Radiation Oncology

Your Treatment Team

Care is provided by board-certified radiation oncology physicians and other professionals, specially trained in the use of radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer:

• Radiation Therapists: Specialists trained in the delivery of radiation therapy treatment, under the direction of the radiation oncologist.
• Dosimetrists and Medical Physicists: Highly skilled professionals who are responsible for calculating doses of radiation and calibrating radiation equipment.
• Radiation Oncology Nurses: Experts in the care of patients undergoing radiation therapy.
• Office Staff: People dedicated to helping with scheduling, billing and administrative tasks.
• Social Worker/Navigator: Professionals trained in assisting with social, emotional and transportation issues. In addition, they help in the coordination of care with other specialists.

Radiation Therapy Treatment Process

The decision about which treatments to use is based on each patient’s situation. Every patient’s treatment is individualized.

Radiation therapy treatment can consist of external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy (internal radiation therapy).

At our facility, external beam radiation therapy is delivered with our Varian Linear Accelerators, The Edge® and the VitalBeam®.

How often will I have treatments?

The number and duration of your treatments will be determined by your radiation oncologist. After reviewing your medical history, the radiation oncologist will meet with you and discuss proposed treatments, including potential risks and benefits.

Generally, treatments last from 20-30 minutes and are given daily, Monday through Friday. They are given over a period of time that may last from a few days to many weeks.

What is a simulation?

Prior to receiving radiation therapy, you will have a planning appointment called a simulation. During this appointment, your radiation oncologist and radiation therapist will perform the necessary tests that will allow them to customize your treatment. Your actual treatment usually starts a few days after the simulation, in order for the team to optimize your treatment plan.

What are the side effects?

Some patients experience side effects from radiation therapy. Side effects depend on the area of the body being treated. We have effective treatment for most side effects. Many patients are able to continue their normal day-to-day activities.

Resources

NCI (National Cancer Institute) Brochures, Pamphlets, Booklets:

• Radiation Therapy and You (62 pages)
• What to Know about External Beam Radiation Therapy (2 pages)
• What to Know about Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation Therapy) (2 pages)
• Caring for the Caregiver (20 pages)
• When Someone You Love is Being Treated for Cancer (52 pages)
• Facing Forward: Life after Cancer Treatment (68 pages)
• Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment (76 pages)
• Clearing the Air: Quit Smoking Today (44 pages)
• Pain Control (52 pages)
• What You Need to Know about Prostate Cancer (48 pages)
• Treatment Choices for Men with Early-stage Prostate Cancer (44 pages)
• What You Need to Know about Breast Cancer (52 pages)
• Surgery Choices for Women with DCIS or Breast Cancer (24 pages)
• What You Need to Know about Lung Cancer (36 pages)
• Managing Radiation Side Effects:
  • Diarrhea (2 pages)
  • Fatigue (2 pages)
  • Hair Loss (2 pages)
  • Effects on Mouth and Throat (2 pages)
  • Nausea (2 pages)
  • Skin Reaction (2 pages)
  • Changes in Urination (2 pages)
  • Fertility issues in Men (2 pages)
  • Fertility issues in Women (2 pages)

Helpful Websites

• Radiation Therapy Treatments
• National Cancer Institute

Contact Information

Memorial Radiation Oncology
2450 S. Telshor Blvd., Suite B
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011
Phone: 575.556.5800
Fax: 888.974.0806