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If You Are Having Radiation Therapy

Questions for the doctor

  • What's the goal of this treatment?
  • How will the radiation therapy 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?
  • Who do I contact for side effects? Is there a different contact number after office hours and on weekends and holidays?
  • Are there late side effects I need to know about?
  • How long will it take me to recover from the side effects of treatment?
  • Will this treatment affect my ability to have children?
  • 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? Do you have someone you can recommend?
  • 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?
Find a doctor or make an appointment: 866-867-3627
General Information: 314-747-3000
Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University Physicians
One Barnes-Jewish Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63110
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