What is a treatment session like? Do I need to make any special preparations?
Generally, no advance preparation is necessary. Before starting the actual treatment, you may need to change into a gown. The therapists then set up and position the equipment in the treatment room. During this time, you will be asked to lie on the treatment table beneath the radiation therapy unit while the therapists align your body in the proper position. Once you are positioned properly, it is important that you remain as still as possible and that you breathe normally. The therapists will leave the room during the few minutes of your treatment, but they will observe you closely from outside the room on a closed circuit television monitor. If necessary, you may talk to the therapists via an intercom system in the room. During treatment, you may hear sounds or see a red light. These merely indicate that the equipment is on. At the end of the treatment, the therapists will assist you off the treatment table and direct you to the dressing room.
