Patients are examined on the first visit by a radiation oncologist who will discuss in detail the entire treatment plan: diagnosis, staging and treatment of cancer. It is important that the patient's medical records, pathology reports and x-ray films are available for review by a radiation oncologist.

If radiation therapy is needed, treatment simulation and the planning process will begin on the second visit and will last approximately one hour. This includes simulating the actual treatment on a simulator (diagnostic X-ray unit), taking measurement of body contours, entering the information into a computer, and designing appropriate, individualized radiation shielding. Marks will be placed on the patient's skin, which will be used to guide treatment. Patients are requested to not wash these marks off until they are advised to do so by the Memorial Hospital Cancer Center staff. Patients usually begin treatment within five days after the simulation occurs; however, urgent radiation treatment can be started on the first visit. The actual treatment takes only a few minutes.

Patients receive radiation treatments daily, Monday through Friday, for several weeks. Radiation therapists administer the daily treatments. Information will be given regarding side effects and how it will affect the patient's lifestyle.

Physicians providing services at and admitting patients to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Herrin Hospital and St. Joseph Memorial Hospital are not employees of the hospitals. Physicians exercise their own independent judgment regarding medical care and treatment and the hospitals are not responsible for their actions.