RADIATION THERAPY
Radiation therapy works by destroying cancer cells and damaging a cancer cell’s DNA so that it stops dividing and growing. Radiation therapy can shrink a tumour or completely destroy it. It is most effective on cells that grow and divide quickly. Cancer cells tend to divide more quickly than most normal cells. This makes them more likely to be affected by the radiation (be radiosensitive) than normal cells.
CT SIMULATION
The first step is to plan your radiation treatments. This is done before your treatment starts. You will need to come to the Durham Regional Cancer Centre (DRCC) for a planning visit (it is called radiation simulation on your list of appointments). During this planning visit you will have a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan. The information on your CT scan is used to plan your radiation treatment. Please arrive and check-in 15 minutes before your appointment time.
Before you leave your CT Simulation appointment you will be given your first treatment appointment. Radiation Therapy is located on the B1 Level of the DRCC. You will need to take the elevator or the stairs to the B1 or lower level of the DRCC.
MYCHART
Stay connected to your information online
- Find important information about your visit or appointment
- View your test results and other health information
- Share your health information with members of your healthcare team
- Communicate with healthcare providers through MyChart Messaging, including asking medical questions without having to call the clinic
Save time coming for your hospital appointments
- Use the eCheckIn tool to save time during registration at the hospital or clinic
- Manage your appointments
- View details of your past or upcoming appointments
Track your health
- View your health information from partner hospitals
- View educational materials and discharge information from past visits and hospital stays
For more information or to sign up, click here.
YOUR SYMPTOMS MATTER QUESTIONNAIRE
As a patient, its important to remember to complete the Your Symptoms Matter questionnaire within a 24-hour period before any appointment. You can complete the questionnaire on MyChart as a part of the e-check in. You can also complete it on the registration kiosks located inside Cancer Care. Your answers on the questionnaire are seen in your electronic healthcare record (chart) for your healthcare team to review.
When you complete Your Symptoms Matter, your doctor or nurse can:
- Review your answers before they see you
- Understand the symptoms that are a problem for you
- Talk to your about your symptoms and how to best manage them
