Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Starting radiation treatment can be scary for patients and their families. But knowing what to expect can make things easier. It helps people feel more at ease with their treatment.

At Liv Hospital, we focus on our patients. We make sure they know what to expect during radiation treatment, so they can feel informed and supported every step of the way. This helps them understand what’s happening during their care.

Radiation therapy is a key treatment for many cancers. It uses powerful rays to harm cancer cells. This stops them from growing and spreading.

Key Takeaways

• Radiation treatment has clear steps, like the first meeting and planning.
• Knowing the process helps patients get ready and manage their care better.
• Liv Hospital’s approach puts patients first, ensuring quality care and support.
• Radiation therapy is a common way to treat many cancers.
• High-energy rays harm cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing.

Understanding Radiation Therapy Basics

To start radiation therapy, knowing how it works and the types available is key. It’s a cancer treatment that uses high-energy particles or waves to kill or damage cancer cells. It focuses on the area where the cancer is found.

How Radiation Therapy Works

Radiation therapy damages cancer cells’ DNA, stopping them from growing. This damage is caused by high-energy radiation, which can come from a machine or a radioactive source inside the body. The aim is to give the tumor the right amount of radiation while protecting healthy tissues.

“Radiation therapy is a highly effective treatment for many types of cancer,” says a Medical expert, a renowned radiation oncologist. “By understanding how it works, patients can better appreciate the treatment process and the importance of adhering to their treatment plan.”

Types of Radiation Treatment

There are two main types of radiation therapy: external beam and internal radiation therapy. External beam radiation therapy is the most common, where a machine outside the body directs radiation beams to the tumor site. This type allows for precise targeting of the cancer cells.

• External Beam Radiation Therapy: This is the most common form, using a machine to focus radiation on the cancer.
• Internal Radiation Therapy: Involves placing a radioactive source inside the body, either temporarily or permanently, to treat the cancer.

Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, involves placing a small amount of radioactive material inside the body, near or within the tumor. Systemic radiation therapy involves using radioactive substances that travel through the body to target cancer cells.

Understanding these basics helps patients grasp the specifics of their treatment plan and what to expect during their radiation therapy journey.

Step 1: Initial Consultation with Your Radiation Oncologist

Your first meeting with a radiation oncologist is key. It’s where you’ll talk about your diagnosis, treatment choices, and what to expect during your therapy. This meeting is a big step towards your treatment.

What to Bring to Your First Appointment

Being prepared for your first meeting is important. Bring:

• All relevant medical records, including previous test results and biopsy reports
• A list of any medications you’re currently taking
• Information about your medical history, including any previous treatments or surgeries
• A list of questions or concerns you have about your treatment

Having this info ready helps your radiation oncologist understand your situation better. They can then give you more accurate advice.

Questions to Ask Your Radiation Oncologist

Asking the right questions is key. It helps you understand your treatment and what to expect. Consider asking:

• What type of radiation therapy is most suitable for my condition?
• What are the possible side effects of the recommended treatment?
• How will my treatment progress be monitored?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I should make during treatment?

Your radiation oncologist is there to answer all your questions. They want to help you make informed decisions about your care.

Understanding Your Treatment Plan

After your first meeting, your radiation oncologist will create a treatment plan just for you. This plan will include:

• The type and dose of radiation therapy recommended
• The number and frequency of treatment sessions
• Any additional treatments or therapies that may be necessary

It’s important to understand your treatment plan fully. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Your radiation oncologist is there to guide you every step of the way.

Step 2: CT Simulation – Mapping Your Treatment Area

To make sure your radiation treatment works well, we create a detailed map of the area to be treated. We do this with a CT simulation.

What Happens During CT Simulation

You’ll lie on a flat table that slides into a CT scanner, a big, doughnut-shaped machine. Our team will place you so that the treatment area is easy to reach and captured well. The CT scanner takes pictures from different angles to make a detailed 3D map.

The CT simulation process is usually painless and takes about 30 to 40 minutes. You might hear the machine moving, but you won’t feel it. Our team will be there to make sure you’re comfortable and follow their instructions.

