You will meet with a nurse who will review your history, your medications and show you a film about radiation treatments.

You may wish to have a family member or friend with you, especially on your first visit.

After looking at your medical records and x-rays the doctor will come in and do a history, physical exam and then discuss radiation treatments with you.

Your first visit may take 2 to 3 hours.

At the Radiation Oncology Department, a team of professionals plans and provides your care. This team includes:

Radiation Oncologist- A doctor who specializes in the use of radiation for the treatment of cancer and supervises the radiation therapy team.

Radiation Physicist- An expert who is responsible for the calibration of the therapy equipment, directs the determination of radiation dose distributions in patients undergoing treatment, and is responsible for the weekly review of the dose delivered to the patient.

Dosimetrist- A radiation therapy technologist with added training to calculate the amount of radiation needed to destroy the tumor.

Radiation Therapist/Technologist- The professional who operates the linear accelerator to provide your treatment according to the guidelines written by the radiation oncologist, physicist, and dosimetrist.

Radiation Therapy Nurse- A nurse who has chosen to have special training and interest in the care of cancer patients.

Department Receptionist- A person who will schedule your appointment after a referral has been made by your physician to see a Radiation Oncologist. She will also obtain your papers and films that will be needed, unless you've been asked to bring them. You will need to check in with her after going to the Admitting Department.

Social Worker- A person who can assist with arranging supports such as housing, transportation, home health care, durable medical equipment, or financial concerns.

First a simulation is done by the radiation oncologist and therapist. This may take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to complete. The purpose of the simulation is to map out the exact area to be treated. Precise focusing of the beam of radiation will result from the planning that takes place during the simulation.

While you are in the simulator room, it is very important for you to remain as still as possible. Part of the reason is that the radiation oncologist and therapist may design special devices that will be used to support your body in a specific position when you receive the actual treatments. X-ray films and body measurements are taken. You will be marked with ink and tattoos which will aid the therapist in positioning you exactly the same way for each radiation treatment.

Sometimes a treatment planning CT scan (also known as a CAT scan) is required after simulation to ensure that the location of the tumor is targeted correctly. These careful steps enable your radiation therapy to spare as much normal healthy tissue as possible while destroying the tumor or disease areas.

Radiation therapy technologists, dosimetrists, and physicists assist the radiation oncologist in developing your treatment plan.

Most people will not start treatments on the first day. You may start your treatment in a few days after the simulation.

The doctor will determine when you will start treatments and how many treatments you are to receive.

Generally you will be treated on Monday- Friday (5 days a week) at the same time every day between the hours of 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Every effort will be made to find a time that is good for you.

Usually treatment time is very brief (10-15 minutes) but can take longer depending on the complexity of the treatment.

You will be closely monitored by the Radiation Therapist while on the treatment table.

Generally on a weekly basis you will see the doctor.