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
In the first meeting with your Radiation Oncologist Doctor, he will tell you about the treatment and possible side effects and then confirm that you approve the treatment. will ask you to sign a consent form. 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 a gown to wear when passing from the changing cabin to the treatment room, and you will be asked to bring this gown with you throughout the treatment sessions.
First of all, your position in the device during the radiotherapy sessions is determined, and then a computed tomography is taken in this position.
Stabilization systems will be used during the treatment to ensure that the dose defined in the radiotherapy sessions is given in the most precise way and that the rays reach the right place in the body, that the patient's position is not disturbed throughout the treatment and that the same position is maintained in each treatment, and that the patient's comfort is ensured in the best possible way. For this reason, a breast stabilizer will be used during the treatment.
The breast stabilizer prevents unwanted folds and prevents unwanted folds by keeping the patient's breast in the desired position during the treatment. Allows n to be withdrawn from the treatment area. It also reduces the radiation dose that may affect the patient's lungs and heart. It consists of a head pillow and head elevator, and arm and hip stabilizer parts.
During Planning Tomography
After you are given the appropriate position with the fixation system, 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.
Treatment
The amount of radiation required for your treatment is small per day It is divided into doses (fractions) to ensure that normal tissues and cells are protected.
After determining the target volume and normal tissue with tomography sections, your doctor will consult with the Dosimetrist and Medical Physics Engineer to determine how much dose will be given, how this dose will be given and how much. determines how long the session will last. This planning phase generally takes 2-5 days.
The total treatment duration is generally 5-6 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 given within 1 - 5 minutes.
Radiotherapy You will not feel any pain during the treatment.
You will not emit radiation after leaving the device, there is no harm in contacting others.
You do not need to come to the 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 desk will direct you to the treatment room.
During Treatment
It is normal for you to remain still during the treatment. You need to breathe. 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 the technician or your doctor any questions you want to ask about the treatment room or devices.
Evaluation of the Treatment
During the treatment, you will be consulted regularly by a Nurse or Radiation Oncologist. Your impact is monitored. 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 convey your questions and concerns about your condition 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.
Radiation therapy to the breast area does not cause hair loss.
Side effects will be explained to you at the first meeting with your Radiation Oncologist. It will happen. Doctors and nurses will assist you throughout the treatment, do not hesitate to talk to them about your questions and problems.
Possible short-term side effects:
Fatigue
Sensitive skin
Shape changes in the breast
Pain and tenderness in the treatment area
Fatigue
Most patients experience fatigue 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
You may notice that the skin texture in the treatment area becomes more reddish, darker, sensitive, or sunburnt. Drying of the skin may occur within a few weeks after treatment begins. Your doctor will make recommendations for the treatment of this type of discomfort or itching-like complaints. In some types of radiotherapy, skin moisture and hypersensitivity may develop. This is especially seen in areas where there are skin folds. If such a situation develops, be sure to inform your Doctor or Nurse.
Shape changes in the breast
During the treatment, the shape and size of the breast may change. After the treatment is completed, it may take a few months for the breast shape to return to its previous state. Sometimes these changes can be permanent. In the mastectomized breast, there is a possibility of some mild swelling along the scar. This swelling gradually disappears towards the end of the treatment.
Occasional Pain
Treatment You may experience pain in your breast during the treatment, but the pain generally disappears after the treatment. The pain you feel in your muscles and ribs in the treatment area depends on the surgery you had and may take longer to resolve.
Skin care after radiotherapy: Different reactions may occur in each person after radiotherapy. Suggestions for you individually
If a cream is recommended for you to protect your skin, do not use it within 2 hours before and after the treatment.
After the treatment is completed, you can expect your skin to heal within 2 weeks. If there is a reaction on the skin, sometimes this healing process may take longer.
Problems that may be seen in the first 10 days after the treatment is finished
If your skin has a reaction during the treatment, it may get a little worse.
Even if there is no reaction on the skin during the treatment, a reaction may occur after the treatment.
Mild Skin Reaction
After the treatment is finished, your skin may become dry, red and itchy. Never use deodorant or cosmetics. You can continue using the creams you apply throughout the treatment.
After the skin reaction subsides, continue using moisturizer to relieve dryness. Do not use perfumed soaps or lotions until your skin recovers. When your skin heals, you can use your daily use of talcum powder, epilation cream, razor, etc.
Severe Skin Reaction
If a severe reaction occurs on your skin, dressing is required. After the treatment, you will be given recommendations about which creams you should use and how to apply them.
Long-Term Skin Care
You must protect your skin from sunlight with sunscreen or clothing after treatment (at least 1 year). After the treatment, radiotherapy scars will decrease and your skin will regain its previous color, but your breast may become tighter and smaller compared to before the treatment.
Control Examinations
If a serious reaction occurs on the skin, it will be in your best interest to come for a check-up 1 week after the end of the treatment. After the treatment, you need to have follow-up examinations by Oncology Doctors at 3-month intervals in the first 2 years, and at 6-month intervals in the next 3 years.
With Breast Cancer. Coping
A breast cancer diagnosis can bring special concerns. Getting psychological support during this process will help you cope with the emotional state that may occur during the process.
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