Talk with the team to find a comfortable position that you can be in every time you come in for radiation therapy. Your radiation oncology team cares about your comfort. It is important for your body to be in the same position for each treatment and for you to be as comfortable as possible during your treatments. Ask your health care team how your mask will be made and what to expect during that process. It gently holds your head in place during each session. This is a mesh mask that is molded to your face and secured to the table. ![]() Immobilization devices can include:įor radiation therapy to the head or neck, you may receive a thermoplastic mask. This device will help you stay in the same position during each radiation therapy session. ![]() Sometimes, you may need an immobilization device. This will help your team aim the radiation beam at the tumor. These may include:ĭepending on the area of your body being treated, you may receive a small mark(s) on your skin. Your team will use imaging scans to confirm the tumor location. This means it is a practice run without giving radiation therapy. Your first radiation therapy session is called a simulation. You understand the treatment is not guaranteed to give the intended results You give permission for the health care professionals to deliver the treatment Your health care team gave you information about your treatment options If you and your doctor decide that radiation therapy is the best treatment option for you, your health care team will ask you to sign an "informed consent" form. This is a great time to ask any questions or share concerns you may have. You will also learn about the potential risks and benefits of radiation therapy. During this meeting, the doctor will review your medical records, perform a physical exam, and recommend tests. You can expect these steps before beginning treatment: What happens before radiation therapy treatment?Įach treatment plan is created to meet a patient's individual needs, but there are some general steps. Rehabilitation therapists, such as physical therapists or speech therapists Additional team members may help care for physical, emotional, and social needs during radiation therapy. This professional operates the treatment machines and gives people their scheduled treatments. Radiation therapist or radiation therapy technologist. The dosimetrist helps your radiation oncologist calculate the right dose of radiation. They are experts at using radiation equipment.ĭosimetrist. This professional helps design treatment plans. Helping you manage side effects of treatment A radiation oncology nurse plays many roles in your treatment, including: This type of nurse specializes in caring for people receiving radiation therapy. This type of provider meets with patients and will collaborate with the radiation oncology team, including a supervising radiation oncologist. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are also called advanced practitioners. Radiation oncology advanced practitioners. They work closely with other team members to develop the treatment plan. A radiation oncologist oversees radiation therapy treatments. This type of doctor specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer. This team may include the following professionals: Who is on my radiation therapy team?Ī highly trained medical team specialized in giving radiation therapy will work together to provide you with the best possible care. Learn more about the basics of radiation therapy and the side effects of radiation therapy. ![]() It will cover who is on your radiation therapy team and what will happen before, during, and after your radiation therapy treatment. This article will help you prepare for your first treatment. However, learning more about this type of cancer treatment may help you feel more prepared and comfortable. It is normal to feel worried or even overwhelmed when you learn that you will need radiation therapy.
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