I was just diagnosed with cancer, what do I do now?
The first thing you should do is contact your family physician or the physician who diagnosed your cancer and see who they recommend that you see. Often times a surgeon and medical oncologist are the first physicians who you will need to meet with to determine the best course of treatment. Radiation Oncologists will be referred to you from either the surgeon, medical oncologist, or both if radiation is indicated as part of your treatment plan. If you do not have a physician, we can assist you in finding someone in your area in the speciality that you need.
Do you provide second opinions for radiation therapy?
Yes. We are happy to provide a second opinion. You will need to schedule an appointment and provide basic medical information.
Will I be able to receive my first radiation treatment on consultation day?
Typically, the consultation is the day for the physicians and clinical staff to get to know you and your particular medical history. It is also a time for you to get to know what treatment options are available to you and to choose the one that best meets your needs. At the end of your consultation, another appointment will be scheduled to be set up for radiation if that is the type of treatment you opt for.
How often and how long are radiation treatments?
Radiation treatments are given five days per week, Monday through Friday. We do not treat on weekends in order to allow your body to have a break from radiation during treatment. Length of treatments do vary from individual to individual because of the unique treatment plans but on average, radiation treatment takes 15 minutes from start to finish. The first day is the longest and is about 30 to 45 minutes.
What are the side effects of radiation and/or chemotherapy?
Side effects differ from person to person and will depend on the area of the body that is being treated with radiation or the type of drug being infused for chemotherapy. Our therapy and nursing team will discuss the side effects and how you can manage them before, during, and after your radiation treatment. We also have a support team that includes a dietitian specialized in the nutritional aspect of people undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
Can I eat before my treatment?
Yes, you may eat before either radiation or chemotherapy treatment.
Can I come to Centegra for chemotherapy if my oncologist is not on staff?
Yes. Physicians who are not on staff must have their orders co-signed by an on-staff physician of the same specialty. We can provide the appropriate contact information for the Centegra physician specialty needed.
How much will my treatment cost?
We have a financial counselor that is available to assist in preparing quotes of treatment costs and out-of- pocket expenses based upon your particular insurance plan benefits. We also have a medication assistance coordinator that can assist you in applying for pharmaceutical programs for medications you need for your treatment or other maintenance drugs if you cannot afford them.