The 15th November, 2005 was to be the first of many radiation treatments. Julie's radiation treatment was given every day for five weeks. Each treatment lasting no more than 15 minutes.Radiation Therapy is high-energy radiation such as x-rays and/or gamma rays used to destroy cancer cells and stop them from growing and multiplying.

There are many different types of radiation therapy, and the type chosen depends on the individual patient and the type of cancer.

Radiation is a special kind of energy carried by waves or a stream of particles. When radiation is used at high doses (many times those used for x-ray imaging exams) it can destroy abnormal cells that cause cancer and other illnesses.

With radiation therapy, the side effects depend on the treatment dose and the part of the body that is treated. The most common side effects are tiredness, skin reactions (such as a rash or redness, permanent pigmentation, and scarring) in the treated area, and loss of appetite. Radiation therapy can cause inflammation of tissues and organs in and around the body site radiated. This can cause symptoms that depend on what organs are affected and to what degree. For example, radiation can inflame skin to cause a burn or permanent pigmentation. It can also irritate the colon and cause diarrhea. Radiation therapy can also cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells, cells that help protect the body against infection.

Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be unpleasant, they can usually be treated or controlled. It also helps to know that, in most cases, they are not permanent. To a great degree, the possible side effects of radiation therapy depend on the location and the amount of radiation.