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    Cancer

    If You Are Having Radiation Therapy

    Questions for the healthcare provider

    • What's the goal of this treatment?

    • How will the radiation be given? Internal or external radiation?

    • Will I also need other treatment, like chemotherapy or surgery?

    • If so, in what order will the different treatments be given?

    • How many radiation treatments will I get? Over what period of time?

    • What happens if I have to miss a treatment?

    • Where will I get treatment?

    • When will radiation start? When will it end?

    • How will I feel during radiation?

    • How long will radiation take each day?

    • Will I be able to carry on my normal activities?

    • Will there be limits on what I can do, such as working or exercising?

    • How long does it take after the simulation scan to start treatment?

    • Do I need to be on a skin care regimen during treatment?

    • Can I drive myself to treatments or do I need someone to bring me?

    • What are the possible short-term and long-term side effects I should watch for? What side effects should I report? 

    • Are there late side effects I need to know about?

    • How long will it take me to recover from the side effects of treatment?

    • What are the chances treatment will work?

    • How will we know if it's working?

    • Are there any other treatment choices we should talk about? 

    • What can I do to get ready for treatment and to take care of myself during treatment?

    • Are there any clinical trials that I should think about?

    • Does my insurance cover the treatments? Do I have a copay?

    • Can I be near children or pets while getting radiation? 

    • Are there other types of radiation therapy that may work for my cancer? 

    • Does this center offer the latest technology or methods for radiation treatment? 

    • Have you and your team treated my kind of cancer before?

    • Should I get a second opinion?

    • May I use complementary or alternative therapies during radiation?

    • Can I take all my usual medicines during treatment?

    • Should I change my diet during radiation therapy?

    • Where can I learn more about radiation therapy?

    Online Medical Reviewer: Akash D Parekh MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
    Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
    Date Last Reviewed: 6/1/2023
    © 2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
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