tance radiation therapy plays in their overall treatment planespecially after mastectomy treatment.Two treatment factorsA combination of prognostic factors is used to determine statistical risk of relapse for patients.Chapter 9TwoTreatmentChemotherapy drugs are powerful chemicals that arrest specific cancer cell cycle stages, and aim to destroy as many malignant cells as possible.Two Selection of the best chemotherapy drugs and dosage with minimal side effects is critical.TwoWhile some patients will respond favorably to any one or combination of chemotherapy drugs or radiation doses, no prediction of final patient outcome can be made.TwoMajor chemotherapy side effects include bone marrow damage, infections and increased gastrointestinal tract sensitivity. Some women experience permanent menopause.TwoMinor chemotherapy side effects include nausea and vomiting, sensitivity in the mouth, hair loss, finger and toe numbness, temporary memory changes.Chapter 8TwoRadiation therapy uses a high-energy radiation beam directed to specific areas of the body. Radiation treatments consist of a string (25-30 sessions) of short treatments (lasting seconds to minutes)TwoR Cancer cells, dividing faster than normal cells, are affected more by radiation therapy. Cancer cells enter a cell death cell (apotosis) Normal cells have an abiltity to repair themselves, even after high dose radiation.TwoRAn oncologist may recommend giving boosts or implantation of small iridium seeds, when radiation therapy is not proceeding as expected.TwoRRadiation therapy side effects include breast shrinkage, reduced skin elasticity and sensitivity. Some women experience temporary fatigue, decreased blood cell counts, and mild weight gain.TwoRWhen women require both chemotherapy and radiation therapy, chemotherapy is given first.TwoRMany patients do not understand the importance radiation therapy plays in their overall treatment planespecially after mastectomy treatment.Two...
