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How to stay informed and in charge
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When you’re going through cancer treatment, it’s important to ask any and all questions you have. It will help you prepare yourself while also allowing your family to understand how to best support you.
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In particular, you want to be sure you understand any cancer treatment you’ll receive, including its benefits, drawbacks and side effects. You also want to prepare for the day-to-day impact on your schedule and life.
Has your doctor recommended radiation therapy? This treatment uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
There are three main categories of radiation therapy: external beam, internal radiation, and systemic radiation. About half of patients receive some type of radiation therapy during treatment. Find out more about each type of radiation therapy.
Not sure what to ask your doctor about radiation? Find some suggestions below. You can bring a notebook with you to write down answers, or even enlist a loved one to come along and take notes.
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In general, keeping a line of communication with your doctor and healthcare team will help you through the treatments. It’s also important to understand the overall goal of each treatment.
From the book The Complete Cancer Organizer by Jamie L. Schwachter, BSN, MSN, CNP and Josette M.Snyder, BSN, MSN, AOCN
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