Radiation Oncology: Quality of Life
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Helping you manage side effects of treatment
Cancer affects each person differently and on many levels. At CTCA, we address the whole person—body, mind and spirit. We recognize the disease itself, and the side effects of radiation treatment, can negatively impact your quality of life.
The radiation oncology team is completely integrated with the other CTCA departments. As you undergo radiation treatment, other members of your care team will work with you to reduce any unpleasant side effects and help improve your quality of life.
In addition to your oncologists, your care team will include dietitians, naturopathic clinicians, pain specialists, mind-body therapists, rehabilitation therapists, and pastoral care staff. Each clinical area has something different to contribute to your quality of life.
“Most of our patients say you either find a doctor who treats the cancer and not the person, or you find a doctor who treats the person and not the cancer. That’s kind of how they end up here. At CTCA, patients find whole person treatment,” says nuclear medicine technician Julie McCormick.
For example, as you undergo radiation treatments, your mind-body therapist may offer relaxation techniques to help reduce your anxiety. If you find it painful to lie on the radiation table while receiving treatment, your pain specialist will try to manage your pain to make you more comfortable.
By providing complementary medicine therapies alongside your radiation treatments, your care team aims to treat the whole person, not just the disease.