The following questions may assist you with your discussions with your radiation oncologist should you need radiation therapy.
- What type and stage of bowel cancer do I have?
- What is the purpose of radiation treatment for my type of bowel cancer?
- What areas of my body will be treated with radiation?
- How will the radiation therapy be given? Will it be external beam or brachytherapy (the placement of radioactive sources in or just next to a tumour)? What do the treatments feel like?
- Can you explain the terms 3D-CRT (3 dimensional conformal radiation therapy), IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy), IGRT (image guided radiation therapy) and indicate which of these technical terms would apply to me?
- Can you explain the term SIRT (Selective Internal Radiation Therapy) and indicate if this treatment option is available to me?
- If so, can SIRT be given in conjunction with chemotherapy?
- For how many weeks will I receive radiation? How many treatments will I receive per week?
- What are the chances that radiation therapy will work?
- Can I participate in a clinical trial? If so, what is the trial testing? What are my benefits and risks?
- What is the chance that the cancer will spread or come back if I do not have radiation therapy?
- How will I feel after the treatments?
- Will I be able to work?
- Will I be able to take care of my family?
- Will I be able to drive my car?
- What are the side effects of radiation?
- Is there anything I can do to lessen the side effects?
- Can I eat or drink anything I want during the weeks I have radiation?
- Can I drink alcohol?
- Will I need chemotherapy, surgery, or any other treatments in conjunction with radiotherapy? If so, in what order will I receive these treatments?
- How soon after radiation therapy can I start receiving other treatments? Can I receive several treatments at the same time?
- What are some of the support groups I can turn to during treatment?
- If I have questions after I leave here, who can I call? Number to call?
- Will radiation therapy affect my ability to have children?
- What is the cost of radiotherapy? Is it covered by Medicare?
Questions to ask during radiotherapy
- How can I expect to feel during treatment and in the weeks following radiation therapy?
- Can I drive myself to and from the treatment facility?
- Will I be able to continue my normal activities?
- What side effects may occur from the radiation and how are they managed?
- Do I need a special diet during or after my treatment?
- Can I exercise?
- Can I engage in sexual activity?
- Can I drink alcohol?
- Will side effects change my appearance? If so, will the changes be permanent or temporary? If temporary, how long will they last?
- Is it safe to take vitamins during treatment?
- Who should I call and what are the reasons that I should call at night or on a weekend if necessary? Number to call?
Questions to ask about radiation therapy-related side effects
- Is there any way I can anticipate what my radiation therapy side effects will be?
- Will the side effects be debilitating?
- Will I be able to take multi-vitamins during radiotherapy?
- How will the side effects affect my bowel movements?
- Will I experience any pain?
- Will I experience any nausea/vomiting?
- Can we safeguard against the onset of the nausea/vomiting?
- Will I lose my appetite? How can this be remedied?
- Will I experience any skin irritations Will they be permanent or temporary? If temporary, for how long?
- Can I control the side effects with any medications?
- Can I control the side effects with a change in my diet?
- How should I care for the skin that is exposed to radiation? May I bathe?
Questions to ask after radiation therapy
- How and when will you know if I am cured of cancer?
- What are the reasons that I should call you after my treatment ends?
- What are the chances that the cancer will come back?
- How soon can I go back to my regular activities? Work? Sexual activity? Aerobic exercise?
- How often do I need to return for check-ups?
- Are there any additional side effects I should look for? How should I manage them?