Therapeutic Procedures

Information for Patients Receiving Radiation to the Brain

Approximately 2-4 weeks after your first treatment, you will notice that you are beginning to lose your hair. It may not grow back. You may desire to have your hair cut short prior to starting radiation therapy. You can purchase a wig to conceal the hair loss. You may want to purchase this before you lose your hair so that you will have it when needed. Patients receiving only stereotactic radiosurgery will not experience hair loss.

Care of Skin

Approximately 2-3 weeks after your first treatment, your skin in the treated area may become red or irritated. There are several things you can do for this:

Ask the therapist when you can begin to wash your hair. When you are allowed, use a baby shampoo.

If your scalp begins to look tanned or red, or becomes dry and flaky notify your nurse and physician. This is a temporary reaction and we will give you medication to use as directed. Do not use home remedies, as this may interfere with the treatment.We suggest the use of a scarf or hat while under treatment in order to protect your scalp from the sun or the cold. Expose the treated area to the air as much as possible. However while under treatment, avoid exposing the scalp and head to dramatic perature changes, direct sun exposure or direct heat, including a sun lamp. Wear a hat or scarf while in the sun or the cold weather. Avoid swimming while under treatment. This can enhance a treatment reaction. After treatment is completed, we advise that you do not go swimming or expose the scalp to the sun for one month. When you return for your one-month check-up, we will inform you of when you may safely begin swimming and exposure to the sun. You should always use at least a SPF 20-sun screen anytime you are out in the sun.

Medication

While receiving radiation therapy you may or may not be taking a medication called decadron. This medication decreases the swelling and inflammation of the brain caused by the tumor treatment. Decadron can cause an increase in appetite, and increase in urination, hyperactivity, insomnia, fluid retention (swelling), leg cramps and mood changes. These are expected temporary side effects of the drug, but should be reported to your nurse or physician. During or after your treatment your physician will slowly decrease your amount of decadron over a period of several weeks. Do not decrease or stop the medication yourself.