Cerebrovascular Brain Tumor Center Disease and Stroke Center Patient Instructions Before and After Radiosurgery Before Radiosurgery n The radiation oncologist and/or neurosurgeon will complete a history and physical before scheduling your radiosurgery procedure. If there are any changes to your history, please tell the physician before your procedure. n
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You will be custom fit for a mask to wear during treatment. Your fitting appointment, which typically takes one hour, is scheduled for ________________________ at _________________________am/pm at the treatment center. This appointment typically takes one hour. If you are having a planning MRI or CT done at that time, then the appointment typically takes two hours. Your radiation planning MRI is scheduled on ________________________ at _________________________am/pm at ___________________________________________________________ (name and location of MRI facility). This MRI will be used by your radiation oncologist, neurosurgeon and the staff to design your treatment plan.
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If you need any lab work, your physician will order it before your procedure.
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The nurse will call you to review and/or prescribe any medications necessary before the procedure.
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Take all of your regular medications unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
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It is okay to wash your hair before and after your procedure. Please refrain from any changes to your hair after your simulation appointment and before your procedure. Changes such as hair extensions or a newly shaved area can affect the fit of the mask/mold used during treatment. It is okay to eat the night before your procedure. We suggest eating a light meal as you will be lying on your back during the procedure.
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Please arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure.
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It is strongly encouraged that you have a valid Living Will and Advanced Directive before any medical intervention.
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Other: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Day of Radiosurgery n Arrive at the treatment center at your assigned time. We recommend you bring a book, magazine, music or craft in case there is a wait before your procedure. n n
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Bring a detailed list of medications with dosages and the times of day usually taken. Treatment times can be as short as 20 minutes or as long as one hour depending on the area(s) being treated and your individualized radiation plan. After the procedure, you will be seen by a radiation oncologist. He/she will answer any questions and determine the appropriate time for you to go home with a family member or friend. If you are taking any medications for anxiety, narcotic pain meds or have had a recent seizure or other type of neurological problem, such as confusion, paralysis or vision changes, then a family member/friend should drive you home after the procedure. The nurse will review discharge instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment if you are following up at the Cincinnati Brain Tumor Center. Designate a family member to be the primary contact for your medical team. This family member can then share information with the rest of your family. Other: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Discharge n The UC Brain Tumor Center nurse practitioner or nurse clinician will review all discharge information, including activity restrictions, medications and follow-up appointments, with you and your family. n
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If you do not want to be the primary contact, please designate a contact person for instructions and appointments that you may receive after discharge. Please provide an additional phone number to reach your family member in the event someone is unable to be reached. The nurse practitioner or nurse clinician will call the day after your radiosurgery procedure to see how you’re doing.
At Home Recovery When to Call the Doctor n In a medical emergency, go to the nearest Emergency Room (ER) or dial 911. Your physician will be notified by the ER physician that you are experiencing difficulties. n
For questions regarding a non-urgent matter, medication, appointment or any other questions you may have about your plan of care, contact your physician’s office at _____________________________. After hours, you may call 513-475-7777 to have the on-call physician paged if you feel you need immediate attention.
Appointments after Surgery n
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For most people, there are no immediate side effects from the procedure. Your physician will discuss any specific symptoms that might be expected to occur. Delayed effects of treatment can sometimes occur weeks to months after the procedure, and these will be discussed with you before treatment.
If a head frame was used during radiosurgery, you will have pin sites to care for after the procedure. Tylenol is usually effective in treating any discomfort associated with the pin sites. Steri strips or bandaids may cover the pin sites. You can remove these the next day. Some swelling may occur around the pin sites. Keeping your head elevated and applying an ice pack to that area is usually effective. If you have a fever greater than 101 degrees or have any drainage, separation or sign of infection at the pin site, call the main office at 513-475-7777 to reach a physician.
Medications n Anti-seizure medications, if prescribed, may be gradually discontinued as directed by your physician. n
Some patients may have dizziness or blurred vision from laying flat or having the mask over their face.
Wound Care n If you had frameless radiosurgery, there is no wound to care for after the procedure. There will typically be no external signs that you had the radiation treatment. On a rare occasion, the area that was treated will have dry skin. n
Appointments with the appropriate UC BTC multidisciplinary team will be made at your post treatment follow up.
Potential Side Effects of Radiosurgery n Patients are typically not groggy after the procedure unless a sedative was taken before treatment. n
Your follow-up appointment will be determined by your need. If you need a medication adjusted or discontinued, your appointment could be as early as two weeks following treatment. Otherwise, you will receive a follow-up appointment between 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment. Your post-treatment appointment is scheduled on ________________________ at _________________________am/pm.
Instructions for steroid medication will be given before your discharge on the day of the procedure. Steroids are used to treat swelling that may exacerbate symptoms after your initial treatment.
Physical Activity In general, patients may resume most of their activities after the procedure.
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We recommend that you take a day or two off work after the procedure. No strenuous activity or driving for 48 hours after the procedure. This restriction is patient specific and may be altered by the physician to better fit your own individualized needs. 2
