Beginning your treatments

On your first day, your appointment with us will be longer. We take x-rays to verify that your treatment matches the treatment plan. These x-rays are reviewed by your radiation oncologist (doctor). On your first day, you should plan to be at the centre for at least one and a half hours.

When will my radiation treatments begin?

All the information we get from simulation is used to make a treatment plan. Most of the planning is done after you leave. The planning for your treatment takes up to two weeks to complete. Your healthcare team will work together on your treatment plan.
You will get your appointment card with your first treatment appointment time after your simulation is completed.
Coming in everyday for treatment is a big time commitment for you.
The Odette Radiation Therapy Program treats over 400 patients a day, both scheduled patients and emergency radiation treatments. Patients travel a great distance across Toronto and the GTA to come for their treatment. We are open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. We have 12 machines that give radiation treatment and we are fully booked.
We ask you in planning if you prefer morning or afternoon appointments. We try our best to give you the time of day that works best for you.
We want to start your radiation treatment as quickly as possible. When you first receive your appointments on My Chart or on your first day they may not be the time you prefer.
Although changing an appointment time can be challenging since our schedules are fully booked, please don’t hesitate to ask your radiation therapist when you come in for treatment if it’s possible.

Where should I go for my radiation treatments?

Check-in is on the ground floor at radiation reception in the cancer centre. The reception is located one floor above where you had your planning appointment. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your first treatment appointment time.
You will need to bring your health card for every appointment to checkin. The receptionist will show you how to swipe your health card.
On your following visits, you can check in using the bar code in the scanning machine next to the radiation reception desk. If you have any difficulties with checking-in, the receptionist can help you.

What will happen during my first treatment?

A radiation therapist will come out to meet you before your first treatment. They will explain everything that will happen during your treatment.
You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
The radiation therapist will bring you into the treatment room.
You will be asked to lie down in the same position as you were in simulation.
The radiation therapists will use skin marking pens to highlight the tattoos.
The radiation therapists will use the marks and tattoos to set up the treatment area. They will put a safety strap around you.
The lights will be turned low during the setup.
The treatment usually takes 15-30 minutes. Most of the time is spent getting you into your treatment position. The machine is usually on for less than 5 minutes.
The radiation therapists leave the room while you are having your treatment. Two cameras and an intercom system are used so that the radiation therapists can watch and listen to you at all times. It is important to keep your whole body very still. Breathe normally.
The machines make diff erent noises. While the machine is on you will not feel or smell anything.
The radiation will switch off automatically at the end of treatment. It can be turned off at any time if needed.
Many treatments involve moving the machine. Depending on the treatment, the therapists may or may not come into the room to move the machine as it can also be moved from outside the room.

What will happen during my other appointments?

Your treatment is the same every day.
You will have a team of radiation therapists who will treat you every day.
Speak to your radiation therapist at anytime about side effects or any emotional concerns you may have.
Once you are called back for your treatment you cannot use your cell phone or any other personal electronic device such as Ipads or tablets. These devices interfere with our medical equipment it also respects other patients privacy.
Once a week you will see your radiation oncologist and oncology nurse. On your appointment card this is called a 'review'. You will be asked to fill out your symptom assessment before you see your doctor or nurse. At this appointment you will have the opportunity to discuss concerns related to your treatment side effects. On this day you can expect to be radiation treatment at the centre for at least an additional 30 minutes. Please write down any questions that you may have for your healthcare team and bring them to your review appointment. If you have a prescription related to your radiation treatment that will need to be reordered, please remember to speak to your healthcare team at this time.
Although we try to treat patients as close to their appointment time as possible, there may be delays due to unforeseen situations, machine breakdowns or emergencies.
Each treatment machine has a name. This name is located on your appointment card. Any treatment machine delays over 20 minutes will be posted by machine name on the electronic sign above the reception desk.
You will be given a new appointment card every Tuesday with your next 5 appointment times.
It is possible that the appointments listed on your appointment card may change. Please check your appointments every day when you check-in.

What happens when I go home?

When you go home you can enjoy your normal routine.
Please follow any advice your team has given you to manage possible side effects.

We have an audio and written translation guide for radiation treatment delivery:

Cantonese	Gujarati	Persian	Tamil
English	Italian	Spanish	Urdu
French	Mandarin	Tagalog	Vietnamese

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