Your radiation oncologist will speak with you about your treatment options, the side effects of said treatments, and when to come back for a simulation scan before beginning treatment. You’ll be asked about your medical history and all the medicines you take in order to help with radiation therapy. A simulation scan is done to get images of the cancer site and will be repeated with the patient in various positions. The radiation oncologist and staff will work together to plan your series of treatments and physics team performs extensive quality assurance checks to ensure that all cancer treatments are safe and accurate for your unique situation.
Once at home, you will stay on the full liquids for about two weeks after surgery. You should try to continue to walk every day, a little farther each day as you regain your energy level. You will see your surgeon about two weeks after surgery for a follow-up appointment. If you are doing well at that time, you will be allowed to start trying some soft solid foods.
Most patients take about two to six weeks off from work, depending on the type of work they do. Those with desk jobs generally go back to work after about two weeks or sometimes even sooner, if they are feeling well. Patients whose jobs require a lot of strenuous physical activity will need to refrain from heavy physical activity for six weeks, though they can go back to limited light duty sooner, if their jobs allow. Likewise with exercise, patients should be walking every day and gradually increasing the amount of activity. You can start going back to the gym to lift weights, swim, etc., after about four weeks.
You will see your surgeon at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery, then yearly after that. At each visit, we will assess how you are doing, monitor the progress of your weight loss, and check blood tests to make sure your vitamins, minerals, and nutritional parameters are normal. All patients take a multivitamin for life, and some patients need additional supplements depending on the results of their blood tests. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your diet, our nutritionists will be available for consultation.
