Questions To Ask Before Radiotherapy

• May I tape record our conversation?
• What type and stage of colorectal cancer do I have?
• What is the purpose of radiation treatment for my type of colorectal cancer?
• What areas of my body will be treated with radiation?
• How will the radiation therapy be given? Will it be external beam or brachytherapy (the placement of radioactive sources in or just next to a tumor)? What do the treatments feel like?
• Can you explain the terms 3D-CRT (3 dimensional conformal radiation therapy), IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy), IGRT (image guided radiation therapy) and indicate which of these technical terms would apply to me?
• For how many weeks will I receive radiation? How many treatments will I receive per week?
• What are the chances that radiation therapy will work?
• Can I participate in a clinical trial? If so, what is the trial testing? What are my benefits and risks?
• What is the chance that the cancer will spread or come back if I do not have radiation therapy?
• How will I feel after the treatments?
• Will I be able to work? Will I be able to take care of my spouse and children?
• What are the side effects of radiation?
• Is there anything I can do to lessen the side effects?
• Can I eat or drink anything I want during the weeks I have radiation?
• Can I drink alcohol?
• Will I need chemotherapy, surgery, or any other treatments in conjunction with radiotherapy? If so, in what order will I receive these treatments?
• How soon after radiation therapy can I start receiving other treatments? Can I receive several treatments at the same time?
• What are some of the support groups I can turn to during treatment?
• If I have questions after I leave here, who can I call? Tel. #_____________
• Will radiation therapy affect my ability to have children?