How Should You Prepare for Treatment?

http://preparefortreatment.cancer.im

 Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is an abbreviation for chemical therapy, and it is exactly what the name suggests: treatment of cancer by taking cell-killing chemicals into the body.  The number, types and quantities of drugs you will receive will have been decided in advance in a consultation between you and your doctor.  Sometimes only one drug is administered, but normally a combination of drugs is given.  (http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/cancertreat/treatment/chemotherapy/index.shtml)

The drugs you will receive will be administered in one of two ways; by the mouth, or by intravenous line.  If the drugs are take orally, they are usually given as tablets.  These are not normal tablets, however, like an aspirin for a headache or an antacid for indigestion.  These tablets will be taken under careful supervision.  The alternative to taking the drugs orally is to receive them by intravenous line.  In this case a needle is inserted and the drugs are slowly dripped into your bloodstream directly. 

Chemotherapy is not a one-time deal.  The drugs are usually administered in separate “sessions,” spaced out over several days.  Each group of “sessions” is known as a “cycle” of treatment.  Chemotherapy cycles are repeated several times, usually with two or three weeks between cycles to allow the body to process the changes made by the chemicals.  The exact number of sessions per cycle, and cycles to complete a treatment, depend on the types of drugs being used. (http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/cancertreat/treatment/chemotherapy/preparing_for_chemotherapy.shtml)

If you are going to receive your chemotherapy treatment intravenously, it’s a good idea to wear clothes that will make accessing the injection site easier.  Shirts that are easy to roll up, and skirts or shorts make for easier access to arms and legs.  Many patients choose to wear loose, comfortable clothes for this reason.  While a chemotherapy session is not normally an all-day affair, it can take an hour or two, and comfortable clothes are more likely to help you remain relaxed during this time period.

One possible immediate side effect arising from chemotherapy treatment is wooziness, dizziness, or other symptoms that make it difficult to keep your balance.  Some treatment centers recommend you wear flat-soled, non-slip shoes and slip-resistant socks.  When you are not feeling 100%, good shoes and socks can help you keep your balance.

Radiology

The second significant medical intervention used in the treatment of cancer is the application of radiation.  Approximately 60% of cancer patients will have radiation dosage included in their treatment regimen.  The decision as to whether or not radiation will be used in your case, and how much, will be made between you and your doctor.  That decision will be made based on the location of your cancer, its type, and how radiation might fit with any chemotherapy or surgery that may also be planned.  (http://www.fccc.edu/patients/preparingProcedures/radiationTherapy/index.html)

Radiation is usually applied five days a week, for anywhere between one week and two months.  Although it would seem that this is to fit in with a normal week work schedule, it is also to give two days between treatment “cycles” to allow normal cells to recover before the next radiation application.  (http://www.fccc.edu/patients/preparingProcedures/radiationTherapy/index.html)

Radiation therapy usually proceeds through the same steps for all cancer patients.  The first step is simulation, in which a CT machine is used that goes through the same movements the radiation machine would use.  The CT machine produces diagnostic X-rays of the areas in which it has a simulated irradiation.  These X-rays are then used to verify that the right area for treatment has been identified.

The next step is to outline the area to be irradiated with permanent ink.  That way therapists can be certain they are treating the same area each time they apply radiation.  If the area to be treated is “hard to reach,” or an area of the body difficult to keep still in the position needed, you may also be fitted with a custom immobilization device.  This device will be used each time you are treated. 

The last step before actual treatment begins is a “trial run,” sometimes referred to as a “set-up.”  You will be placed in the actual treatment machine with any immobilization devices necessary.  A special set of X-rays called “port films” will be taken.  These pictures will show the path that the X-ray beams are taking.  Your treatment planning team will be able to examine those pictures to ensure, one last time, that the right parts of the body will receive radiation.  At this point the radiation treatment plan will be finalized, and you will be ready to begin the actual treatments.

The actual treatments can be as short as minutes, and as long as half an hour.  All toll, however, you will likely be in the radiation department for no more than an hour each day.  You won’t hear, see or feel anything during treatment, and will be able to return home immediately afterword. (http://www.fccc.edu/patients/preparingProcedures/radiationTherapy/index.html)

Surgery

Besides chemotherapy and radiation, the other traditional medical intervention for cancer treatment is surgery.  The decision to operate, like all other decisions for treatment, will be made between you and your doctor based on what you both feel is the most appropriate plan for attacking your disease.  If you do decide to proceed with surgery, there are a few preparatory steps to undergo before the operation. 

First, you will need to consent to receive blood by transfusion, if needed, during the operation.  You and your doctor may also decide in certain cases to set aside some of your own blood for the operation.  Another option is to identify your own blood donors and have them provide a supply should it be needed.  Processing of your own or a special donor’s blood can take about two weeks, so if this is something you want to pursue, you will want to speak to your doctor as early as possible about this possibility.  (http://www.fccc.edu/patients/preparingProcedures/surgery.html)

Second, you will likely need to have certain tests completed before surgery.  These tests may include blood work, more X-rays, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and other imaging or diagnostic studies.  Most of these can be done on an outpatient basis, and some of them can even be done in your doctor’s office.  (http://www.fccc.edu/patients/preparingProcedures/surgery.html)

Your doctor will discuss specific instructions for how to prepare for surgery.  One important instruction is to fast from everything, including gum and mints, normally for several hours prior to the surgery.