Radiation Therapy Consultation

After you have been referred by your urologist for a radiation consultation, you will meet with one of our Radiation Oncologists to discuss your case and whether radiation is the most appropriate course of action for you. This appointment will be longer than most as the doctor will be asking questions and sharing a great deal of information with you.

Here is some information that will help make this appointment more productive:

• Bring a list of your current medications. Make sure the list includes names and dosages of all medications and supplements.
• If it applies, bring any paperwork mailed to you from the radiation center.
• If you want, bring a family member or friend to take notes. There will be a lot of information to absorb in one sitting.
• We have access to an interpreter that can translate information to many different languages. Do not hesitate to request translation.

Radiation treatment is very individualized and depends on many factors such as the stage and location of the cancer, previous surgeries and other medical conditions. During the consultation appointment, the doctor will cover the following topics:

• The type of cancer you have.
• Whether we can treat your cancer and whether active surveillance is an option.
• What it is like to get radiation therapy.
• The short-term side effects of radiation therapy.
• The long-term side effects of radiation therapy.
• The logistics of radiation therapy treatments.
• How we determine the response to radiation.
• The financial cost of radiation therapy.
• The quality of life after radiation compared to other types of treatment for prostate cancer.
• Review and sign consent forms.
• Dr. Garza will perform a physical exam.
• Final summary of the discussion.

If you decide to proceed with radiation therapy, you will be scheduled for a Gold Fiducial Seed Placement and a CT Simulation session at the Austin Center for Radiation Oncology.

Contact the Austin Center for Radiation Oncology to schedule a consultation.