On the first day of treatment, a Radiation Therapist will discuss with the patient and family members the treatment process, possible side effects, and answer questions. Treatments typically require 15 to 30 minutes daily in the treatment room, and vary according to the needs of the patient and the complexity of the treatment plan. Most of this time is spent placing the patient in the correct position for treatment and properly aligning the area of treatment and skin markings with the radiation beam. The actual radiation treatment may only last one or two minutes. The first visit may be used to verify the treatment plan and position. The therapists may record a computerized image of the treatment.
While the radiation beam is on, the patient will not feel the treatment, but may hear the noise of the machine. The Radiation Therapists must leave the room during the patient’s treatment; however, they are monitoring the patient the entire time with video monitors, and may communicate as needed with the patient via an intercom. The machines automatically switch off once the treatment is complete.