are all radiation centers the same?

fredntan - I don't know about ALL radiation centers being the same since I only have experience with one. The biggest complaint I had is that I felt I was on an assembly line. I would go in, be taken to a dressing room that was more like a large closet with a curtain for privacy where I would get undressed on the top and put on a gown with the closure in the front. Then I would be called to the radiation area where my mold was already placed on the table. I would lay in the mold, the technicians would adjust my position and then they would leave the room while the machine rotated around me stopping at the programmed areas for the alloted duration. Then I was done and would go back, get dressed and leave. Once a week they took xrays to make sure they were radiating the correct area at the correct dose and once a week I would see either my RO or her nurse practitioner. I was in and out usually in 20 minutes or so.

Some people lie in the prone position and some lie supine (on face or on back). Some people liked their radiation staff and some people didn't (me included). I think the most important is 1. How often does their machine break down? - one person had to drive an hour or two to get to the center and then would find out the machine was down and she couldn't get treatment, 2. Do they run on time more times than not and 3 that you feel comfortable with the facility and the staff. Other than that I think most radiation centers are pretty much the same. You may want to consider that around the fourth week or so you will get fatigued and may appreciate a shorter drive home.

I would suggest when the time comes, you join or start an April 2012 radiation thread. You will get the support you need and will get different suggestions as to how to deal with any side effects you have. Everyone reacts differently. I hope you have a smooth trip and the decision you make is the right one for YOU.

No bell ringing at my center but I did get a Ph.D. certificate (Phinally Done) and hugs from the techs.

Fran, don't know if all radiation centers are the same (I only attended one) but so long as it has a good reputation and is affiliated with a good hospital I think you'll be in good hands.  A lot of it comes down to the credentials of the RO.  Radiation is a gruelling routine (just from a time commitment perspective, if nothing else) and you want to make it as easy as possible on yourself.  If you have the choice you don't need a long commute to add to your burdens.

All radiation centers might be the same, but I learned recently that all radiation oncologists may not treat things the same way and that second opinions are valuable just as they are with surgeons and oncologists. Perhaps it you got an opinion from the RO who would be directing your treatment at a local center and then ran it past Sloane Kettering as a second opinion, you and your family could rest easy knowing that you would be getting the same treatment as you would in NYC. That said, I don't know what a "radiation plan" consists of or what to look for in that. I need to know the same thing myself if I want to get a 2nd opinion.



If your user name indicates that you are in Virginia, feel free to PM me and I'll share with you where I am having treatment. There are a number of good choices in the NOVA/DC area if that's where you are.



All the best to you!

Personally, I put a lot of weight in the RO. How much experience do they have? If they offer different types of treatment, do they understand your concerns and make an appropriate recommendation? Though a tech does the CT for the rads simulation, the RO is the one who reviews their work, determines the appropriate dose, and does other behinds the scenes work on your actual rads therapy. (in my case, my RO was able to do the Tx to avoid my sternum, since I have a rare bone condition).  My hubby also asked about the equipment and how well they maintain and calibrate the machines, how well they train their staff (so no human error) etc.  My RO also started several complementary therapies in the ONC office.

I am going to MDAnderson for my Rads.   The RO there did part of his residency where I live and still talks with the local docs.  He said that they won't be able to give me as strong of rads I need without burning me.  Now my friends who are doseometrists don't understand that, btu I just don't care.  you don't become one of the best in the nation without reason.  I also feel like my hometown oncs failed. They missed many infected lymphnodes by not testing enough.  All my major decisions and treatment is now at MDA. 

Hopkins has intergrated its radiation program to include Suburban and Sibley the hospitals that have been absorbe by Hopkins in the DC metro area.  All of their ROs are part of Hopkins staff.   The Suburban RO co-director  Susan Stinson is a part of the breast cancer program and wonderful to  work with.  

Just metioning this if you wanted to work with Hopkins closer to the  Virginia area. 

In any case, Hopkins runs a great radiation oncology program. 

itsjustme10 wrote:
 I would find out if its possible for them to set up the angles and molds and all the important measurements, and then work with a local radiologist to make sure you receive the best of care, but from home? Because it seems to me that for each treatment, they had certain measurements they set me at, and then just did the treatment.

Does it work this way? I know my RO was present and reviewed everything (including my placement on the table) my first day of rads and my first day of "boost."  He's the one that oversaw everything. (He reviewed the work of the tech during the simulation appointment and later did the calculations. He reviewed the weekly Xrays and examined me once a week.  He also tweaked my dosage between my regular rads and boost). Maybe I've been a software engineer in big companies too long, but this feels like something I'd prefer to have a single doc take ownership over, vs. having one doc "design" the treatment and having another one execute it. Seems like there's a potential for miscommunication or for things to fall through the cracks. I could be wrong but just an FYI on other things to consider.

peggy_j, I remember the RO being there for the dry run, and then making sure I was at the certain measurements they wanted - 17.9, 10.2, 103 - those numbers are etched in my memory - LOL - but between putting the table (and me) in the right position, making sure the lasers hit the tatoos in the right spots, and making sure the weekly X-rays were taken of whatever it was the doctor was looking for were done by the techs.  I saw the RO for about 2 minutes once a week.

I think they have this all down to a science (no pun intended) so that once all the parameters are set, the rest just follows.

Obviously the OP will need to feel comfortable with whomever she chooses as an RO.  But, it seems to me, and as I clearly states, its JMO, the bulk of the work is done at the test run, and once its set, as long as the techs follow the instructions - which didn't change once during my 25 treatments - its all good.

I had my treatments done at the SENebraska Cancer center in Lincoln, NE.

My BS coordinated setting me up with the MO and RO.  I had the Contura Balloon Brachytherapy, which meant 1 treatment twice a day for 5 days.  

Each treatment the techs would position me, a ct scan was done to verify position of everything, the Physicist would position the radiation rod, the RO would come in check it all then I was left alone while they observed me thru a large plate glass wiindow.

My RO was part of the team at MD Anderson that developed the treatment I had.  Also, one day a week the RO offers a free massage with a licensed therapist at the center.  

When I was finished, after the RO removed the balloon the techs gave me a mylar balloon with a diploma attached.  The balloon had 'Congratulations, good job and other positive sayinigs on it.

The receptionist called me (and my husband) by our names when we arrived, and the whole staff was pleasant and friendly.  I believe that is a big help to help us maintain a positive attitude.

Good Luck to each of us as we continue this unwanted journey!!!!!

Vickie