Radiation Therapy
Radiation
therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill leukemia
cells. For most patients, a large
machine directs radiation at the spleen, the brain, or other parts of the body
where leukemia cells have collected.
Some patients receive radiation that is directed to the whole body.
(Total-body irradiation usually
is given before a bone marrow transplant.)
Patients receive radiation therapy at a hospital or clinic.
These are some questions a person may want to ask the
doctor before having radiation therapy:
Why do I need this treatment?
When will the treatments
begin? How often will they be
given? When will they end?
How will I feel during
therapy? Will there be side
effects? How long will they
last? What can we do about them?
Can radiation therapy cause side effects later on?
What can I do to take care of myself during therapy?
How will we know if the radiation is working?
Will I be able to continue my normal activities during
treatment?
How often will
I need checkups?
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