Smilow Radiation Intro
September 26, 2019Information
Introduction to Radiation Therapy at Smilow Cancer Hospital
- 00:03Hello, I'm doctor Peter Glazer, chairman of the Department of radiation oncology. I want to welcome you and thank you for choosing Smilow radiation oncology for your radiation therapy. This video is designed to provide you with a brief overview of the process and what to expect during your radiation therapy treatments. We have locations in New Haven, Guilford, New London, Hamden and Trumbull.
- 00:30We take great pride in providing the most advanced technologies giving our physicians the very best tools to fight your cancer. We have the top radiation oncologists in the region who practice evidence-based academic medicine and have the expertise to fully utilize our advanced technologies.
- 00:50In addition to our physicians, we have a team that includes nurses, therapists, dosimetrist's, physicists, dietitian's, social workers,
- 01:00and spiritual services. We all work together to provide you and your family with comprehensive, safe and effective treatment designed specifically for you. Our goal is to provide you with the best experience possible.
- 01:15There are 4 steps in the radiation therapy process. Consultation, simulation, treatment, planning and treatment. The first step in the process is a consultation. A consultation is your first appointment where we discuss your diagnosis and treatment options so you can make an informed decision about radiation being the right course of treatment for you. Your consultation takes place with your physician, also called the radiation Oncologist.
- 01:45And other members of your health care team of family member or friend is welcome to attend this visit with you. This initial consultation appointment can take from one to 2 hours depending upon your individual needs. During your consultation visit, you can expect the following. Your vital signs will be taken, your medications, medical and surgical history will be reviewed. This may have been done at other offices, but it's important for us to be sure your information is complete.
- 02:17And up to date, your radiation Oncologist will conduct a physical examination to assess your cancer related symptoms and general health. There will be time to ask any questions, but it may be helpful to come prepared with questions to your appointment. If you decide to move forward with radiation treatment, you will be asked to sign an informed consent stating that the possible side effects and benefits of treatment have been reviewed and that your questions have been answered.
- 02:47The radiation oncology nurse works closely with the doctor and other members of your health care team to provide education about radiation to help manage any possible side effects of the treatment and to help coordinate your overall care. You will meet with your radiation oncology nurse weekly during your treatment. If you have any questions at anytime, we encourage you to ask your doctor or any member of our radiation oncology team.
- 03:17The second step in the process is simulation before your radiation treatments begin, you will have a simulation appointment simulation. Uses a see T scan of the area of the body to be treated so that your radiation, Oncologist and radiation team can develop a precise treatment plan. Individualized just for you. During your simulation visit, you can expect the following for safety. We will check your identity using a wristband.
- 03:47And also take a face photo that we attach to your electronic medical chart before the see T scan is done. We will also verify with you the specific area of your body to be scanned. The first step of the simulation involves laying your body in a position that can be recreated each and every time you were treated. Positioning is very important in radiation oncology. The goal is to get you in the best position for treatment while providing as much comfort as possible.
- 04:17We will use off Velcro straps for your safety. Various custom positioning aids may be created during this simulation to ensure accuracy and to aid in the planning of your treatment course. During the simulation. The radiation therapist, radiation Oncologist and other members of your health care team will move between this simulation room and this simulation control room working on your treatment plan. Once in position, we will mark the area of interest designated by your radiation.
- 04:49Oncologist. The mark will be our reference point for future treatment. These marks are used daily to align your body to the same position that you were in. For the simulation. We use either permanent marker or small tattoos, no bigger than a freckle.
- 05:07One of the last steps in simulation will be taking photos of those Marks and the treatment area so they can be referenced by the therapist that will be treating you daily. These images are then loaded into your electronic medical record for use it each of your treatment visits at the end of the simulation. Your treatment appointment schedule will be given to you. Your radiation oncologist determines when you start, but we always take into consideration your preference for time as well as other appointments such as chemotherapy.
- 05:39The entire simulation process takes 45 to 60 minutes.
- 05:45The 3rd step in the radiation therapy process is treatment planning. The treatment planning process is highly personalized. Our medical dosimetrist have a thorough knowledge of radiation on Cology and medical physics. We use this knowledge to design radiation treatment plans according to the radiation oncologist prescription. Before you start your treatment, your radiation oncology team spends many hours or days collaborating on your specific treatment plan.
- 06:15The treatment planning process is complex and can generally take many days to complete this time and attention to detail along with many quality assurance checks by medical physicists ensures that your treatments are safe, individualized and of the highest quality.
- 06:33You are now ready for your treatment. The final step in the process when it's time for you to start your treatment, you will meet your radiation therapists who will guide you and explain the daily treatment process. Radiation therapists are trained, licensed health professionals who work within your radiation on cology care team. They operate the treatment machines and deliver your radiation treatment as prescribed by your radiation Oncologist. During your treatment, you can expect the following.
- 07:04For safety, each day before you receive your treatment, we will identify you by giving you a wristband with your name and date of birth and compare your photo that was taken during simulation each day. The radiation therapist will position you on using the marks placed on your body or positioning device created during the simulation. This ensures you are in the correct treatment position. We will use solved Velcro straps for your safety. The radiation therapist will leave the room.
- 07:35And ask you to remain still during this time. Your radiation team is confirming your treatment plan and correct positioning using X-rays. Your therapist can see and hear you at all. TimesDaily treatments typically take 15 to 30 minutes, but in some cases it may take up to an hour. The longest part of your time in the treatment room is the positioning process. Once you are in the correct treatment position, the therapist will step out of the room. The door will close.
- 08:07And your treatment will begin. The door must remain closed for safety. During your treatments you will hear and see the machine as it rotates around you, delivering the prescribed treatment, but you will not feel anything similar to other types of procedures you may have had previously, such as a cat scan or dental X Rays while outside of the room. The radiation therapists will constantly be monitoring you through audio and video equipment.
- 08:36The radiation treatments you will receive will not make you radioactive at anytime and you will be safe to carry on regular daily activities unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Depending on how many treatments your radiation oncologist prescribes, you may see your radiation therapist from as short as a few days to several weeks. As always, we encourage you and your family to ask questions at anytime. We hope that you found this video helpful.
- 09:06In answering your questions in preparing you for what to expect during your radiation therapy treatments, we understand that this is a sensitive and challenging time for you and your family and you can trust that we will do everything possible to keep you safe and comfortable during your treatments. We want to thank you for choosing Smiler radiation oncology for your radiation therapy and we look forward to being part of your care.