What Happens During Your First Radiation Therapy Session

Starting radiation therapy can be tough. You may feel anxious or unsure about what will happen during treatment. You might even feel scared about it.That feeling is completely normal. Here is something important to know. Your first radiation therapy session is carefully planned to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the process. Let us walk through it together so you know what to expect.

Before Your First Session: It Starts With Planning

• Your first visit is not the radiation therapy treatment itself. It is all about preparation for radiation therapy.
• During this visit your doctor will explain everything about radiation therapy. Take your consent to begin radiation therapy treatment.
• Then comes an important step for radiation therapy. A planning CT scan is done to understand where the radiation therapy treatment needs to be given.
• You will also be taken to a room where a custom mould or mask is made for you for radiation therapy. This might sound unfamiliar. It is actually quite simple for radiation therapy.
• It helps you stay in the position every day so the radiation therapy reaches the exact spot it needs to during radiation therapy.
  Small marks may also be placed on your body for radiation therapy. These act like guides to make sure everything is accurate during the session.

What Happens on the Radiation Therapy Treatment Day?

• When you come in for your radiation therapy session you will be guided through the time through radiation therapy.
• You will lie down on a treatment table, and the mould or mask will be placed just like it was during radiation therapy planning.
• The team will gently adjust your position so everything lines up perfectly with your scan for radiation therapy.
• You may notice a large machine moving around you during radiation therapy.
• There is no need to worry about radiation therapy. It does not touch you during radiation therapy.
• The team may step outside the room. They are always watching you and can hear you if you need anything during radiation therapy.

The radiation therapy treatment itself is very quick. It usually takes a few minutes for radiation therapy.

What Will You Feel During Radiation Therapy

Most people do not feel anything during treatment.
There is no pain, no heat, and no sensation. Although you might feel a little nervous at first, that is okay.
That feeling usually becomes much easier after your first visit.

After Your Radiation Therapy Session

• Once your radiation therapy session is over, you can go back to your routine.
• You are not radioactive. It is completely safe to be around your family and loved ones.
• You can eat normally, move around, and continue your activities after treatment.
• Over time, you may notice some side effects depending on the area being treated. Your doctor will guide you on what to expect and how to manage them.

Why Radiation Therapy Matters

Radiation therapy works by using energy rays to target cancer cells during radiation therapy.
These rays damage cancer cells so they cannot grow or spread.
Each session builds on the previous one, which is why following your schedule is important.
Modern techniques are designed to treat cancer precisely while protecting healthy tissues as much as possible.

Care You Can Trust at MGM Cancer Institute

At MGM Cancer Institute the focus is not on radiation therapy treatment. It is to make you feel comfortable and supported throughout your radiation therapy journey.

You receive:

• Advanced technology
• Careful and personalized planning
• Continuous support from radiation therapy specialists
• Clear and simple guidance at every step of radiation therapy

If you are starting radiation therapy, you are not alone during radiation therapy.

The team is there to support you through every step of your radiation therapy journey so you can move forward with confidence during radiation therapy.

Final Thought

It is okay to feel nervous before your radiation therapy session.

Once you understand what happens during radiation therapy it becomes much less scary.

Radiation therapy is quick, painless and designed with your safety in mind during radiation therapy.

You have already taken a step forward with radiation therapy.

You will be supported every step of the way. Consult today.

DOCTOR DETAILS:
Dr. Prahlad Yathiraj
Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant
Radiation Oncology