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1. Tammy McKamie, RN, Cancer Genetics Educator;
2. Brandi McCracken, RRT Registered Radiation Therapist & Dosimetrist; 3. Pat Taylor, RN, Chemo Infusion Nurse; 4. Bill Sailing, Radiology Department Director; 5. Roger Good, MD, Radiation Oncologist and Medical Director |
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Radiation therapy is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. Radiation treatments are very similar to having an X-Ray. The actual treatment causes no pain or discomfort. During the treatment, when the high-energy beam is being used, the therapist will not be in the room, however, there is an intercom and a television monitor so that the therapist can see and hear you at all times.
Radiation therapy works because the radiation destroys the cancer cells’ ability to reproduce and the body naturally gets rid of these cells. Sometimes radiation therapy is only part of a patient’s cancer treatment regimen. The patient may be treated with radiation therapy alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgery.
Modern technology has combined the use of three-dimensional imaging technology, computerized treatment planning and high-energy X-Ray machines to make this possible. With these technological advancements, targeting the tumor without destroying normal healthy tissue is the standard in radiation therapy. It is not just the technology that can cure patients, but the professionals who use it.
Treatments Available
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Initial Visit
As a newly diagnosed cancer patient, going to a cancer treatment center can be an intimidating experience. At Wadley Regional Medical Center, we try to make each and every visit here as pleasant and informative as possible, for you and your family members.
Our friendly and competent staff will greet you upon arrival and assist you with the necessary registration information. Next you will have a one-on-one visit with our oncology nurse who will inform you and your family what to expect from your radiation therapy treatments. The side effects of radiation therapy vary greatly from patient to patient, so your treatment education will be personalized. Side effects are primarily localized to the site of the tumor, so the nurse will explain how to care for your site and your overall health during the course of treatments.
Once you have had the basic instructions, you and your family will meet Dr. Roger Good, our radiation oncologist. At this point Dr. Good will assess how effective radiation therapy will be in treating your particular cancer. He will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you or a family member might have before you make the decision whether or not to have radiation therapy. If you and Dr. Good decide to proceed with radiation therapy treatments, an appointment will be made for the first treatment date.
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Your Treatment
Your treatment will be given daily — Monday through Friday — with a rest on weekend days. You will be given a daily appointment time, and our appointment staff will work with you to choose the time that will best suit your schedule. Actual treatment times may vary from one to two minutes, but the total time spent in the treatment room may be from 8 - 10 minutes. At your first visit, however, many tests and calibrations will be performed to determine your particular treatment plan. Consequently, your treatment time for this visit may be slightly longer than subsequent ones. We welcome our patients to bring a family member or a friend along to each treatment visit. At your first visit, however, may test ans calibrations will be performed to determine your particular treatment plan. Consequently, your treatment time for this visit may be slightly longer than subsequent ones. We welcome our patients to bring a family member or a friend along to each treatment visit.
Today, an increasing number of patients have their cancers treated successfully, with few side effects and preservation of normal tissue, using radiation therapy.
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If you have any concerns or need assistance in any of the following areas, talk with any member of your treatment team and these services will be made available to you.
- Social Services
- Nutritional Counseling
- Wadley Patient Representative
- Spiritual Enrichment - Pastoral Care
- Dialogue Cancer Support Group
- Patient & Family Education
Wadley Cancer Treatment Center
Business Hours: M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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