At The Cancer Center at Palms of Pasadena Hospital we provide professional medical care with a compassionate clinical staff. They will assist you in understanding a diagnosis that requires you to have radiation therapy as the primary or supplemental part of your overall treatment plan. You will learn about how the radiation therapy is to be delivered and details about possible short-term and long-term effects. You are encouraged to ask questions so we can help you throughout the treatment period.

What To Expect…

• Consultation
  The consultation includes a medical history and physical examination. It also includes discussing with you the reasons for radiation treatment, possible alternative treatments and the goals of your therapy.
   
• Simulation and Treatment Planning
  This includes taking measurements and x-ray pictures of you in order to accurately plan for your radiation treatments. You may also require a special C.A.T. Scan for 3-dimensional treatment planning.
   
• Dosimetry
  This process includes the exact calculation of your radiation dose with a specific technique selected to optimize your treatment.
   
• First Treatment
  This is scheduled for 1-2 days after the simulation, and it takes a little longer than other treatments. Usually your treatments will take only a few minutes and you will be in and out of the center in 20-30 minutes.
   
• Check-ups
  You will receive you daily treatments Monday through Friday. While on treatment you will be seen in the Radiation Oncology Center for a nursing/physician assessment once a week.
   
• Follow-ups
  You will continue to be seen on a routine basis following the completion of your radiation therapy. Your follow-up care is essential to ensure the best outcome from the radiation treatment. Our entire staff will work together with you to help you through your course of radiation treatments.

For more information call 727-341-7660.

Palms of Pasadena Hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as having an approved community hospital cancer program.

Click here to see the 2008 Cancer Program Annual Report