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The Radiation Oncology Team
1. The Radiation Oncologist
This is the doctor that will oversee all
your treatments. He will work very closely with your Medical
Oncologist. You will meet him on your initial consult, and
he will act as the captain of your team. He will decide how
many treatments you will need. You will see him at least once
a week for a visit, or any other time a problem arises.
2. The Secretaries
They will greet you on the first visit
and obtain insurance information. Then you’ll look forward
to their cheerful greeting each day when you check in. Please
call them if you are ever running late or have to miss an
appointment, so we won’t worry about you.
3. The Oncology Nurse
You will also meet the oncology certified
nurse at your initial consult. She will get medical information
about you. She will also talk with you about what to expect
from radiation in general and then about side effects from
your specific treatment. She will also be there to help with
pain management, nutrition, and will help with radiation side
effects, and for emotional support for you or your family
and will even be there if you need a pep talk or just a hug.
4. The Medical Dosimetrist and Physicist
These highly trained individuals work
closely with your radiation oncologist to custom design
a
treatment delivery plan just for you. They begin with the
prescription given to them by the radiation oncologist.
Utilizing
your CT, MRI and/or PET images they create a plan that will
deliver the optimal dose of radiation to your tumor site,
while protecting the normal surrounding organs and tissue.
Three dimensional, computerized equipment is used to perform
complex dose calculations leading to your final treatment
plan. The latest in High Energy Conformal Radiation is available
with IMRT, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy.
5. The Therapist
These registered, radiation professionals
work directly with your radiation oncologist, the dosimetrist
and physicist to deliver your radiation treatments. They
will discuss with you and your family what to expect while
you
are being treated. They will get to know you as they will
be treating you Monday through Friday. They refer any of
your
concerns to the nurse or physician as they arise. They will
also assist with any scheduling changes that you may need
to make.
6. The Oncology Support Counselor
Understanding how overwhelming the diagnosis
of cancer can be, we have a dedicated oncology support counselor
available to our patients and families. This aspect of our
patient’s health care is central to the treatment
experience. This individual can meet privately with each
patient and/or
their family to discuss the many emotional issues that come
up during the cancer journey. This is a free service, which
adds great value to the lives of our patients and families.
We also have available to our patients an oncology social
worker to assist with transportation, finances and other such
needs.
7. Cancer Resource Center and Volunteers
High Point Regional's cancer center is
proud of the varied resources we make available to each of
our
patients.
Our
Resource
Center is staffed with knowledgeable volunteers, some of
whom are cancer survivors, who can assist you with printed
materials
and internet searches on numerous issues surrounding a particular
cancer diagnosis. Located in the lobby of our Cancer Center
you will find this space inviting, comfortable and a good
source for information. The coffee is always on too! |
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