Your Care

You’ll review your diagnosis, medical history, prior tests, treatment options and goals with Dr. Linson. Please bring a photo ID, insurance information, your current medication list, questions, and any identification cards for implanted electronic devices such as a pacemaker, AICD or spinal cord stimulator. Check health insurance plans accepted by Scripps ↗

A CT simulation is a planning appointment, not a routine diagnostic CT. The images show the treatment team your anatomy in the exact position intended for treatment. A radiation therapist will help position you and may create a custom support or immobilization device so the same position can be reproduced each day. Depending on the treatment area, you may receive special preparation instructions or contrast. Small temporary marks or tiny permanent tattoo dots may be placed to guide daily setup. The appointment often takes about 30 to 60 minutes, but timing varies.

After simulation, Dr. Linson identifies the area to treat and nearby organs to protect. A dosimetrist uses the simulation images to build an individualized three-dimensional plan, and a medical physicist checks dose calculations, equipment settings and plan accuracy. The team’s goal is to deliver the prescribed dose to the target while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. This careful work happens behind the scenes and may require time before your first treatment is scheduled.

When you arrive, you will check in and change into a gown if needed. Radiation therapists will place you in the same position used during simulation, using your custom supports when applicable. Images may be taken to verify alignment before treatment. You will need to lie still and breathe normally unless given other instructions. The therapists leave the room while radiation is delivered, but they continuously see and hear you through cameras and an intercom. Most of the visit is spent positioning and checking alignment; radiation delivery itself is usually brief. The first treatment may take longer while the team confirms that the planned setup can be reproduced accurately.

Radiation treatments are generally delivered Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and holidays. Dr. Linson sees patients receiving treatment for a brief once-weekly on-treatment visit to review any side effects. Your radiation oncology nurse and therapists are also available for day-to-day concerns. Tell the team promptly about new or worsening symptoms rather than waiting for the weekly visit.

At the end of treatment, your care team will review what to expect next, including symptom management, medications, when to call the office, when to schedule your follow-up visit with Dr. Linson and any testing that should be completed before that appointment. Some effects may continue for a short time after radiation ends before improving.

Follow-up is important even when you feel well. Dr. Linson will monitor recovery, side effects and treatment response and may request appropriate laboratory tests or imaging. Follow-up is coordinated with your other physicians, which may include surgeons and medical oncologists. The first visit may occur within two to four months after treatment, but timing and frequency vary by diagnosis, treatment and individual needs.