Timing and Scheduling
Once you have consulted with your radiation oncologist your daily radiation therapy is scheduled with our coordinators. Radiation is a daily treatment, 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. The time of your radiation treatment is usually somewhere between 15-30 minutes depending on the type of radiation you’re receiving and to what part of the body. We understand that you have a busy schedule outside of treatment and will work hard to offer you a convenient time to get your treatment. When you begin treatment, you will be offered a series of times throughout the day that are available. You simply choose the time that is most convenient for you and that is your time through your entire course of therapy. If, by chance, the time that you prefer is not available initially you may be able to switch to it after starting your treatment, keeping in mind that there are always other people who are finishing their radiation at different times.
Activity
You are encouraged to maintain as much non-strenuous activity as you can tolerate safely throughout the course of your therapy. There is no recommended level of activity and, in most cases, the fact that you’re receiving radiation doesn’t mean that you should rest or remain inactive all day. This will vary greatly based on your level of activity prior to starting radiation, your physical condition, the recommendations of your other physicians and what other types of medications or therapies you are receiving. Fatigue that occurs as you get further into your radiation treatment may vary greatly from person to person. It tends to be a late-day tiredness and generally shouldn’t interfere with your day to day activities. Many patients continue to work during treatment, but this will vary greatly based on the type of work that you do and the type of problem you are being treated for. Ask your radiation oncologist about specifically about the type of activity you should maintain during your therapy.
Driving and Transportation
Many patients are worried that they won’t be able to drive themselves to their daily radiation treatment. For many patients, radiation does not interfere with your ability to drive. However, your general physical condition and other medical problems should determine whether or not you are able to drive safely during your treatment. These factors may include fatigue from radiation or chemotherapy, medications you are taking (for example, pain medications), and other medical issues you may have as a result of your cancer or your cancer treatment. It is usually recommended that, if possible, you have a friend or family member available to bring you to treatment should you be in a situation where you not feel up to driving yourself. In some cases, patients may not have access to readily available transportation for their treatment. If this is the case, please inform your radiation oncologist and they can put you in touch with one of the department social workers who may be able to assist you in this matter.
Lodging
We have patients come from long distances to have treatment at our facility. Although many patients drive to and from their homes for treatment, others may choose to find temporary lodging closer to our center to minimize their commute. There are many local hotels, motels and inns that offer discounted rates to Inova Cancer Center patients. Please click on the 2008 Hotel Guide for further details.