“How can I prepare for radiotherapy?”

To prepare for radiotherapy:

Consult with your oncologist or radiation oncologist.
Ask questions and gather information about the treatment.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Inform your healthcare team about all medications you're taking.
Arrange transportation for regular treatment sessions.
Seek emotional support from family, friends, or support groups.
Prepare for potential side effects and follow instructions from your healthcare team.
Wear loose-fitting, metal-free clothing to sessions.
Take care of your emotional well-being through relaxation techniques or counseling.
Remember to consult your healthcare team for personalized instructions. To learn more, connect with me at drjeromepuryear.com. Thank you!

Preparation for radiation is generally minimal. However, if recommended, it is usually dictated by the site of disease and, necessarily, the adjacent normal structures (organs in close proximity to the site of treatment). For example, in the setting of radiation for prostate cancer, there are specific instructions for bladder and rectal preparation. For patients undergoing radiation to, or target sites close to, the stomach; an antiemetic (a medication to prevent nausea/vomiting) is usually prescribed. The patient is then advised to take this medication prior to radiation as a prophylactic measure. Your Radiation Oncology team will/should provide you with detailed pre-radiation preparatory instructions correlating to the cancer site that will be treated, if applicable.