Your Treatment
Our providers apply all their experience and training, the latestresearch results, and the most advanced technologies to offer youthe best cancer diagnosis and treatment available today.
Every patient's treatment plan is unique, but you can expect that it will involve the following components:
Pre-treatment Planning.Prior to the start of actual radiation treatments, it is necessary to perform pre-treatment planning and simulation. This involves performing X-ray imaging procedures to define the treatment area(s) that will receive radiation therapy. This is usually completed in one appointment, but occasionally may require a second appointment.
Daily Treatment Appointments for several weeks.Radiation therapy is usually given on a structured schedule over the course of several weeks or months. Most cancer patients receive four or five treatment sessions each week for several weeks. Depending on your needs or treatment protocol, you may go a week "on," then a week "off" over the course of several months.
Weekly Assessment Meetings.You will meet once each week with your radiation oncologist and nurse to assess your progress. Each radiation oncologist on our staff meets with their patients on a specific day; your specific day will be written on the appointment card inside this patient information handbook. This meeting day will not vary, unless a major holiday, emergency, or other conflict interferes.
Blood and Lab Tests.Most patients have their blood drawn for testing weekly, often on Mondays. Routine blood tests include a CBC (complete blood count) and platelet count. Sometimes, a physician in another clinical area or a nurse will schedule you for lab tests mid-week. When this occurs, please notify us so we can have your radiation oncology tests done at the same time.
Port Films.At the beginning of each treatment week, the therapist will take your "port films" to verify your treatment setup and treatment prescription. This is one way we can assure the quality and accuracy of your radiation therapy. (For more information on port films and treatment simulation, see the "Excellence in Cancer Care" brochure.)
Variations from the Routine.Some days, your appointment will be longer than usual. Blood drawing days, on-treatment visits (OTV), and end-of-treatment visits (ETV) with your nurse and physician are examples of longer appointment days.