FAQs

Preparation for your first visit:

When you come for your consultation, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothing which is easy to change and make sure you bring:

• Insurance identification information & photo identification
• The referring physician’s name, address and phone number
• Your new patient paperwork, if mailed to you in advance

Is radiation treatment painful and how many visits needed?

No, radiation treatment is not painful. The patients feel like they are having an x-ray of their body. The number of treatments required will be determined by our doctor to suit your needs.

Can I drive and work while receiving radiation treatment?

The majority of patients can continue to do their normal day-to-day activities while receiving radiation treatments. With regard to driving, the major exception is with patients being treated for tumors of the central nervous system or when patients are requiring medications that can make them sleepy. We strongly encourage patients to live a normal lifestyle while they are taking radiation, and this includes a normal exercise regimen.

Will I be radioactive and a danger to my family?

When patients are receiving external beam radiation treatments, there is no radioactivity given except when the actual treatment machine is turned on. An individual treatment lasts approximately 3 to 5 minutes. When patients receive radioactive implants, there is a degree of radioactivity that is still present within the patient, and there are radiation safety precautions that will be discussed by the radiation oncologist.

What staff members are involved in my treatment??

Our Doctor, who is a Board Certified Radiation Oncologist. This means that he attended medical school, then completed a residency in therapeutic radiology and oncology, and has passed certification by the American Board of Radiology. Our radiation oncologist will do an initial consultation, and will also address any side effects that might emerge, relative to the radiation, during treatment.

Our Radiation Therapists, who have received training and a degree at a certified school of radiation therapy technology. These Radiation Therapists will be delivering the individual daily treatments, and will be in frequent contact with the Radiation Oncologist regarding the patient’s condition, side effects, or other new information.

Our Medical Physics Staff, which is comprised of a Board Certified Medical Physicist and a Medical Dosimetrist, who both have highly specialized training in calibrating medical radiation doses. Together they develop a plan which is individualized for the size and location of that patient’s cancer site.

How can I make sure proper dose is being given?

The Physics staff carefully calculates the precise dose prescribed by the radiation oncologist. The Radiation Oncologist oversees the dosimetry and determines the final plan of care. Specialized computer systems are utilized to verify and record patient doses. Equipment is calibrated on a daily basis and at the initial portion of the patient's treatment; a microcomputer chip is also placed within the radiation field to double check the calculated dose.

What happens on a typical treatment day?

Each day, the patient checks in with the receptionist at the scheduled treatment appointment time. A radiation therapist escorts the patient into the treatment room, where clothes covering the treatment fields are removed. The patient is positioned on the treatment table in the treatment position. Sheets and blankets are available to provide privacy and comfort. The therapists confirm the position, touch up the lines that outline the field, and then leave the room. The machines are turned on for the appropriate treatment dose and time.

Once the treatment is completed, the therapists position the machine for the next treatment field, and the process is repeated until all fields have been treated. After the treatment is completed for the day, the patient can dress and go home or to work.

Once a week, the radiation oncologist meets with the patient to determine how well the patient is reacting to the treatment and to answer questions from the patient or family. However, if the patient develops a new problem during the week, the radiation oncologist is available to assist the patient.

What are the side-effects of radiation therapy?

The side effects of radiation therapy depend on the area of the body that is exposed to the radiation, as well as the dose given. There are two common side effects among most patients: fatigue and skin irritation. The fatigue usually begins after several weeks of treatment and may continue for 2 to 3 months afterward.

Skin irritation occurs on the area of the body being treated, whether the radiation is given superficially or deeply into the body, and depends on the dose of radiation given. The skin becomes red, dry, and itchy. Occasionally the skin becomes blistered. The radiation oncologist provides the patient with instructions for cleaning the skin and treating the irritation when this occurs.

A number of other side effects are possible and depend on where the radiation is given. Hair loss may occur in the field of radiation. If radiation is not being given to the head, however, hair loss from the scalp does not occur. If the treatment is to the mouth, throat, or neck, side effects may include a sore mouth, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment to the lung may irritate the lung and esophagus, causing coughing and increased sputum production as well as some difficulty swallowing. Treatment to the abdomen may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Treatment to the pelvis may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as rectal, bladder, and vaginal irritation.

Most of the side effects caused by radiation therapy resolve within 4 to 6 weeks of completing treatment. Long-term effects of treatment may include some permanent changes in the color and elasticity of the skin in the treatment field. Other changes depend on the site of treatment and the dose. These effects are discussed by the radiation oncologist before the start of any treatment.

Responsibilities of the patient and family

To avoid delays in treatment and potential problems, the patient and family have several responsibilities. The first is to provide the radiation oncologist with an accurate and detailed medical history, medication list, and allergy list. If the patient has received any treatments for cancer in the past, including radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or biological therapy, it is important to provide the radiation oncologist with the name, address, and phone number of the appropriate physician(s). Delays in obtaining outside records can hamper the start of treatment.

The second responsibility is a commitment to the treatment plan. This includes arriving on time for appointments, not removing the marks on the skin, and reporting side effects or other problems that the patient may experience. The earlier a new problem is identified, the sooner it can be managed and, it is hoped, solved. This includes problems with insurance, housing, transportation or employment, in addition to physical side effects related to the treatment. It is also important to follow recommendations for taking medications and nutritional supplements. Following these recommendations can help avoid a break in the treatment course, which can have a negative impact on the desired outcome.

Is radiation therapy expensive?

Treatment of cancer with radiation can be costly. It requires very complex equipment and the services of many health care professionals. The exact cost of your radiation therapy will depend on the type and number of treatments you need.

Most health insurance policies, including Part B of Medicare, cover charges for radiation therapy. In some states, the Medicaid program may help you pay for treatments. You can find out from the office that handles social services in your city or county whether you are eligible for Medicaid and whether your radiation therapy is a covered expense.

Does my insurance cover radiation treatment?

Most private insurance policies as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover radiation treatment.
Radiation is recognized as a standard treatment for cancer, and will be covered to the level of benefits as outlined in your policy/coverage. (Click to see a list of Accepted Insurance Plans)

What other resources are there for me?

For additional information and resources regarding cancer and radiation treatment, contact the Cancer Information Service, or the local office of the American Cancer Society at links below.

• Cancer Information Service, a division of the National Institutes of Health (http://cis.nci.nih.gov/) or 1-800-4CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
• American Cancer Society (cancer.org) and enter your zip code for local community resources, or call 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345)