When undergoing external beam radiation therapy, you will be positioned on the treatment table for each session. During this time, while being treated, you will not feel the radiation, similar to getting an X-ray. Radiation treatments are typically short, lasting only a few minutes. In order to account for check-in, positioning and advanced imaging, which may be required for your treatment, appointment times each day may consist of 30-45 minutes in the department. Once the radiation treatment is complete you will not be “radioactive” and do not retain any of the radiation. You will have no limitations regarding contact with other individuals.
Typically, radiation treatments are delivered 5 days a week, Monday-Friday, unless emergency treatments need to be delivered over a weekend. The total number of treatments you will need is dependent upon many variables, which your doctor will discuss with you.
While you are receiving radiation, the therapists will be monitoring you continuously. The machine may make some noises that sound like clicking or whirring, but that may simply be the equipment or a periodic film taken to make sure that your treatment remains accurate. The machine can be stopped at any time if you are feeling ill or uncomfortable.
If an immobilization device was made during simulation, it will be used during every treatment to make sure that you are in the exact same position every day. As you go through treatment, your doctor will monitor your daily treatments and make adjustments if necessary. Sometimes blood tests, X-ray examinations and other tests may be helpful to see how your body is responding to treatment. Usually each radiation treatment will be the same time each day unless you need to reschedule treatment on a given day.
Rarely do patients notice any actually side effects when the radiation beam is on, but treatment may lead to side effects. Side effects are different depending upon what many factors, some of which are on this website based upon where radiation is given. However, speak with your doctor to understand more about what you should expect for side effects of your treatment.
Sometimes a course of treatment is interrupted for a day or more. This may happen if you develop side effects that require a break in treatment. These missed treatments may be made up by adding treatments at the end. However, if you’re not feeling well enough to come in for treatment, please call us rather than just cancel so we can determine how best to help you recover more quickly.
