What to Expect: Radiation Oncology
Your initial visit to the Radiation Oncology Department is called a consulation. The purpose of the consultation is for you to meet with the radiation oncologist to discuss your treatment options. You are welcome to bring along any family member or friends with you.
Simulation: Preparing Your Treatment Plan
Your next visit is called a simulation. Simulation is a crucial step in your treatment planning process. It is the process of taking scans and measuring your anatomy. These combined with a physical examination, help your team plan the precise location where the radiation beams will be targeted.
Most patients undergo one simulation. However, it may be necessary to perform an additional simulation during your treatment.
Your simulation will be conducted on a CT Scanner. You will be placed in the exact position that you will be in during the actual treatment. The area of treatment will be marked directly on your skin or immobilization devices. Immobilization devices are molds, casts, headrests or other devices that are constructed and placed on a certain part of your body to help you remain in the same position during the entire treatment.
Your treatment may require special blocks to be created for you. These blocks are inserted into the external beam therapy equipment prior to each of your treatments. They are used to enhance the shape of the beam, which will allow the tumor to be targeted more accurately thereby sparing surrounding normal tissue.
The Trilogy Linear Accelerator Stereotactic System’s and the Gamma Knife have built-in blocks or shields that will shape the radiation beam. The radiation oncology team analyzes the information obtained from the examination, simulation and other diagnostics then configures a treatment plan.
Patient Information Sheets
We have prepared specific patient information sheets (pdf's) for each of the following treatments:
Treatment: What to Expect
External Beam Radiation
The Trilogy system's radiation beam penetrates the skin and accurately strikes the tumor without any physical contact. It can target an area as small as a pencil point, minimizing the damage to healthy tissue. Radiation doses are delivred more than 60 percent faster than a conventional linear accelerator, which means that patients can receive treatments in much less time.
Consequently, this is a non-invasive painless procedure for patients. The treatments are usually given Monday to Friday, with a rest during the weekend.
Each treatment is called a fraction.
Giving the treatment in fractions ensures that less damage is done to normal cells.
Ongoing Imaging
The Trilogy system has built-in imaging technology to allow for CT or X-rays immediately prior to treatment. This improves accuracy by allowing the patient to stay in the same position for the treatment. Images will be taken each week to follow the tumor’s progress and update the treatment plan as needed.
Follow-up
Each week you will meet with your radiation oncologist to discuss how you are doing and if you are experiencing any side-effects. At the conclusion of your treatment, your physician will monitor your health and order additional treatments or tests as needed.