How Long Does Radiation Mapping Take

The CT simulation itself takes 30 to 40 minutes. But you should plan to spend about an hour to an hour and a half at the facility. This includes getting ready and making any needed adjustments.

• Preparation: 15-30 minutes
• CT Simulation: 30-40 minutes
• Post-procedure: 15-30 minutes

CT Simulation Side Effects

CT simulation is usually safe with few side effects. Some people might feel:

• Mild discomfort from lying there for a long time
• Temporary feelings of claustrophobia from the enclosed CT scanner

These side effects are usually short-lived and go away after the procedure is done. If you’re worried or feel uncomfortable, tell our team.

Getting accurate maps during the CT simulation is key to your radiation treatment. It helps us target the area precisely, reducing harm to healthy tissues around it.

Step 3: Treatment Planning and Preparation

Our medical physicists and dosimetrists are key in treatment planning. This stage is vital for making sure your radiation therapy works well and is safe.

Our team works together to make a plan just for you. Medical physicists check the equipment and calculate the radiation dose. Dosimetrists figure out the best dose to hit the tumor without harming healthy tissues.

The Role of Medical Physicists and Dosimetrists

Medical physicists and dosimetrists are essential in planning your treatment. They use advanced software to create a detailed plan. This plan considers the tumor’s size, shape, and location.

Our medical physicists make sure the equipment works right and the plan is followed. Dosimetrists use computers to calculate the dose and make adjustments.

Creating Your Custom Treatment Plan

Creating your plan involves several steps. We contour the tumor and important structures, choose the best beam arrangement, and calculate the dose. We review your case carefully, using CT simulation info.

The aim is to make a plan that fits your unique situation. With the help of medical physicists and dosimetrists, we create a safe and effective plan for you.

What to Expect During Radiation Treatment Sessions

As you prepare for radiation treatment, you might wonder what it will feel like. We know this journey can be scary, but knowing what to expect can help. It can make you feel more at ease.

Your First Radiation Treatment

Your first session is similar to the ones that follow, with a few extra steps. Before starting, the radiation therapist will go over your treatment plan. They will also check your identity and place you on the table.

They make sure you’re comfortable and in the right spot, based on the simulation marks. It’s a good time to ask any questions or share concerns. Bringing a friend or family member for support is a great idea.

What Does Radiation Therapy Feel Like

Most people find radiation therapy painless, like getting an X-ray. You might feel a slight movement as the machine moves around you. This is usually not uncomfortable.

Some people feel a warmth or tingling during treatment. But this feeling can vary from person to person.

“The treatment was surprisingly straightforward. I was a bit nervous at first, but the staff was very reassuring.” – A cancer survivor

Daily Treatment Routine

Your daily routine will involve arriving at the same time each day. The radiation therapists will position you on the table. The machine will then be adjusted according to your plan.

• Arrive at the scheduled time to allow for preparation.
• Change into a comfortable gown or clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by your radiation team regarding eating, drinking, or other preparations.

We know that sticking to a routine is important during radiation therapy. By following your daily routine, we can make sure your treatment is done right and safely.

Step 5: Managing Side Effects Throughout Treatment

Managing side effects is key when you’re getting radiation treatment. Radiation can cause many side effects. These vary based on where you’re getting treated and your own health.

Common Side Effects by Treatment Area

Side effects differ by body area when getting radiation. For example:

• Head and Neck: You might get dry mouth, trouble swallowing, and taste changes.
• Chest: Chest radiation can cause fatigue, cough, and shortness of breath.
• Abdomen: You could feel nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
• Pelvis: Side effects include needing to pee a lot, diarrhea, and feeling tired.

Strategies for Managing Radiation Side Effects

There are ways to lessen radiation side effects. Here are some:

It’s vital to work with your healthcare team to watch and manage side effects. This way, you can lessen their impact and make your treatment better.

Remember, everyone’s experience with radiation therapy is different. What works for one person might not work for another. Your radiation oncologist and support team are there to help you through these challenges. They can give you personalized advice.

Step 6: Ongoing Care and Monitoring

Ongoing care and monitoring are key parts of radiation treatment. They make sure the treatment works well and is safe. As you go through your radiation therapy, regular check-ins with your radiation team are very important. They help solve any problems or side effects quickly.

