CRCC Frequently Asked Questions

Generally no. Essentially, all potential side effects from the therapy will be limited to the area being treated. For example, if we are treating a lung cancer, you would not lose your hair or become sick to your stomach. You may, however, develop heartburn or discomfort upon swallowing due to the radiation affecting the esophagus (the swallowing tube).

Patients who have radiation treatment to the scalp will have their hair fall out after about 12 or 13 therapy treatments. It will begin to grow back after two to three months. Patients who are treated for brain tumors will not have regrowth of hair. Those who have radiation to face or neck will have their beards stop growing if these areas are treated for five or more weeks. The beard will not regrow. Also, if the abdominal or pubic area is treated for five or six weeks, the bodily hair will fall out but will generally regrow after several months

Radiation affects only the area which is treated. Patients who receive treatment to the upper abdominal area (the region just below the bottom of the breastbone) may develop nausea and sometimes vomiting. Medications can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. Ask your doctor for help if you develop symptoms.

Diarrhea is a symptom in some patients who have the pelvis treated. Women with cancer of the female organs and men with prostate cancer may develop diarrhea. It may be alleviated by diet and medication. Ask your doctor if you need help.

Not necessarily. This will depend on the area being treated, the expected side effects and their severity. Many patients experience very little change and continue their usual daily tasks and leisure activities. Try to continue doing things you enjoy. Pace your activities in accordance with your energy level.

Fatigue is common during the course of radiation therapy. Your body uses extra energy while you are undergoing treatment. Traveling daily, receiving chemotherapy prior to starting radiotherapy and combining chemotherapy with radiation treatments are other factors causing you to feel extra tired. You may find your energy level down and that you require additional rest.

Most patients will return to the radiation oncologist for a follow-up visit in two to four weeks post treatment. Usually your referring physician will continue your follow-up care.

We will usually wait about four to six weeks after the completion of the radiation treatments before obtaining repeat diagnostic x-rays. That is because the effects of the radiation on the cancer lasts that long. We really don't see the final effects of the treatment for at least four to six weeks after the treatments are completed.

If you have symptoms from your disease (i.e., pain) these normally improve during treatment. We must recognize, however, the full benefits of your treatment may not be realized until several weeks after completion of treatment. Everyone responds somewhat differently, but essentially, everyone responds to a significant degree.

X-rays taken in our department are to assure the quality of your treatment. These x-rays confirm that the radiation beams are treating (focused on) precisely the right area.

No. As noted above, the x-rays insure that the radiation beams are encompassing the target. We order diagnostic studies to determine tumor shrinkage.

Weight loss generally means your body is burning up reserves faster than they are being replaced. This condition creates physical stress and weakness. We need your body to work with us in the progress of killing cancer cells and removing them from your body. If you are under physical stress and losing weight, your body cannot do its best in promoting the positive effects of the radiation. Gaining weight may require slight adjustments to your treatment plan, and these can be made without compromising your treatment. If you are below your normal weight, we would like to see you gain back to this weight.