One of the things we are most frequently asked about is how receiving radiation therapy will affect a patient’s life. The great news is that people who receive radiation therapy almost always continue to work and enjoy leisure activities as they normally would.
Side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer tend to be mild and temporary, resolving within a few weeks or months after treatment is completed. Aside from minimal side effects, there are a few other ways radiation treatment can impact your daily life. Below, we’ve outlined some of the top questions patients ask.
How long does radiation treatment take?
A typical course of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) lasts for 3-9 weeks, with treatments occurring 5 days per week—a total of 28-39 treatment days. The length of your treatment will vary depending on your specific case: tumor size, location, and position all have a potential impact.
While 5 days per week may feel overwhelming, it’s important to know that a typical session lasts only about 15 minutes. Our cancer centers in Indianapolis and Greenwood are also ideally located and easy to access, minimizing the disruption to your day as much as possible.
Can I drive after radiation treatment?
In general, it is safe for most patients to drive after receiving radiation treatment. If you are feeling extremely ill or fatigued, or if you are taking strong pain medication, your doctor may advise you not to drive.
If you need or want to have a friend or family member drive you to and from your treatments, they are welcome to accompany you to our offices. There are also plenty of nearby amenities to make the experience more enjoyable. Visit our location pages for our Indianapolis and Greenwood cancer centers to find out more about nearby coffee, food, activities, and more.
Is it safe for people to be around someone receiving radiation therapy?
Those receiving external beam radiation therapy (such as IMRT) are safe to be around, as there will be no residual radiation after each treatment session has concluded. Those receiving internal radiation or radiopharmaceuticals may need to observe safety practices in the presence of others. Always discuss this with the care team to get a specific plan of action based on your unique treatment plan.
Our goal: disrupt your life as little as possible.
In our opinion, radiation therapy should disrupt your life as little as possible. You’ll be visiting your cancer center’s offices frequently, which is why it’s important to choose a location that is close to where you live or work and that is comfortable.
Integrated Cancer Care’s locations in Greenwood and Indianapolis, IN, are easy to access, have ample parking, and are close to nearby amenities. All this makes our patients’ visits as stress-free as possible, whether they are receiving radiation for 5 days or 45 days.
Have you been referred for radiation therapy by your urologist or oncologist? We’d love to talk with you to see if we’d be a good fit for your needs. Reach out to us today at (317) 853-4500 (Indianapolis) or (317) 893-1980 (Greenwood).