Radiation to bones
 

Can someone please explain in their words what this procedure does and how it works and what is it used for. Is it true that once you radiate an area (lets say L5) it can only be done once? At what point should one consider this as a treatment option? I have had some worsening in the L5 area and she did mention that we can "shoot it".

Thank you
Shonda

Found this, will dig for more.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, often called radiotherapy, involves the use of ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation refers to the high-energy rays that are given off during treatment. The radiologist directs these rays to injure or destroy cancer cells in the area of the bone metastasis or tumor. Although some normal (non-cancer) cells are destroyed in the process, these cells can repair themselves and restore normal function. The goal of radiotherapy is to destroy cancer cells so that they cannot reproduce and grow. Patients also benefit from radiotherapy because it reduces bone pain and lessens the chance of fractures. Again, patients should discuss possible side effects of therapy with their doctor.

There is some info. inside this link:

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH...=dmtContent#q6