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Your
Cancer Care Team
The Cancer Care Team provides case management support and holistic
care for patients who are facing the challenge of cancer. Patients
often need additional support and care beyond that provided in the
clinical setting. The Cancer Care Team works in partnership with
patients and their families to identify and prioritize financial,
social, emotional and spiritual needs. More
on Your Cancer Care Team >
Consultation
and Getting Started
The first
visit with your Radiation Oncologist will be for a consultation.
When you are ready for treatments, these will be performed at the
Radiation Centers.
Radiation
Treatment
Radiation
therapy treatments are most commonly given five days per week. Courses
of treatment may take from two to seven weeks depending on the treatment
goal. Each daily session lasts less than one hour, and you can expect
no immediate side effects. Local side effects can occur as treatment
progresses, however, these will be discussed with you.
Family members are
encouraged to come along and are not at risk during external beam
treatments. When in-hospital implants are needed, though, special
precautions will have to be taken.
Treatment
Philosophy
Cancer
treatment is a complex field and can be an anxious and difficult
time for patients and families. Our goal is to give you the best
treatment possible and make sure you have the necessary support
to help you on your way to recovery. As your participation and understanding
are vital to the treatment process, we want you to feel free to
ask questions and let us know what you think. Our treatment team
is there to assist you in any way possible, including connecting
you to one of the many support groups available, if you desire,
or any other information you need.
In
order to provide you the best care possible, the doctors of Radiation
Oncology serve as a team, operating interchangeably, with all of
our patients. Frequent conferences with one another keep the doctors
aware of each patient’s treatment and progress throughout his/her
radiation therapy program. This team approach ensures that you will
receive quality care on a daily basis when your consulting doctor
is not in attendance.
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