Benefis Healthcare Sletten Cancer Institute | Medical Specialties

What To Expect

With a cancer diagnosis comes so much emotion, information and decision making that it is stars natural for individuals to feel overwhelmed. Our hope at Sletten Cancer Institute is to walk you through the treatment process by carefully explaining what to expect and by answering your every question. The below information may help to answer some of your initial questions.

Day 1 - Consultation

Being prescribed radiation therapy is like being prescribed a medication from your physician. On your first day, after checking in, you will visit with our oncology-certified nursing staff and then with our Board-certified radiation oncologist to determine if radiation therapy is the right "prescription" for treatment. This examination will last approximately an hour and a half. If radiation therapy is prescribed we will set up your next appointment with us at this time.

[TOP]

Day 2 - Simulation

Before we start treatment we will take many different images using equipment such as an X-ray, CT, MRI, or PET scanner. These images help us target the tumor cells with great accuracy. The simulation day is to get you ready for treatment by taking images, creating devices that help maintain your position while receiving treatment called immobilization devices. This assures that you stay in the same position the entire time you are being treated. After the simulation you will receive education and also be scheduled for your treatment times.

[TOP]

Treatment Planning Time

Over the next few days our board-certified radiation oncologist, medical physicist, and dosimetrist will spend a combined 6-10 hours creating a custom treatment plan for your body type, organ structure, cancer site and treatment approach. This is accomplished on state-of-the-art treatment-planning systems that reconstruct your anatomy, from the images taken during simulation day, so we can target your tumor cells within one millimeter. Our goal is to destroy the tumor cells while protecting your healthy tissues.

[TOP]

First Day of Treatment

The first day of treatment is like a start to your new life. This is an important commitment on your part and our team is here every step of the way.
Wear comfortable clothing.

Follow any instructions provided by our nursing team or therapist team.
Bring your insurance card and personal identification. Your safety is our priority.
Depending on the physician's prescription, your total treatment time could be a few days up to six weeks, Monday through Friday.
During your treatment the Sletten Cancer Institute has a host of cancer support groups and patient services to meet your personalized needs. Please ask any of our staff members if you have questions or are interested in these services.

[TOP]

Follow-Up

After your treatment is completed the physician will want to see you for a follow-up visit. This date could be 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days, or all of them depending on the type of treatment you are having.

[TOP]

If you have any questions about Sletten Cancer Institute, please email SCI Marketing & Public Relations. We want to hear from you!