Proton therapy: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Use local emergency services rather than waiting for a routine radiation appointment.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Contact your healthcare team promptly for persistent vomiting, inability to drink, worsening pain, new difficulty swallowing, significant skin breakdown, or symptoms specific to the treated area.

   Seek urgent medical help for severe breathing difficulty, a new seizure, sudden weakness, confusion, uncontrolled bleeding, or another rapidly developing serious symptom.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Mild fatigue and skin changes can usually be discussed during routine treatment reviews.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Proton therapy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.