Simulation

sunangel27

I have an appt. tomorrow with the rad nurse for a "simulation" What is that????

redsox

Simulation is a data gathering session usually done with a CT simulator.  They position you on the simulator which replicates the treatment machine and take the CT.  This gathers data about the exact geometry of your anatomy and your tumor or the location where your tumor was and any other areas they want to target.  For me the specific targets were the clips left to mark the location where the tumor had been and the seroma filling the surgical cavity.  Then they put reference marks on you with dot-like tattoos or sometimes markers so that they can consistently replicate the exact position. 

They take the data and develop the treatment plan, which means they try various arrangements of the radiation beams to create a dose distribution that delivers the amounts of radiation prescribed to the areas they want to treat while avoiding areas they don't want to expose, as much as possible. 

The radiation oncologist and a radiation therapist should be present.  You should feel free to ask whatever you want about what they are doing. 

I found escapist imagery very helpful.

msmpatty

RedSox gave a great description above.   Be prepared to hold still with your arms over your head (lying down) for what seems like an eternity.  Other than that...easy, breezy!

Patty

sunangel27

Thank you both so much! I thought that is what they did on Monday when I went, but some of it sounds like it is different.  Well thank you both so much for taking the time to answer!!

redsoxfan

Hey, redsox!  Great explanation.  Wonderful help to so many. Thanks again for your help as I started down this road. 

Sunangel127.  It was a great help to me to join the June 2010 rads group (the month I started rads.)  Is there a January group?   I also learned a lot reading the experiences of those who had already been there in this radiation therapy forum.

Good luck and may God bless us all.

redsox

Sunangel,

Different places do have different procedures so what I described may be what you had Monday.  If this visit is with the rad nurse she may be going over what you should expect and any instructions for such things as skin care.

Redsoxfan,

How are you doing?  This year is looking good!  ...as long as the injury plague has been reversed!

sunangel27

Good morning Redsoxfan.

Yes, there is a Jan. Rads group and I have joined it. I just thought I had done the simulation on Monday, so I thought maybe there was a different explanation, and couldn't take alot of time to read so I posted this.

Talked to rad tech this morning and she said it is a "continuation" of what we did Monday. More marks (tatoos to be put on, etc.) I already have two from Monday! 

Thank you so much!!!

sunangel27

Thank you so much Redsox!