Frequently Asked Questions

What will happen on my first visit?

On your first day, it is understandable that you will be a little nervous. This is usually the longest day that you will have to spend with us. Feel free to ask any questions that you may have at any time. We encourage you to have a family member or friend present. Please plan on being with us for at least two hours the first day.

(If you have been mailed a Patient Questionnaire, please bring the completed questionnaire with you.)

When you arrive, our receptionist will need the following information:

• your name
• your address
• your Social Security Number
• your employment information
• your insurance (please bring insurance forms/cards with you)

These are some things that will occur on your first day:

• your height and weight will be recorded
• a photograph will be taken for identification purposes (with your written permission)
• all medications that you are taking will be recorded (please bring all medications with you)
• our nursing staff will review your questionnaire with you
• you will see one of our radiation oncologists who will review your medical records, x-rays and scans
• you will have an examination that may include a pelvic or rectal exam

If treatments are required, the following information will be discussed with you:

• the intention or goal of your treatment
• your daily routine
• possible side effects and risks you may experience

A written consent for treatment will be obtained before radiation begins. If for any reason you feel that all of your questions have not been answered, do not sign the consent form until you have talked with someone who can help you understand fully the nature of your treatment, including its risks, complications, or anything else you may want to know.

After your visit, the physician will send a letter to your referring and family physicians outlining:

• your diagnosis
• your physical and laboratory findings
• your treatment plan

Who will take care of me?

Our staff is well trained and dedicated to giving you the best possible care. The following are members of our treatment team:

Radiation Oncologists
These board-certified physicians have years of specialized training in the treatment of cancer with radiation. This expertise enables them to evaluate your problem and determine proper treatment for you.

Radiation Therapists 
These highly skilled health professionals who deliver your daily treatments. Our therapists are graduates of approved schools of radiation therapy, technology, or radiological technology and are board certified.

Radiation Therapy Nurses
Specially trained nurses will help you during your initial and weekly evaluations. The nurses answer questions and provide instruction relating to nutrition, dental care, radiation side effects and other concerns.

Office Sfaff
Our office staff is responsible for registering patients, collecting important medical information, scheduling appointments and maintaining the center's records.

Financial Counselor
This individual is experienced in assisting patient with any financial concerns, including questions about insurance.

Dosimetrists
Specially trained radiation therapists who work with the radiation oncologist in developing precise and accurate treatment plans by using a sophisticated treatment planning computers.

Radiation Physicists
Individuals who review your treatment chart for accuracy. They have special knowledge in radiation physics and radiation treatment planning. They are also responsible for the safe operation of the therapy machine.

What is involved in treatment planning?

Following your consultation, you will be asked to return for a treatment planning session. At this time, a radiation oncologist along with a therapist will do a simulation to determine the best treatment plan for you. During simulation, a special X-ray machine called a simulator will be used to determine the exact area of your body to be treated. A magic marker will be used to identify this area on your skin. When the simulation ends, this marked area will be outlined with small tattoo "dots" the size of freckles. These very tiny tattoos allow patients to bathe during their treatment period without fear of washing off their marks. Because each patient's treatment plan is unique, the duration of the treatment course will vary from patient to patient. Treatment is usually given five days per week, Monday through Friday.

What will happen during my treatments?

A therapist will assist you to the treatment room where you will be placed on the treatment table in the same position in which you were simulated. The therapist will align the treatment fields to the tattoos on your body. Although you will be alone in the room during your treatment, you will be watched on a closed-circuit TV by the therapist, who will remain in voice and visual contact throughout your treatment.

The treatment typically lasts between 10 and 15 minutes.  Special types of treatments can last longer.

What about my activity and care during treatment?

It is important that you maintain an adequate diet and get sufficient rest while receiving radiation therapy. To help maintain your weight and feeling of well-being, we may suggest:

• taking commercial food supplements that will increase your caloric and nutritional intake
• sustaining as much of your normal activity as possible without becoming tired
• continuing to see your friends and stay in the mainstream of life
• keeping a positive outlook
• maintaining good personal hygiene

Will I experience side effects?

During your initial consultation, your physician will discuss with you the possible side effects you may experience as a result of treatment. These side effects vary depending on the area of the body treated and are unique to each individual.

Although many patients experience moderate side effects, please tell a therapist or nurse if you are having any difficulties so they may help manage the problem.

When will I see the doctor?

Examinations and During Treatment

Examinations During Treatment
During your treatment our physicians will evaluate your progress each week. If you have a problem or concern, the nurse or physician will see you promptly. On the day of your scheduled exam, please plan on a longer visit than on a routine treatment day.

Follow-Up Visits After Treatment Ends

Following your therapy, a summary letter will be mailed to your referring and family physicians. Your first follow-up visit with us provides an opportunity for our physician to evaluate your progress. The number of follow-up visits with us after the treatment may be limited. Therefore it is very important that you continue to see your referring physician regularly.

Summary of important information regarding your radiation treatment

Treatment Information

• Treatments usually are received five days per week, Monday through Friday.
• You should not use any form of heat within the treated area.
• Treatments cause no discomfort or pain. From start to finish, treatments typically last between 10 and 15 minutes.
• During treatment it is vital that you follow directions, communicate with therapists, nurses and physicians about your problems or concerns, and stay involved with your treatment. Think of yourself as part of a team.
• About 95 percent of our patients are treated as outpatients.
• Radiation therapy can "cure" cancer. It is also used to relieve pain, stop bleeding, and shrink tumor size. Radiation therapy can be given along with surgery and/or chemotherapy.

Smoking Policy

Our facilitiesare non-smoking facilities. Out of courtesy to others, smoking is NOT permitted anywhere in the center. Please do not smoke in the area outside the centers.

Following Your Treatment

• You are not contagious or radioactive.
• Daily activities may be maintained as long as you do not become overly tired; a nap may be desired.
• You should maintain an adequate diet and sufficient rest.

Patient's Bill of Rights

• As one of our patients, you have the right to:
• Be treated by our staff in an appropriate manner, with dignity and respect at all times;
• Be treated by competent medical staff who are qualified for their positions through education and experience;
• Privacy and confidentiality. Your information will be released only with your signed consent;
• Receive accurate information in terms that you can understand. When this is not possible, information will be given to the appropriate person on your behalf;
• Participate in your care and in the decisions made that affect that care;
• Refuse treatment and to be informed of the medical consequences of treatment refusal;
• Know the names of the personnel involved in your care;
• Receive information on accessing medical care during non-office hours; and
• Receive treatment regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religious preference, marital status or disability.

As one of our patients, you have the responsibility to:

• Provide accurate, truthful and complete information so an appropriate treatment plan can be developed;
• Follow the prescribed plan of care as closely as you are able, and to notify our staff if you are unsure of any aspect of that care plan;
• Inform the doctor or nurse of any changes in your condition, so they may revise the plan of care as needed;
• Keep appointments and be on time. We become concerned when patients fail to call and reschedule or cancel appointments; and
• Be courteous to our staff, patients and those who accompany our patients.