Radiotherapy Centers of Kentuckiana
What Radiation Side Effects Might I experience?
Many patients ask about nausea, as it is one of the most common symptoms for cancer patients, along with fatigue and loss of appetite. But it’s a symptom that can loom larger than others—especially given the importance of adequate nutrition and hydration in supporting the body’s natural healing capabilities. Luckily for patients undergoing radiation therapy, having side effects like nausea is far less common than for those undergoing chemotherapy. This is because chemotherapy affects the whole body, while radiation therapy is targeted on the specific part of the body for treatment. That said, when radiation therapy targets areas that are part of the gastrointestinal tract or when radiation is utilized in combination with chemotherapy, a patient is more likely to experience nausea.
Some foods can be better than others, and we have put together a guide about which foods to eat if radiation does cause nausea, which you can find here.
Another common question is whether or not someone who is receiving radiation will become radioactive as a side effect! Many people worry about hugging their loved ones, hanging out with their pets, or spending time with their children. The good news, is that with external beam therapy, patients are not radioactive after treatment, so it’s safe to give them a hug or let them pet your dog! If they’re receiving radiopharmaceutical therapy (brachytherapy), they need to be a bit more careful. If this is the case, they will receive instructions from their care team on any extra precautions that need to be taken. You can read more about this, as well as how to support a loved one with cancer, here.
Other Radiation Side Effects and Questions:
Does radiation therapy hurt?
The radiation treatments themselves don’t hurt, but the treatments can have side effects that cause discomfort throughout the course of treatment. We will make you as comfortable as we can before your treatment begins. There is an intercom in the treatment room, keeping communication with your radiation therapist open.
Will I lose my hair?
Radiation therapy typically does not cause hair loss, unless the beam is aimed at a body part that grows hair, like your scalp. Your treatment team can give you more information about what body changes to expect during radiation therapy.
Is it safe for me to be around my family, friends, and pets while I’m having radiation therapy?
If you’re receiving external beam radiation therapy like IGRT, IMRT, 3D conformal therapy, or stereotactic body radiation therapy, the answer is yes. You will not be radioactive after your treatment, so it’s safe for you to hug your kids and pet the dog. If you’re getting radiopharmaceutical therapy, you will have to be a little bit more careful. Your treatment team will provide you with a list of things to do to make sure all your loved ones stay safe.
How long does radiation treatment take?
A typical single radiation therapy session takes 10 to 15 minutes. The treatment may take a bit longer if we need to reposition you so the treatment beam is right on target. Stereotactic body radiation therapy sessions can be between 30 minutes and an hour long.
A course of IMRT or 3D-CRT is typically five days a week—Monday through Friday—for 5 to 9 weeks, depending on your tumor type and location. When radiation therapy is used for palliative care, the course of treatment is shorter, along the lines of 2 to 3 weeks. Stereotactic body radiation therapy delivers a higher dose of radiation and is given in one to five sessions over 1 to 10 days.
Does radiation cause nausea?
It can, but it doesn’t always. If your radiotherapy sessions are for treatment of the gastrointestinal tract (your mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines including your colon), liver, brain, or entire body, this may increase your risk of nausea. The size of the area being treated and the dose of radiation also determine the risk of nausea and vomiting. If you’re receiving chemotherapy and radiation (also known as chemoradiation) at the same time, you are more likely to get nausea. The good news is that there are very effective medications for treating nausea. If you’re experiencing this, ask your treatment team for recommendations.
What other side effects does radiation therapy have?
Does radiation affect your immune system?
Radiation therapy vs chemotherapy: What’s the difference?
Radiotherapy Centers of Kentuckiana is proud to have two state-of-the-art radiation oncology centers located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky. Both locations are fully equipped with free-standing buildings, dedicated parking, and a team of board-certified radiation oncologists ready to treat your case with the individual attention and care that you deserve.
Our patient-focused treatment planning and implementation is truly a team process, involving Board-certified radiation oncologists, physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, and nurses. We develop treatment programs tailored for every patient’s unique situation, while providing hope, understanding, and emotional support.
Our two radiation oncology centers come fully equipped with free-standing buildings, plentiful parking, and a number of local amenities for you or your caregivers to enjoy nearby. Our parking is located directly in front of our buildings, saving you the hassle of a difficult or long walk from your car to the treatment center.
Our cancer center in Jeffersonville, Indiana, is located just north of the Ohio river, off of I-65. Enjoy nearby eateries including Subway, Cluckers, Wrong Side 812, and more. Our Louisville cancer center is located southeast of the Ohio river and shares a building with First Urology. Nearby restaurants include Wild Eggs, Rafferty’s Restaurant & Bar, Ruth’s Christ Steak House, and more.
If you or someone that you know is looking for a radiation oncology center, contact one of our locations today to schedule an appointment. Our Jeffersonville, Illinois, location can be reached via phone at (812) 285-6000, and our Louisville, Kentucky, location can be reached via phone at (502) 409-9701. We’re here to provide you with the absolute best quality radiation oncology treatment in the greater Kentucky and Indiana areas.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you are referred for radiation therapy during your cancer care, you get to choose where to receive treatment. We are here to support and encourage you—call us today to schedule your first appointment with one of our radiation oncologists at the cancer center nearest to you.