Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the use of powerful penetrating radiation (X-rays) to destroy the diseaesed marrow and supress the immune system. In the case of Bone Marrow Transplant it is Total Body Radiation (TBI) which means the treatment is given to the whole body rather than just one specific area. This treatment is painless, although there are side effects.
The treatment is given in divided doses,twice a day. Each takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It involves me lying still on a hard bean bag bed but is otherwise quite straight forward.
I will have a test dose prior to the transplant. There is usually a gap between the test dose and the start of the TBI treatment. During this time the TBI is being planned using the results of the test dose procedure.

THE TREATMENT

Radiotherapy can cause sickness and diarrhoea (can't wait!) but i will be given tablets to try minimise this.

The treatment can also cause an immediate redness and itching/tingling of the skin followed by a darkening which occurs after 2-3 weeks. It is important that i follow a strict skin care, to minimise these problems.
i already have sensitive red skin anyway so i shouldn't notice a big change really, i hope.