Your Treatment

At the Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre we believe in working together with patients to ensure that we provide and maintain excellent standards of care

What to Expect

When you arrive for your first meeting with your doctor – a consultant radiation oncologist – you may be frightened and anxious. These feelings are natural and normal. Even after you understand what’s going to happen and what radiotherapy is really like, you are still entering yet another world of new treatment procedures.

As you must go to the treatment centre five days a week for up to seven weeks, you may resent this intrusion into your life, with its constant reminder of your cancer.  It is common for those undergoing radiotherapy to experience frustration. However, many people find that they actually like seeing their treatment team every day. They develop a strong connection and rapport with their team which is very reassuring. Once you understand the planning session, the schedule, a typical treatment session and the expected side effects, you will have taken a big step in overcoming your fears.

Be an active partner in treatment

Like all doctors who treat patients with cancer, your radiation oncologist will want to work with you as a partner in your treatment. To get the most of this partnership, you need to:

• Become informed about the treatment and what to expect
• Ask questions when something is unfamiliar or of concern
• Become involved in decisions about your care

 

Radiotherapy Side Effects

Many patients are surprised to discover that radiotherapy is less difficult than they first thought. Many of the side effects they first expected proved to be misconceptions. Different treatment types will result in different side effects.

Still, the radiation used to kill cancer in your body can also damage normal cells, and you will feel the impact of this. Just as the benefits of radiation are gradual, you’ll find a gradual onset of side effects. These will be discussed with you by your team.

All patients are routinely reviewed every week while on treatment. Your progress is discussed and side effects are managed. Any tests, dressings etc are carried out according to your particular needs.

Treatments Available

Radiotherapy treatment at the Mid-Western Radiation Oncology Centre is available for all common cancer sites
Radical treatment is available in specialist areas:

• Breast
• Gastrointestinal
• Gynaecological
• Head and Neck
• Lung
• Skin
• Urology
• Brain

 

Palliative Treatment

For patients requiring palliative radiotherapy priority access is given as necessary with same day access where necessary to assess, plan & treat patients