Computed Tomography (CT) Simulation Appointment
Your first visit is called your CT planning appointment or simulation. During your simulation, your treatment is mapped using a machine called a CT scanner. The CT scanner is used to outline the area for radiation treatment using X-rays. If you were given special instructions to follow before your CT planning appointment, please be sure to follow them.
Before CT Simulation Appointment
Only if instructed, follow special preparation such as using laxatives or fasting (as communicated by your care team). Most patients have no preparation.
On the day of your CT Simulation Appointment
Your CT planning appointment usually takes about 1 hour. Please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes early.
- Check-in at the radiation reception desk, located in Zone A, Level 1.
- A radiation therapist will take you to the CT scanner. You may be asked to change and take off any jewelry within the treatment area. There may be additional preparation instructions given at this time (for example, given water to fill your bladder).
- You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about your treatment.
- You will be asked to lie on the simulator bed in the same position as you will be in for your treatment.
- If you are receiving treatment to your breast, chest or abdomen, you may have to raise your arms over your head. Practice this at home by laying on a bed or couch with your arms over your head, working your way up to 20 minutes. It is helpful to do this multiple times in the days before your planning appointment.
During CT Simulation Appointment
- To help you stay still and feel more comfortable during your treatments, the team may make you a special piece of equipment. This may be a mask or a custom pillow for your body depending on the area being treated.
- A radiation therapist will put some marks on your skin with a marking pen. Since these marks will wash off, permanent marks (tattoos) will be made.
- These tattoos are very small and are made using a small sterile needle. You will feel a slight pinch when your tattoo marks are made.
- These permanent tattoos are used to help position you and will not come off when bathing or showering.
Mould Room Appointment
- The Mould Room is a place where custom devices and special treatment accessories are made.
- In some cases, a special mould impression may be needed. This is done using dental materials (similar to those used to take impressions of your teeth at the dentist) or plaster strips over the area.
- If you don’t like tightly enclosed spaces, talk to your care team about taking calming medication before your appointment.
- Multiple appointments may be required to ensure all devices fit.
After Planning Appointments
A team works with the radiation oncologists to create your own individual treatment plan. This is a very complicated process and it can take many days to develop your plan. This process usually takes about 2 weeks. Your radiation plan is unique to you and includes information such as the position of the machine, radiation dose, strength and shape of the radiation beam. Several quality checks are done to make sure that you receive the best possible treatment.
After your planning appointments, you will be given a tentative time for your first treatment or you will receive a phone call with the appointment date and time. You will get a phone call within 2 weeks of your planning appointment.
