Questions to Ask During Treatment
- Can I drive myself to and from the treatment facility? Where should I park?
- Do you recommend I bring a friend or family member to keep me company and help take notes?
- What side effects may occur from the radiation and how are they managed?
- Will these side effects be different than those from other treatments, like chemotherapy?
- When will you tell me details of my treatment plan?
- Can you tell me about the quality assurance checks to make sure I'm getting the right treatment? Who is in charge of quality assurance here?
- Do I need a special diet during or after my treatment?
- Will I be able to continue my normal activities?
- Can I smoke or drink alcohol?
- Is it safe to take vitamins during treatment?
- Can I have sex?
- Will receiving radiation therapy make me radioactive?
- Is it safe to be around children and pregnant women?
- How can I expect to feel during treatment and in the weeks following radiation therapy?
- What are reasons I should call you at night or on a weekend?
Information provided courtesy of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Visit www.rtanswers.org for more information.
