American Cancer

What Happens Before, During and After Treatment


Once the diagnosis has been made, you will probably talk with your primary care physician along with several cancer specialists, such as a surgeon, a medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist, to discuss your treatment choices. These specialists will work together to help recommend the best treatment for you.

Meeting With a Radiation Oncologist


If you are considering radiation therapy, you must first meet with a radiation oncologist to see if radiation therapy is right for you. During your first visit, your doctor will evaluate your need for radiation therapy and its likely results.

External Beam Radiation Therapy Treatments


When you undergo external beam radiation therapy treatment, each session is painless, just like getting an X-ray. The radiation is directed at your tumor from a machine located away from your body (usually using technology called a linear accelerator). External beam radiation is noninvasive, unlike surgery which is an invasive process.

  • Preparation for your first visit:
  • Is radiation treatment painful and how many visits needed?
  • Can I drive and work while receiving radiation treatment?
  • Will I be radioactive and danger to my family?
  • What staff will I meet regarding my treatment?
  • How can I make sure proper dose is being given?

TESTIMONIALS

I would like to say thanks to you for your efforts in my case. I am grateful and thankful for your approach, skill, expertise and knowledge in treating me for my cancer tumors. Your radiation treatment inspired and impressed me. I know now that you succeeded.
– Anonymous –
Within hours of being told I had cancer, Dr. Lewison’s office referred me to the American Cancer Center for a consultation. The staff made us feel like a guest in their home. Dr. Jailwala took a great deal of time to explain all about what would be happening. I went home confident and at peace. I was kept informed and told exactly what to expect all along the way. I marvel at how he would know exactly what side effect would happen each day. Dr. Jailwala took long sessions to go over everything. I never felt rushed or put off. He spent many hours of study on my case. He learned all there was to know about my cancer and me.
– Lynn I. –
We want to thank you for all the care you gave to my husband during this long period of daily trips to Elgin. The fact that he did not have to go to the hospital and have to deal with different people made him more relaxed on his daily visits.
– Nelly A. –
I did not think my wife and I would celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on October 11th because of my illness. Through Dr. Jailwala’s effort and our strong religious convictions, we succeeded.
– Robert B. –
I believe a firm asset at your center is the staff you have assembled. Your staff is most capable and competent. Dr. Jailwala’s top assistant, Jerzy, is an individual noted for his dedication and effort. Dr. Jailwala’s knowledge, skill, and compassion made me most comfortable during the treatment.
– Anonymous –
My experience with the American Cancer Center was very comforting during a very stressful time in my life. The personnel made my daily visits easier and I felt like I was family. Jerzy was always professional as was the staff, and the care they gave me was outstanding. Everyone was so sincere and concerned with my well being and I can't tell you how much that meant to me. Dr. Jailwala was always encouraging and the time went by fast. The office staff always had a smile for me, and were accommodating on appointments. I would highly recommend the American Cancer Center to any of my family or friends. Thank you everyone, you too are special.
– Mary L. –
Thanks for greeting me each day with your wonderful smiles and your words of encouragement.
– Diane S. –
Dr. Jailwala and his staff made me feel so comfortable during an uncomfortable time in my life. Everything was explained thoroughly and professionally to me during my initial visit with my husband and continually during my radiation treatments. I really had no side effects, to speak of, during my treatments. I would like to give a personal thank you to the staff, who always greeted me with a smile and compassion before and after each treatment. After seeing everyone on a daily basis for my many treatments, I felt very close to them. When I have a follow-up appointment now, its hugs for everyone. They feel like family!
– Anonymous –
Thank you all so much for the wonderful care you took of me during my radiation treatments. Your thoughtfulness and understanding made my visits relaxing and even enjoyable.
– Alynne L. –
I would like to say thank you to all of you for your genuine thoughtfulness, encouragement, and compassion.
– Lynette H. –
American Cancer