Depending on the area of the body being treated, an immobilization device may be used.  These devices can be in the form of a mask that holds the head in position, or “molds” made out of a foam product that hardens and is molded to hold a particular body part in position.  These devices assure the radiation technician that you will remain in the same position for every treatment.


Masks

Foam Molds

Immobilization Devices
A person is laying on a table with a mask on their head
A person wearing a white mask with holes in it
Treatment planning process

After the simulation, details from the procedure are sent to the medical physicist, the radiation oncologist, and the dosimetrist (a member of the radiation oncology team who uses treatment planning computers to generate the radiation plan).  These professionals perform highly technical calculations that will be used to set the treatment machine.  This treatment planning process can take up to 10 days. Once planning is complete, a therapist will contact you with a date and time to start your treatment.

First Day of Treatment (also known as New Start Date)

A radiation therapist will place you on the treatment table in the same position as you were on the simulator.  Proper positioning usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.  Once positioning is correct, a set of X-rays or a CT scan will be taken.  These films will be matched with the simulation films to ensure the treatment is going to be delivered the same way as it was simulated.  Occasionally, the match may take some repositioning. In these cases, adjustments will be made and checked by your attending physician. In rare instances, adjustments are required, and treatment might be postponed. This may happen if you have lost a significant amount of weight or the tumor size has changed. Once the films and positioning are confirmed, you will receive your first treatment. The planning and set up time is critical to avoid unnecessary radiation to healthy tissue.


The actual radiation treatment time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes.


Images will be performed daily or weekly to confirm proper positioning.  Images are not taken to measure your progress or response to radiation.

Daily Treatments

Once the plan is complete and approved, you will be given a daily treatment schedule.  Treatments are typically given once a day, Monday through Friday, for a number of weeks.  Each treatment generally takes only 15 to 20 minutes; however, you should plan to be in the department for an hour each day.


Before each treatment, the radiation therapists will position you on the treatment table, using the tattoos, immobilization devices, and laser beams on the machine.  Once you are set up for your treatment, the therapist will go into the control room located just outside the treatment room and give you instructions over a microphone as needed. The radiation therapist can see and hear you at all times.  As you lie on the treatment table, the table and linear accelerator may move to get the radiation beams in the correct location.  Once your position is confirmed, treatment is given. The treatment is not painful and you will not feel anything.

On-Treatment Examinations

Your radiation oncologist and nurse will examine you at least once a week before or after your treatment is administered. These examinations allow your physician and nurse an opportunity to evaluate your physical condition, answer any questions you may have, and coordinate future treatments.


If you are having a problem, do not wait until your next on-treatment exam. Inform your radiation therapist immediately and they will notify your physician or nurse. If you are experiencing problems after hours or on the weekend, please call the after-hours answering service at 810-257-2664.


Contact Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute in Flint, MI today.