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Frequently Asked Questions  General FAQ | External Radiation FAQ | Brachytherapy FAQ Contura Self Care
Forms (upon calling the Cancer Center, the needed forms will be sent to you along with a map to the Center) Q: What are the common side effects of breast irradiation and when shall I expect them to appear? A: Common side effects are redness and irritation of the skin in the area the radiation is being delivered. Some patients may experience skin dryness, tingling, and other skin changes such as discoloration in the treated area. Skin reactions may appear within 2 weeks of treatments. However, each patient’s reactions are unique. Q: What can I do to alleviate skin irritation? A: We recommend that during the course of radiation the patient apply alcohol- free aloe vera gel and/or Nivea cream. Q: What are tattoos and why are they needed? A: The tattoos are small mole like marks placed on the skin surface with a needle and India ink. The therapists refer to these tattoos for treatment positioning and radiation field alignment. Q: Can I shave my underarm? A: Do not shave under the arm of the area being treated. Skin is sensitive in that area during the radiation treatments and shaving will irritate that area. Q: What will I feel during the treatment? A: You will not feel or see anything during treatment. However, you will hear a buzzing noise while the radiation beam is on. Q: Why am I feeling tired? A: Fatigue is a common side effect of radiation, usually experienced two weeks into treatment. However, every patient is different and fatigue levels will vary. Q: Now that I have been scheduled for placement of the Contura Catheter, what happens next? A: Your treatments will start the same day you have the Contura placed. On the day of your procedure, when your doctor releases you, come straight over to the Cancer Center of Irvine so we can begin your treatments. Kindly call when you are on your way so we will be ready for you. 949.417.1100 Q: Will I be able to drive myself? A: On your first day, you may wish to have someone drive you here. Please consult with your surgeon regarding what he/she would like you to do. After your first day, you are perfectly fine to drive yourself as long as you are not taking strong pain medication. Q: Are there any restrictions on what to wear during the course of my treatments? A: Do not wear bras with under wire during the course of your treatments. Blouses/tops that open in the front are preferred in order to provide easy access to the catheter. Sports bras that open in the front are also recommended. These bras can be found at Wal-Mart, Target, Mervyns and at the Irvine Medical Center Pharmacy across the parking lot from our office (16300 Sand Canyon Ave., #101; open M-F 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 949.453.9789). Deodorant is okay as long as it does not contain aluminum or alcohol. Tom’s of Maine and Crystal both make safe options. You may find them at Wal-Mart, Target, Trader Joe’s, etc. Q: What will happen when I arrive at the center? A: You will have a CT scan for the planning of your treatment. No preparation, needles or injections are necessary for this. You will be in the CT room no longer than 30 minutes. Q: When will I have my first treatment? A: There will be a 30 to 90 minute wait after the CT scan, while your treatment is being planned, after which you will have your first treatment. While you wait, you may relax in our lobby and help yourself to coffee, tea, cold water and other goodies. Q: How long do the treatments take? A: Each treatment takes about 15 minutes. The radiation therapist will also change your dressing each time. Q: Do I get a CT scan every day? A: Yes, before each treatment, but it only takes 5 minutes. This is for your protection, to make sure that the balloon is still inflated and the same size. Q: When will my appointments be? A: We play the first day “by ear” depending on when you get here, treatment planning time, etc. But for the following four days, your twice-daily appointments are scheduled early to allow a six hour window between treatments. For example: 8 a.m. & 2 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Q: Who will be delivering the treatments? A: Our staff of five Radiation Therapists consists of both men and Q: Can I bring someone to watch the treatments? A: For the initial treatment it is okay for a family member/friend to watch the treatment in order to see how to take care of the dressing. We ask that this person does not accompany you back for the remaining treatments. The treatment area is a ”patient zone,” and in order to respect the privacy of others we ask that your companions remain in our lobby. Q: When will I be able to shower? A: We ask that you wait 24 hours after the surgery. Q: What happens after my last treatment? A: Either our nurse, Dr. Tokita or Dr. Wilder will remove the Contura here. No stitches are necessary; all that is needed is Neosporin and gauze. These will be applied until the incision site heals (usually for 1-2 days). We also recommended you take Aleve, Extra Strength Tylenol or Advil about 30 minutes before the last treatment. Q: What comes next? A: Dr. Tokita or Dr. Wilder will want to see you for a follow-up exam on the next office day following your last treatment. The follow-up exam only takes about 15 minutes. A Tip For You There will be a lot of drainage at the incision site, so don’t be alarmed. This drainage is a good thing. The radiation therapist will change your dressing during each treatment and show you what you need to do. you will need Neosporin at home for when you change the dressing yourself. Besides gauze, a Kotex pad works great to absorb excess drainage. It sticks to the inside of your bra and on top of the gauze. Contura Catheter - Care Instructions for Patients Do ask any questions you may have at any time. Do NOT remove any caps from the ends of the catheter or catheters. Do gently rotate the balloon by holding the catheter and turning gently to the left and the right. Do gently move the catheter in and out. Do apply antibiotic ointment (ex. NEOSPORIN) and clean gauze.
Do use aloe vera gel (90-100% pure aloe vera with NO alcohol) on the skin. Do use the suggested deodorants or go without on the affected side. Do NOT take a bath or soak in a tub. Do NOT scrub the area. Do clean area with regular hand soap, rinsing by letting water run over the incision or incisions. |
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