Questions About Getting Treated
Before your treatment begins
Scheduling your treatments
Side effects and lifestyle concerns
Connecting with other patients
Before your treatment begins
Will I need additional tests before my treatments begin?
During your consultation visit to the center, your doctor may decide that additional tests are needed to plan your treatment, tests such as blood work, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
How do I arrange for additional tests?
Your nurse will help coordinate and schedule any tests you need. If you do not have a local health care provider, the center will arrange for your treatments at one of our nearby affiliates. Each ProCure center is affiliated with a local hospital.
If I take additional tests during consultation, how will I find out the results?
If you have additional tests done at the time of your consultation, your Care Team nurse will contact you to inform you of the results.
What other preparations are needed?
After you’ve had your consultation and any additional tests you may need, you will be scheduled to come to the center for a CT scan. The scan is used to gather images of your tumor from many angles so that your doctor and other experts in proton therapy can “see” it clearly and pinpoint its exact location, shape, and size. The CT images will be used to construct a customized treatment plan that is specifically for you.
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Scheduling your treatments
When will I begin my proton therapy?
You will begin your proton therapy after your customized treatment plan is complete. This is a complicated process that may take up to two weeks. A member of your Care Team will contact you to schedule your first treatment session. Your schedule will depend on which treatment room is right for you. We will work with you to select a treatment time that works for your schedule. At the end of each week, you will be given a treatment schedule for the following week.
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During your treatment
What will happen during the therapy session?
Your radiation therapist will have everything ready for you before treatment begins. You will lie on a treatment bed and your therapists will make adjustments to make certain you are properly positioned for each treatment session. Since proton therapy is precise, you must lie in a specific position to ensure the proton beam reaches its target. You will be asked to lie still during setup and while the proton beam is on. Your Care Team will determine your proper positioning and you will automatically be moved into position before each treatment. Members of your Care Team will be on hand to support you throughout your therapy session.
What will I feel during my therapy?
You will feel no pain or discomfort during proton therapy treatments.
How long will my treatment sessions take?
The time spent actually delivering the protons to the tumor is about one minute. The entire treatment session can range from 15 to 60 minutes as final checks are made and you are moved into position on a treatment bed. You also may be asked to come to the center ahead of your scheduled treatment time for pretreatment preparations such as changing into a gown and robe.
Will my family and friends be able to come with me to proton therapy?
We welcome your family and friends at the center any time. They cannot accompany you into the treatment room, but your treatment will not take very long. We have a comfortable waiting area for your family and friends while you receive treatment.
Will I see my radiation oncologist every day during my treatment visit?
You will be scheduled to meet your radiation oncologist once a week (every five treatments) for a checkup and to document your progress. If you need to see your doctor more frequently or have questions, please do not hesitate to speak to your Care Team nurse who will help you and coordinate additional visits when necessary.
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Side effects and lifestyle concerns
What are the side effects of proton therapy?
One of the most important benefits of proton therapy is that patients have fewer side effects than with standard X-ray radiation because there is less damage to healthy tissue. Most people have no side effects or they are very mild. Before treatment begins, your doctor will discuss possible side effects you may have. Your Care Team nurse will help you manage side effects if they do occur.
Will I lose my hair?
Most proton patients do not experience hair loss. Every case is different, especially if the patient is having other treatments such as chemotherapy at the same time.
Will I be tired during therapy?
Your illness may cause you to feel tired, but in most cases, patients who receive proton therapy are able to continue their normal routines after their daily treatment.
I am very active. Can I continue to exercise during my treatment?
Please discuss your fitness routine with your doctor or other members of your Care Team. In most instances, you will be encouraged to continue to exercise, but it should be discussed with your Care Team to be certain you will not overexert yourself.
Should I change my diet or take supplements before my treatment starts?
You should consult with your Care Team doctor or nurse before making changes in your diet or taking supplements. The center can arrange for you to speak with a registered dietician who can help you plan a diet that is right for you.
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Other medical needs
What if I need treatment in addition to proton therapy or get sick with another illness not related to my tumor?
Your Care Team nurse will assist you in getting any additional medical care you need.
Will there be coordination with my local doctor?
We will ask you to provide us with your local doctor’s contact information so we can share copies of your records and keep your doctor informed of your progress. We will continue to follow up with your doctor after your therapy is complete.
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Connecting with other patients
Can I get in touch with other proton therapy patients?
Yes. We can put you in contact with a number of proton patients who are happy to share their experience with you. Please let the Patient Services Team know that you have this interest, and they will make sure you are connected to the support you need. We also host a weekly Wednesday luncheon where you can meet other patients who are having proton therapy and people who have completed their therapy.
How can I become a mentor to other patients?
If you would like to share your experiences and support others who are considering proton therapy, please contact a member of our Patient Services Team at 866-840-5139.
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