Cancer Services
Radiation Oncology
A Partnership of Hope
- Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm
- Phone: 425.251.5121
- Fax: 425.656.4072
- 400 S 43rd St, Renton, WA 98055
- Radiation Oncology is located across from the main entrance of the hospital. Tunnel access from the main hospital is located near Nuclear Medicine on the hospital's second floor.
The Valley Medical Center Radiation Oncology Center works collaboratively with the Swedish Cancer Institute to provide patients sophisticated close-to-home radiation therapy treatment. They offer both external beam and prostate brachytherapy services.
Brachytherapy is a treatment that implants radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland. This means a higher dose of radiation can be given than is possible with external beam radiotherapy. It also means that the radiation is concentrated in the part of the body that needs treatment.
Symptoms management and coordination of community resources are provided by the staff in addition to radiation treatment. Educational efforts focus on assisting the patient and family in cancer control, self-care during treatments, and understanding the course of the disease.
What to Expect
The Radiation Oncology department at Valley Medical Center has a large team of caregivers ready to help you with your fight against cancer.
Consultation
You will first meet with the radiation oncologist. Together you will
- Review tests and results.
- Discuss available options.
- Decide upon a treatment plan.
Consultations usually take 30 to 60 minutes.
Simulation (Planning Session)
Your doctor will give your prescription to a simulation therapist who sets up the treatment machines. This process may require additional scans; if it does you will be notified during scheduling.
Simulation takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Verification
Before treatment starts, you will have an appointment in the treatment room to verify all the measurements and settings. The treatment therapist will perform a dry run:
- All of the measurements and settings are double-checked.
- Films are taken of the area to be treated.
- You and the therapist will set your daily schedule.
This is a good time to get a sense of what your day-to-day routine will be. This appointment will take 20 to 30 minutes.
First-Day Treatment
After your doctor has reviewed and approved the verification, your treatments will begin.
- We treat Monday through Friday.
- You will see your doctor at least once a week.
- Your doctor and nurses are always available for you during your treatments.
- You may have routine lab work done.
The treatment appointment is 10 to 15 minutes.
Completion of Treatments
Before you leave, a careful review of what you can expect in the next few days and weeks will be done. You will be instructed to contact us with any emergencies.
Follow-up
All patients are seen 1 month after completion of treatments. At this time, we will review symptoms and outline any necessary follow-up appointments and tests.