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Radiation therapy can be overwhelming. We hope this handout will help guide you through the radiation therapy process.
Treatment Planning
The CT scan you had was for treatment planning only. Doctors will not be able to use this scan to see changes in your tumor.
Your treatment plan will be made after your CT scan. A radiation therapist will call you in 1-2 weeks to set up your first treatment. They will try to work around your schedule.
Your doctor and nurse will see you on a regular basis during treatment. You will see your doctor once a week. They will follow your progress and check for any side effects. Please talk to them about any concerns you have.
Location
The therapist tells you which machine will be used for your treatment. You will get directions to that machine.
Checking In
University Hospital Location
Come straight down to Radiation Oncology. Check in at the desk right off the K elevator in the basement. You do not need to check-in at the main registration desk at University Hospital.
Eastpark Medical Center Location
You can check in at radiation oncology registration desk on First Floor in the South Tower.
Treatment Care Team
Radiation therapists work with doctors to give the daily treatment. They are under the doctor’s prescription and supervision. They keep daily records. They check the treatment machines to make sure they are working properly.
Medical physicists work with your doctor to make your treatment plan. They also work with the dosimetrist to make sure treatments are right for you.
Dosimetrists calculate the dose of radiation. This ensures the tumor gets the right amount of radiation. They use computers to create the treatment plan.
Radiation
You will not feel the radiation. You can hear the machine turn on and you may hear a buzzing sound.
You will not give off radiation after your session. The only time there is radiation is when the machine is turned on. You are safe to be around others.
Side Effects
You may have side effects from your radiation treatment. Side effects start about 2 weeks after the start of your treatment. Side effect information is in the folder given to you at your consult visit. Ask your radiation therapist or doctor if you have questions.
Side effects are based on the area your body is being treated. For example, patients being treated to their abdomen or pelvis may feel nauseous.
Feeling tired during radiation treatment is common. Skin reactions from the radiation are also common.
Treatment to the head can cause hair loss. Treatment to any part of the body covered with hair can cause hair loss in that area only. Hair loss can be permanent or temporary. This depends on your radiation dose.
Who to Call
To speak to your doctor or nurse, call us at (608) 915-1201.
If you can’t make a treatment session, call your treatment machine phone number to speak with a therapist. Try not to miss any of your treatments. You will need to make up for a missed day. Another day would be added on to your treatment schedule.