Treatment Experience

The Department of Radiation Oncology at The Lacks Cancer Center is dedicated to creating a comfortable, satisfying experience for each patient. Here, every part of the individual is treated equally—mind, body and spirit. We make the radiation therapy process anxiety-free and therefore more successful by utilizing the most effective technologies in the treatment of cancer, providing a patient-friendly doorless entry system, employing a highly skilled multidisciplinary team and offering frequent opportunities for open communication. In this way, patients’ needs are consistently met, their questions answered and they go through the process with a sense of empowerment.

Initial Consultation. Patients meet with a radiation oncologist and radiology oncology nurse to discuss their history, diagnosis, treatment options, possible side effects and expected treatment outcomes. A family member or close friend is encouraged to participate in this session.

Simulation Session. This is the "set up" portion of radiation therapy. X-ray images of the affected area are taken, and then tiny permanent tattoos about the size of a pen point are placed on the skin for use as reference points for daily treatments. Depending on the area of treatment, a CT Scan (CAT scan) may be performed afterwards to verify and define the field and surrounding tissues.

Initial Radiation Treatment. Some patients may require chemotherapy or other therapies before radiation treatments begin, so the timing of the initial treatment will depend on each individual’s treatment plan. Once radiation therapy begins it can be scheduled Monday through Friday, typically at the same time each day (patient’s schedule permitting). In order to make this experience as easy as possible for our patients we work with them to create the schedule that is most accommodating to their daily lives.

Radiation Treatments. As a service to our patients—particularly patients with claustrophobic tendencies—we carry out radiation treatments in an open, doorless environment. We are the only hospital in Michigan with this unique capability. During this process patients are guided through daily treatments by a team of dedicated radiation oncologists, radiation oncology nurses and radiation therapists who are constantly available to answer questions and make them as comfortable as possible. In addition, patients attend brief weekly evaluations to ensure that their concerns are addressed and their side effects managed. During each session, patients will lie on the treatment table in the exact position taken during their simulation session.

Final Radiation Treatment. On the last day of radiation therapy, patients meet with their radiation oncologist to discuss follow up appointments (as needed) and instructions on managing temporary side effects. Even after therapy is completed our patients can feel free to contact their radiation oncologist or radiology oncology nurse with any further questions or concerns.

If you have any questions or concerns about the treatment experience please call our Radiation Oncology Department at (616) 752-6756 or 1-800-639-6266.