Читать книгу The Cancer Directory - Dr. Daniel Rosy - Страница 112

Radiotherapy is often used to control symptoms in a palliative setting. In general, palliative care is aimed at improving your comfort and quality of life. Palliative radiotherapy is given in short bursts or sometimes as only a single treatment.

Radiotherapy can be very effective for pain relief, especially of that caused by bone metastases. Studies have shown that single treatments for pain can be as effective for many symptoms as a long drawn-out course requiring many hospital visits. If you are in any doubt as to the usefulness of radiotherapy for your symptoms, ask the oncologist, the radiographers or a palliative care consultant.

Here is a checklist of questions for the radiotherapist:

• What is the treatment being offered?

• When will the treatment be planned?

• How long will this take?

• When will the treatment start?

• How many treatments will I have and how long will each one last?

• Can I drive myself to treatments and, if so, where can I park my car?

• Can I stay in hospital or in a hostel nearby during my treatment period?

• Can I choose the time I will be treated each day?

• Are there any days that I will not be treated?

• What are the immediate side-effects and what should I do about them?

• Will it affect my fertility?

• Is there anything I should avoid, such as sunbathing, swimming or washing?

• When will I next see a doctor?

• What happens when I finish the course of treatment?

• Is there any support available if I am frightened or upset during treatment?