What you can expect

During proton therapy

You typically undergo proton therapy five days a week for several weeks. However, in some situations, you may undergo only one or a few treatments, depending on your condition. The actual proton therapy treatment may take only a few minutes but expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes preparing before each treatment session.

You may also undergo weekly CT scans to see if the dose you receive needs to be recalculated based on changes in weight, or tumor size and shape.

To prepare, you'll be positioned on a table. Cushions and restraints will be used to hold your body still. Then you'll undergo an imaging test, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to make sure your body is in the same precise position before each treatment.

Your radiation therapy team will then leave the room and go to an area where they can monitor you. They can still see and hear you.

Proton therapy is administered with a machine called a gantry that directs the proton beams at precise points on your body. You'll hear the machine when it's turned on and delivering the dose of proton therapy. However, you won't be able to feel the radiation during your treatment.

After proton therapy

Once your treatment session is complete, you can go about your day. You won't be radioactive or give off radiation.

Side effects of proton therapy usually develop over time. You may experience few side effects at first. But after several treatments you may experience fatigue, which can make it feel like your usual activities take more energy or that you have little energy for everyday tasks. You may also notice a sunburn-like skin redness in the area where the proton beams are directed.