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You will fill out some paperwork which will help us to better understand your health and social history.
The nurse will weigh you and do a brief assessment.
You will speak with the Radiation Oncologist. He will talk with you about your diagnosis and your treatment with radiation therapy. He will discuss radiation therapy and the side effects of radiation therapy.
You will meet with the nurse and she will provide you information about radiation therapy and side effects of radiation therapy. This is a time to help you understand your treatment and possible side effects that you may experience with radiation therapy. The nurse will also discuss how radiation therapy treatments are scheduled.
The Cancer Support Services Coordinator will also speak with you about the support groups at St. Vincent's East. She will also discuss other cancer resources with you.
You will be given an appointment to return to the office for a CAT scan simulation. This CAT scan does not require dyes or contrast. You can eat and take your medications before this CAT scan.
1. You will have a CAT scan simulation and your initial marks will be placed by one of the Radiation Therapists. The Radiation Therapist will give you an appointment time for your next visit and your daily radiation treatment times.
2. The Radiation Oncologist along with the Dosimetrist and Medical Physicist
will use this CAT scan to plan your course of treatment.
3. The Medical Physicist will conduct quality assurance protocols on your treatment plan.
On your third visit to our Cancer Center, the radiation therapists will be finalizing the marks and taking some x-rays. Think of this visit as a rehearsal for your treatments. Your radiation will begin on the next working day.
You will receive radiation treatments Monday- Friday. Your appointment will be at the same time each day.
Every Monday, you will be seen by the nurse and Radiation Oncologist after your treatment is completed.
The nurse will:
-weigh you,
-do a brief assessment &
-draw blood (CBC).
These things are done to monitor you for possible side effects.
If you think that you are having a reaction/side effects from radiation therapy, notify the nurse, therapists or Radiation Oncologist.
A dietician is available to help with nutrition problems. The dietician will see every patient that has been diagnosed with head and neck, esophageal, and colorectal cancer. The dietician will also see patients that are experiencing weight loss while having radiation therapy.
A Case Manager is also available to help with home health care and other social services concerns.
A Financial Advisor is available to help if needed (Notify the nurse if you feel you may need to see the financial advisor).
Upon completion of your radiation therapy, you will have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and for any late side effects of radiation therapy. We will continue to monitor your progress for up to 5-10 years after radiation is completed.
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