Weekly Check-ins with Your Radiation Team

You’ll have weekly check-ins with your radiation oncologist and team. These meetings are key to tracking your progress and managing side effects. Your team will check how you’re doing physically and emotionally. They’ll also guide you on handling any challenges.

Adjustments to Your Treatment Plan

Your radiation team might need to change your treatment plan based on your progress and side effects. This could mean adjusting the dosage, changing the schedule, or adding care to manage side effects. These changes help keep your treatment effective and safe.

By talking openly with your radiation team every week, you can quickly address any issues. This ensures your treatment plan is always the best for you.

Step 7: Completing Your Radiation Treatment

As you near the end of your radiation treatment, knowing what to expect is key. Finishing radiation therapy is a big deal, marking the end of treatment. You’ve gone through a treatment plan made just for you.

Your Final Treatment Session

Your last radiation treatment is a big milestone. Your team will:

• Give you the last dose of radiation.
• Check if the treatment was done right.
• Tell you about care and follow-ups after treatment.

This is a moment of relief and achievement. You might feel some side effects, but your team will talk about them at your final check-up.

What to Expect After Radiation Treatments

After treatment, you might feel some side effects. These depend on where you were treated and how much radiation you got. Common side effects include:

Most side effects will get better over time. Your doctor will give you a detailed plan for follow-ups. This includes:

• When to come back for check-ups.
• How to handle any lingering side effects.
• Watching for any signs of cancer coming back.

It’s important to stick to your post-treatment plan and go to all your follow-ups. This helps catch any problems early and makes sure you’re healing right.

Timeline: How Long Does Radiation Take from Start to Finish

Knowing how long radiation treatment takes is key for patients. It can last from a few weeks to a few months. This includes everything from the first visit to the last treatment.

Planning Phase Duration

The planning phase is very important and usually takes 1-2 weeks. During this time, patients have a CT simulation to map the treatment area. Doctors, physicists, and dosimetrists work together to make a plan just for the patient.

The length of the planning phase can change based on the case. Things like the cancer type, stage, and patient health are considered.

Treatment Phase Duration

The treatment phase can last from 3 to 9 weeks. Patients usually go to treatment 5 days a week. The exact time depends on the cancer type and stage.

• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This common type of treatment lasts from 3 to 7 weeks.
• Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy): Brachytherapy can be shorter, sometimes just a few days, but it can also last longer.

How Long Does It Take for Radiotherapy to Work

Radiotherapy doesn’t work right away. It can take weeks to months to see big changes. How well it works depends on the cancer type, stage, and patient health.

Seeing the radiation oncologist after treatment is important. They check how well the treatment is working and help with side effects. Regular check-ups are key to seeing if the treatment is effective.

Understanding the timeline helps patients prepare for what’s ahead. They know what to expect during planning, treatment, and follow-up.

Preparing Yourself Mentally and Physically for Radiation

Starting your radiation treatment journey means focusing on your mind and body. Preparing for radiation means understanding the treatment and taking steps to manage its effects.

Self-Care Strategies During Treatment

Using self-care strategies can help you deal with radiation treatment. Make sure to rest well, eat right, and drink lots of water. These are key parts of your care.

• Get plenty of rest to help your body recover from the treatment.
• Eat a nutritious diet that includes foods rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Building Your Support System

A strong support system is key to dealing with radiation treatment. This includes family, friends, and healthcare professionals. They can offer emotional support and practical help.

Don’t be shy about reaching out to your loved ones or joining a support group. You can connect with others who are going through the same thing. Your healthcare team is also there to guide and care for you during treatment.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Radiation Treatment Journey

Understanding radiation treatment is key. You need to know what to expect and have support. This article has covered the basics of radiation therapy, from the first visit to the end of treatment.

When you start treatment, stay informed and ask questions. Knowing what to expect can lower your stress. It also helps you make better choices about your care.

Being ready and having a supportive team is important. We aim to offer top-notch healthcare and support. Our goal is to help you get the best results possible.

FAQ

References

1. Stony Brook Cancer Center. (2004, January 31). Radiation therapy process. https://cancer.stonybrookmedicine.edu/RadiationTherapyProcess​