Radiation therapy uses high-energy to shrink, damage or destroy cancer cells, and also is used to ease symptoms in advanced cancer.
Chemotherapy uses different strategies to stop cancer cells from dividing, and is delivered to the whole body.
Radiation therapy.
Most cancers can be treated with radiation therapy.
With the use of CT scans and possibly MRIs, the radiologist is able to make a three dimensional model of the tumor cite.
By crossing the beams of radiation from several angles, the radiation can be delivered to an exact point with a precise dosage.
This is called shaped radiation beams, which allows for a larger absorbed dose at the cross point than in the surrounding area.
Fractionation.
The total dose is spread out over time.
Treatments are provided five days a week for several weeks.
This is called fractionation.
Each treatment damages or destroys the malignant cells.
The twenty-four hour break between weekday treatments and the forty-eight hour break on weekends allows normal cells time to recover.
Dose.
The amount of radiation is measured in "Gray" (Gy).
The amount used varies according to the type and stage of the cancer.
The value of Gy depends on whether the goal of treatment is preventive, curative or symptom relief.
The total value of GY will be separated into fractions and delivered over time.
Chemotherapy.
The drugs can be taken orally or through the vein.
Either way, the drugs enter the blood stream and spread though the entire body.
Chemotherapy can be used before surgery to shrink a tumor.
It also can be used after surgery to increase the survival rate.
Chemotherapy is also used when a malignancy has metastasized.
The side effects of chemotherapy may include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and bone marrow suppression.
There are medications that help reduce nausea and vomiting.
Your blood counts will be taken weekly.
If your counts become too low, then you will be directed to skip a treatment or postpone treatment for a week.
At times you may be given a platelet transfusion.
If your iron level is too low, then you will be ordered to take an iron supplement or given a weekly injection of Procrit or Epogen.
Receiving good nutrition and sufficient calories is essential during chemotherapy.
There are high protein mixes you can use to make milk shakes and add to other foods.
Taking a multivitamin with iron daily is highly recommended.
Increase your food consumption of iron through such foods as steamed spinach, and raisins.