Radiation Oncology

When it’s cancer

Advanced

technology is here.

You are probably filled with questions about treatment and we want to answer them all, calm any concerns that might arise and give you the best cancer treatment possible. We are also happy to arrange tours, so that you can get to know us and find out more about radiation treatment. Call us at 218.736.8688.

Here are a few things to know

Each treatment plan is created to meet a patient's individual needs, but there are a few general things that stay the same.

You will meet with a radiation oncologist. During this meeting, the doctor will review your medical records, perform a physical exam, and recommend tests. You will also learn about the potential risks and benefits of radiation therapy. This is a great time to ask any questions or share concerns you may have.

Support is important. We encourage patients to bring a family member or close friend to the initial radiation consult. An extra pair of ears is often valuable in receiving information and instructions about radiation treatment.

We also encourage you to bring a family member or close friend to your weekly visit with the Radiation Nurse and Radiation Oncologist.

If you don’t have a family member or friend to bring to your radiation consult appointment let us know in advance; we will try to provide one of our Social Workers to accompany you to your radiation consult to serve as your extra pair of ears and a support person for you.

There are two pieces of advanced technology that are available to cancer patients at the Cancer Center:

1. PET-CT scanner—provides the ability for advanced nuclear imaging techniques to be used to look for cancer.
2. TrueBeam™ linear accelerator—delivers powerful cancer treatments with pinpoint accuracy, opening the door to new possibilities for treating challenging cancer cases.

Your first radiation therapy session is called a simulation. This means it is a practice run without giving radiation therapy.

Each session is generally quick, lasting about 15 minutes. Radiation does not hurt, sting or burn when it enters the body. You will hear clicking or buzzing throughout the treatment and there may be a smell from the machine.

We consider patient safety and confidentiality to be of utmost importance. For that reason your family member or friend cannot watch your radiation treatments. Only the patient may be in the simulation and treatment rooms during radiation treatment procedures. This is to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure to others and to minimize interruptions and distraction of our Radiation Therapists during your treatment.

While being treated, many people experience fatigue and sensitive skin at the site of radiation therapy. It is important to rest and take care of yourself during radiation therapy.

Once your treatment plan is completed, you will have follow-up appointments with the radiation oncologist. It's important to continue your follow-up care.