Support
Articles that provide support for people who are having (or had) treatment with radiation therapy.
Nutrition During Cancer Treatment
An overview of nutrition concerns during cancer treatment, including diarrhea, poor appetite, mouth sores, constipation, nausea and weight gain/loss.
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is when you do not feel hungry or have no interest in eating. This can be a side effect of some treatments for cancer or from the cancer itself. This article offers tips for coping with a loss of appetite from cancer and cancer therapy.
Respiratory Motion Management Devices (Respiratory Gating, DIBH, Abdominal Compression, Surface Imaging)
This article will discuss the different devices used to manage respiratory motion during radiation therapy and what you can expect from each device. It will also explain why respiratory motion management is important.
Radiation Therapy Immobilization Devices
Immobilization devices are tools used to help you stay in the same position for all of your radiation treatments. In this article, we will discuss some of the commonly used custom and universal immobilization devices.
Radiation Therapy Thermoplastic Mask
If your treatment plan includes radiation therapy to your head, neck, or brain then you will likely need a thermoplastic mask for treatment. This article explains how the mask is made to fit your head and face for use during treatment.
Claustrophobia and Anxiety With Mask Use for Radiation Therapy
Claustrophobia and anxiety are common when a patient is receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. This article provides ways to help manage claustrophobia and anxiety.
Fractionation and Radiation
This article will describe the most common methods or ways of dividing your total radiation dose into fractions for your radiation treatment.
Radiation Therapy Tattoos
In this article, we will use pictures to explain the tattooing process. Tattoos allow your radiation treatment team to get you in the exact same position every day for treatment. Tattoos are small permanent marks given on the skin.
Fiducial Markers for Radiation Therapy
Fiducial markers are used to ensure that radiation is delivered to your tumor instead of the nearby healthy tissue. This article will describe how you can prepare for the fiducial marker procedure and what you can expect during and after the procedure.
Caring for Yourself During Radiation
Caring for yourself while having radiation to treat your cancer is important. Taking care of yourself will help you to manage better both physically and emotionally.
Skin Care During Radiation Therapy
Information about caring for your skin during radiation treatment.
Using Domeboro Solution for Radiation Therapy Skin Reactions
Your radiation care team may recommend using Domeboro solution compresses to care for a skin reaction.
Supplement Use During Radiation Therapy
Many cancer patients take supplements for a variety of reasons. However, some supplements can interfere with your cancer treatment. This article will help guide you regarding the use of supplements and the importance of notifying your provider of all over the counter medications, supplements, and vitamins that you are taking.
Pediatric General Anesthesia for Radiation Treatment
This article provides an overview of pediatric general anesthesia.
Implanted Cardiac Devices and Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy used to treat cancer can affect an implanted cardiac device. Your cardiology and radiation teams will work together to ensure that your treatment is safe and effective.
Resources for More Information: Radiation Therapy
The Internet can be a valuable resource for a patient who wants to find out more information about their disease and treatment. The websites listed below offer up to date information and resources.