Please use this form to schedule your appointment. Be sure to fill out every field to the fullest extent of your knowledge. The more information that you can provide the better. If you have any questions please call one of our office locations for assistance.
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Consultation
If you are considering radiation therapy, you must first schedule a visit with a radiation oncologist to see if radiation therapy is right for you.
Initial Visit
One of our physicians will evaluate your need for radiation therapy and its likely results.
This includes reviewing:
- your current medical problems,
- past medical history,
- past surgical history,
- family history,
- medications,
- allergies and lifestyle
The doctor will also perform a physical examination to assess the extent of your disease and judge your general physical condition.
Simulation & Treatment Planning
To be most effective, radiation therapy must be aimed precisely at the same target or targets each and every time treatment is given. The process of measuring your anatomy and marking your skin to help your team direct the beams of radiation safely and exactly to their intended locations is called 3D simulation.
The simulation process begins with your doctor deciding the best treatment position for you to lie in each day. An immobilization device is then created to help secure you into that position which helps keep you from moving during a treatment. There are many different devices used specially designed to secure different positions and areas of the body. They are specifically designed for each patient in order to accurately reproduce your treatment position each and every day.
Weekly Status Checks
During radiation therapy, your radiation oncologist and nurse will see you regularly to follow your progress, evaluate whether you are having any side effects, recommend treatments for those side effects (such as medication or diet changes) and address any concerns you may have.
As treatment progresses, your doctor may make changes in the schedule or treatment plan depending on your response or reaction to the therapy.
Weekly Port Films
During treatment, your treatment team will routinely use the treatment machines to take special X-rays called port films. Your treatment team routinely reviews these films to be sure that the treatment beams remain precisely aimed at the proper target. These X-rays are not used to evaluate your tumor.
Post Treatment Follow Up
After treatment is completed:
- follow-up appointments will be scheduled so that your radiation oncologist can make sure your recovery is proceeding normally and can continue to monitor your health status.
- Your radiation oncologist may also order additional diagnostic tests.
- Reports on your treatment will be sent to your other doctors.
As time goes on, the frequency of your visits will decrease. However, you should know that your radiation oncology team will always be available should you need to speak to someone about your treatment.
Patient Forums
Please visit Answers to Cancers, a blog by TBRO to help those in need of answers to treatment, effects and experience with cancer. A connection for patients to ask questions with hope of finding answers and support.
Links
The following organizations may provide valuable information and resources to you
American Cancer Society
1-800-ACS-2345
American Lung Association
1-800-LUNG-USA
Videos
As a whole Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology’s purpose is to treat a wide variety of cancers using a wide variety of treatment techniques. As we all know treatment options are constantly changing with technology. Recently, Dr. Steel and Dr. Kahn have become involved with a treatment option called Cyberknife. They were on Channel 10 January 12th and February 9th, 2010 discussing treatment of cancer with Cyberknife. In addition to treating and curing patients both these physicians take a personal interest in educating the public to the newest treatment options available. You can see our commercials as well as catch these physicians on channel 10 to learn more about this treatment option. If you have any questions regarding treatment please do not hesitate to call one of our friendly and informed staff members for assistance.
To see video commercial click here
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