Radiation - What to Expect at Your First Radiation Treatment

During the radiation treatment you will lie still. You will breathe normally. You may have a device to position you, and shields to protect your healthy organs. The linear accelerator machine will deliver precise doses of radiation to markers within you target field. Your session will be ten to forty-five minutes long.

Clothing change. Depending where your radiation target field is, you may be given a gown to wear so that the fabric can be folded back as needed.

Radiation table. You will be directed to lie on the radiation table. The technician will position you. You may have forms to aid in positioning. Shields will be used to protect your healthy organs. Cancer Medicine

Radiation face mask for brain cancer. Prior to their first radiation treatment, brain cancer patients have a mask molded to their face. There are holes for the eyes, nostrils, and mouth. When being positioned for the first treatment, the technician assists the patient in lying down, and placing the mask over the patient's face. The mask is locked into position on the table so that the patient cannot move. The patient is also given a rolled up towel to hold, just to have something to hold on to without moving.

Breathing. Unlike x-ray, breathing is normal in radiation therapy. The radiation mask is a little tricky. Patients are likely to discover that breathing with their bellies instead of shallow, top of the lungs breathing, is easier because the throat and upper chest are restricted in movement by the mask.

Technician outside of the room during treatment. When you are ready for the radiation, the technician will step out of the room. The radiation team will have cameras and microphones to be in communication with you. The specially trained technician will direct the movement and dose delivery of the accelerator machine.

The linear accelerator machine. The radiation machine is large, and is built to rotate and move precisely. It moves and delivers its radiation beam programmed to follow the three dimensional model that was made from the data taken from your CT Scans and possibly MRIs. Everything is done with precision.

The linear accelerator machine delivers a precise dose of radiation. You may have marks placed on your skin to guide the accelerator, or in the case of a radiation face mask, the model is build into the mask. The accelerator makes a buzzing sound. It goes on and off. When it is delivering a dose, you will hear a buzz. When the machine is being rotated, there will be no buzz. You will experience no pain during treatments.

Length of session. Your first session will be from ten to forty-five minutes long, depending on your target field, and the amount of radiation you are to receive.