Questions for the doctor
- What's the goal of this treatment?
- How will the radiation therapy be given? Internal or external radiation?
- Will I also need other treatment, like chemotherapy or surgery?
- If so, in what order will the different treatments be given?
- How many radiation treatments will I get? Over what period of time?
- What happens if I have to miss a treatment?
- Where will I get treatment?
- When will radiation start? When will it end?
- How will I feel during radiation?
- How long will radiation take each day?
- Will I be able to carry on my normal activities?
- Will there be limits on what I can do, such as working or exercising?
- How long does it take after the simulation scan to start treatment?
- Do I need to be on a skin care regimen during treatment?
- Can I drive myself to treatments or do I need someone to bring me?
- What are the possible short-term and long-term side effects I should watch for? What side effects should I report?
- Who do I contact for side effects? Is there a different contact number after office hours and on weekends and holidays?
- Are there late side effects I need to know about?
- How long will it take me to recover from the side effects of treatment?
- Will this treatment affect my ability to have children?
- What are the chances treatment will work?
- How will we know if it's working?
- Are there any other treatment choices we should talk about?
- What can I do to get ready for treatment and to take care of myself during treatment?
- Are there any clinical trials that I should think about?
- Does my insurance cover the treatments? Do I have a copay?
- Can I be near children or pets while getting radiation?
- Are there other types of radiation therapy that may work for my cancer?
- Does this center offer the latest technology or methods for radiation treatment?
- Have you and your team treated my kind of cancer before?
- Should I get a second opinion? Do you have someone you can recommend?
- May I use complementary or alternative therapies during radiation?
- Can I take all my usual medicines during treatment?
- Should I change my diet during radiation therapy?
- Where can I learn more about radiation therapy?
Featured in
Date Last Reviewed: 09/01/2025
© 2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health
Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.
Explore Services
Get Health Tips & Updates
Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.
SubscribeRelated Articles
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (chemo) uses strong medicines to kill fast-growing cancer cells. Learn how it's used to treat nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Anemia During Cancer
Anemia is when the number of healthy red blood cells in the body drop below normal. Cancer and cancer treatment often cause anemia. Learn about anemia and how it's treated.
Multiple Myeloma: Treatment Choices
There are various types of treatment for multiple myeloma. Learn more about the choices.
Surgery to Treat Cancer
One type of surgery for cancer is curative, taking out the cancerous tumor or growth. Surgeons use this surgery when the cancerous tumor is in one certain part of the body. It is often the main treatment. Other types of cancer treatments, such as radiation, may be used before or after the surgery.
Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider
Search by specialty, location, and more.
Find A Doctor
Make an Appointment
Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.
Schedule an Appointment
Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location
Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.
Find Urgent Care
