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Radiation Oncology / Resources

Pancreatic Cancer

Radiation Care at Tennessee Oncology

Radiation therapy is an integral part of comprehensive care for pancreatic cancer that we provide at Tennessee Oncology.

Your pancreatic cancer care consists of a multidisciplinary team of cancer doctors (“oncologists”) that specialize in surgery (surgical oncology), medical oncology and radiation oncology. The term “radiation therapy” refers to the use of high-energy rays or particles to treat disease.

Radiation may be beneficial in your situation based on many different factors including the size of the cancer, aggressiveness of tumor, margin status, your age, hormone receptor status, and if tumor cells are found in the blood vessels or lymphatic spaces around the cancer.

Just as every person is different, every cancer is different and therefore your radiation plan is specifically tailored to your specific case. Your radiation oncologist will discuss with you the specific details of your situation to determine recommendations for you.

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Potential Side Effects of Radiation

Potential side effects during radiation therapy vary. You can learn more about potential side effects by speaking with your radiation oncology care team, and we will work with you to manage symptoms throughout your treatment.

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Example Office Visit Calendar

The below example calendar is from a patient recommended for 4 weeks of radiation therapy.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
30 31 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23

1. Consultation

2. CT Simulation

3. Treatment

  • Includes once-weekly visit with Physician
  • As needed visits for help with side effects.

4. Follow-up

  • Depends on the cancer type
Event Duration Notes
Referral
Consultation 1-1.5 hours To discuss your case, the recommended treatment, possible side effects, etc.
Simulation 1-1.5 hours Also called a “radiation planning CT,” this appointment is to determine the position for your body during treatment; often includes a CT scan.
Treatment Planning 3-7 business days While you’re waiting for treatment to start, your team of doctors and other key staff make design the machine instructions in software and verify its readiness for treatment.
Treatment Typically 3-7 weeks, once daily, Monday-Friday Individual treatments are typically quick (30-40 minutes in-office each day). At least once per week, you briefly meet your doctor for a check-up = “on-treatment visit” – the day of this visit varies by provider.
Follow-up Your doctor sees you back after treatment to help with any side effects, and to monitor for any sign of recurrence.

Additional Resources

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615-235-8700