Cancer Discussions, Cancer Support and Community Connection Forum - January 22nd, 2010 - 3 Comments
Any advice for brain cancer radiation?
My mom, was diagnosed with brain cancer. She will be undergoing radiation therapy starting Monday, September 22nd. I was wondering if any of you out there have any advice, or suggestions, or anything that can help us with this. Thank you.
Be prepared for hair loss in any area of the scalp that is receiving radiation, many people will either cut their hair very short or just shave it all together to avoid having it fall out in clumps. It will eventually grow back once radiation is finished, but be patient, it can take a little while. Also, sometimes the skin can get sensitive and/or dry. Try switching to a baby shampoo until the skin is less sensitive. Keep the doctor up to date with any symptoms that may come up such as headaches, etc. They usually can give you something to help get you (your mom) through the treatments. Keep a positive outlook, it really does help. Good Luck
Radiation theapy for Brain tumor – Radiation therapy uses beams of high-energy particles, such as X-rays, to kill tumor cells. Radiation therapy can come from a machine outside your body (external beam radiation), or, in very rare cases, radiation can be placed inside your body close to your brain tumor (brachytherapy).
External beam radiation can focus just on the area of your brain where the tumor is located, or it can be applied to your entire brain (whole brain radiation). Whole brain radiation is sometimes used after surgery to kill tumor cells that might have been left behind. Whole brain radiation may also be an option if you have several brain tumors that can’t be removed through surgery. Whole brain radiation is often used in situations where cancer has metastasized to the brain.
Side effects of radiation therapy will depend on the type and dose of radiation you receive. In general it can cause fatigue, headaches and scalp irritation.
External radiotherapy, generally delivered on an out-patient basis, directs radiation to the tumor and the area around it. Implant radiation therapy involves placing tiny pieces of radioactive material in the brain. Left in place permanently, or for a short time, these radioactive pellets release measured doses of radiation each day. This technique is called brachytherapy. Patients are usually hospitalized during the several days the pellets are most active.
Stereoactic radiosurgery involves fitting the patient with a frame to stabilize the head, using imaging techniques to determine the exact location of tumor cells, and using a sophisticated instrument to administer radiation precisely to that point. Instruments used for delivery of radiation include the gamma knife, adapted linear accelerator (LINAC), and cyclotron.
A variety of drugs may also be given during radiation therapy, to protect brain cells from the effects of radiation (radioprotective drugs), to increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation (radiosensitizers), or to boost radiation’s effects (radioenhancers).-
I had 11 weeks of Radio-surgery in Nashville,Tn end of 07 and into 08. for Brain Tumor. I wonder if this is the same therapy. I had to drive 2hr and 2hr back home every week day. The Dr helped us get a room for Free during my Radio-surgery. if this is the same I would be glad to help if i can