do not hesitate to consult your Radiation Oncologist again within 1 week.
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