Preparing for Radiation Treatment

Once you complete your simulation, or planning session, your pictures will be used to plan your radiation treatment. Below are a few things you will need to know before you get started.

Scheduling:Unless your doctor has told you that you are starting treatment sooner, you will receive a call within 7-10 business days after the simulation appointment from the scheduling team. You will be given your start date and your treatment schedule at that time.

OTV/OTV Day: You will have a scheduled doctor visit called an OTV or “On Treatment Visit” once a week. You will be seen after your treatment by a nurse and your doctor on your scheduled OTV day.

What to do when you're not feeling well: Let the front desk receptionist know if you are not feeling well when you arrive for treatment. They will let your care team know and can decide if you need to be evaluated before treatment. You may also notify your care team (nurses, nurse practitioners, or doctors) via telephone or through the My Penn Medicine (MPM) portal.

Managing Treatment:

• Please do your best to arrive on time for all treatment sessions. If you are running late, having trouble getting to treatment, or need to cancel your appointment, please call your team, and let them know.
• Talk to the therapists or nurses about any side effects you are having.
• Talk with the social worker if you have transportation issues or other needs related to your cancer diagnosis.
• Talk with the nurse and dietitian if you are having trouble keeping your weight stable. While receiving radiation it is important not to gain or lose weight.
• Follow any instructions given by your treatment team to prepare for your treatments each day and ask questions.

When you arrive in the Radiation Oncology department you will check in at the front desk with the receptionist. You may be asked to fill out paperwork or do a weekly insurance verification. Please ask any questions you may have. We are all here to help!