Page 25 - Welcome to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Proton Therphy Center at the Seattle Northwest Hospital

A Radiation Therapist will guide you through your CT scan (also referred to as “CT Simulation”). For more information
on who is in your Care Team and what positions support your treatment, see the section of this guidebook entitled
The Center. During your appointment, the Radiation Therapist will work closely with you to create an accurate and
reproducible treatment position specific to your individual needs. This is achieved by use of special immobilization
devices such as: masks, leg molds, head rests, sponges, and pillows. Many of the devices that are used are
customizable and made just for you to ensure that you receive an accurate treatment.

Using your CT images, a team of proton therapy experts will develop an individual treatment plan for you, determining
the number of treatments you need and the best technology for your care.

Scheduling Your Treatment Sessions

Once planning for treatment is completed, the lead radiation therapist from your Care Team will tell you how many
treatments are prescribed and schedule your first appointment. Most patients have therapy five days a week (excluding
weekends and holidays) for 4 to 9 weeks, depending on the total number needed. Occasionally your doctor may order
additional treatments or breaks in your regular treatment schedule. You will always be informed of any changes.
Your radiation therapist will tell you when to arrive for your first appointment and provide any special instructions
(for example, some patients need to come with full or empty bladder, or need to avoid wearing deodorant or lotions).
At the end of each treatment week, you will get your schedule for the following week. You will need to come to the
Center approximately 30 minutes early to complete any necessary preparations, such as changing into a gown and
consuming specific amounts of fluid.

It is very important to follow the treatment schedule prescribed by your doctor. If you must cancel
or reschedule a treatment, we will work to accommodate your medical needs. Please be on time
for all appointments to avoid disrupting other patients’ schedules. Your Care Team will provide you
with the appropriate number to call.

SCCA Proton Therapy Center 1570 North 115th Street, Seattle, WA 98133 (877) 897-7628
4-2 SCCA Proton Therapy Center 1570 North 115th Street, Seattle, WA 98133 (877) 897-7628