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Total Body Irradiation (TBI)

Total body irradiation (TBI) is used along with chemotherapy (chemo) as part of the treatment plan for stem cell transplant.  The purpose of TBI and chemo is to destroy your cancer cells and to suppress your immune system before you receive the stem cells.  TBI uses high-energy x-rays.

 

Treatments are given Monday through Friday.  Most often, patients begin their treatment Monday or Tuesday.  A total of eight treatments are given, two each day, with at least six hours between treatments.  This schedule helps to reduce the side effects.  Treatments take about 30 minutes. 

 

Getting ready for your treatment

 

  • Remove all metal before you leave your room.  This includes jewelry, eye glasses, and clothing that contains metal like a bra or blue jeans. 
  • Contact lenses should be removed also.
  • If you are wearing a hospital gown that has snaps on it, please ask your nurse for a gown without snaps. 
  • You may want to use the restroom before leaving your room. 
  • If you would like to listen to music or watch a movie during your TBI, bring it with you. If you would like to watch a movie, please give us a 2-day notice so that we can arrange for a TV and VCR.

 

During the treatment

 

For the treatment, you will be seated on a cart as shown here. 

 

 

It is important that you be able to maintain this position.  We will assist you.  You will be able to use a pillow or towel under your head for support.  The arms are at the side of the chest with hands together at the waist.  This helps to decrease the radiation dose to the lungs.  A cushion is placed under bent knees, and a Velcro strap secures the position.  You can breathe normally.  You will be alone in the room during the treatment but the staff can see you on a TV screen.  You can talk to them, and you will hear them through an intercom.  The treatment can be paused, and we can enter the room if needed.  After one side of your body is treated, the cart is moved so that the other side can be treated. 

 

After each treatment, you will be taken back to your hospital room.  There is no radiation in your body after the treatments.

 

Side Effects from Total body irradiation

 

Acute side effects – may occur soon after your treatments

  • nausea and vomiting
  • mouth and throat sores and pain
  • diarrhea
  • jaw pain
  • swollen salivary glands
  • dry mouth
  • skin redness
  • hair loss
  • fatigue
  • low blood counts

 

Your nurse will be giving you medicines to treat some of these side effects.  Please tell your nurse if you are having any of these side effects.  

 

Late side effects – may occur 6 months to several years after treatments.   

  • cataracts
  • decrease in growth
  • hormone problems
  • sterility

 

Taking Care of Yourself during TBI

 

  • Practice good oral care.  Follow your mouth care routine. Ask your nurse about products to use or avoid.  See HFFY # 4494 Radiation Mucositis. 
  • Do not use any product that contains talc, zinc, aluminum, camphor, menthol, or alcohol.  This includes deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves.  These can irritate the skin. 
  • Unscented lotions, creams, and ointments may be used during the week of your radiation treatments.  Avoid using them for at least 2 hours before your treatment as this may increase your sensitivity to the radiation.  See HFFY# 4621 Skin Care for Radiotherapy Patients.
  • When you shower or bathe, use a mild, fragrance-free soap. For example, Dove®, Ivory ®, Basis ®, Neutrogena®, Cetaphil®, or Ivory®.
  • Avoid taking hot baths and using hot blow dryers since this will dry your skin. 
  • Use sunscreen (at least 20 SPF) because your skin will burn more easily.

 

As always, if you have questions, please ask.  The staff is here to help you. Let us know if we can make these treatments easier for you in any way.

 

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/07/2007

Copyright © 04/18/2006 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6275

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