CyberKnife Radiosurgery is advanced radiation therapy in which high doses of radiation are delivered to specific parts of the body to destroy tumors. This is a non-invasive procedure which uses a robotic arm to deliver the strongest and most precise dose of radiation possible to the tumor without harming surrounding tissue. Cyberknife is especially sought after when dealing with hard-to-reach tumors or on parts of the body that are put at risk with regular radiation or chemotherapy treatments. If your doctor recommends CyberKnife treatments, here are some things you will need to know and ways you can prepare.
Outpatient Treatment
Your first CyberKnife appointment will most likely take place at an outpatient CyberKnife center. The session will last for 30 to 90 minutes. Multiple appointments may be necessary depending on the size and location of the tumor, and your doctor will advise you on how many sessions you need for your specific treatment plan. You will be able to drive yourself to and from the treatment sessions because you should not have any after effects.
Painless Procedure
The procedure is painless. A radiation oncologist and radiation therapist and physicist will carefully map out your treatment plan. You will lie on the CyberKnife table while the robotic arm targets the exact location where the radiation is needed to destroy the tumor or lesion. You may be required to wear a soft mask or use a soft mold during the procedure to ensure the treatment is as precise as possible. Your doctor will give you any necessary instructions while you lie down comfortably on the table during the treatment. The robotic arm will automatically get into position and deliver hundreds of radiation beams to the tumor from all different angles without actually touching you.
Preparations
It’s normal to be nervous about any medical procedure and a CyberKnife procedure is no different. The best thing you can do is prepare for your appointment
- Make necessary accommodations – Make sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes on the day of the procedure. Do not wear jewelry or any moisturizers, lotions, perfumes, etc. Get a good night’s sleep and relax before the procedure. While you can drive to and from the appointment by yourself, it may be beneficial to have a loved one attend your first CyberKnife appointment in case you need emotional support.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – Before your procedure, you will consult with your doctor multiple times. Your doctor will give you instructions on what to wear, eat, and what medications to take before your procedure. Follow your doctor’s instructions to ensure the procedure is done as efficiently, effectively, and safely as possible.
- Be as knowledgeable about the procedure as possible – The more you know about your procedure, the better you will feel about it. Ask your doctor as many questions as you like to understand how the procedure works and what you can expect from your first CyberKnife appointment.
CyberKnife, The Beam of Life at the Cyberknife Center of Miami can destroy tumors and lesions using the most advanced image-guided robotics system available today, also known as CyberKnife Radiosurgery. The dedicated staff is standing by to talk to you about your treatment options and help you through your journey and on your way to recovery. Call 800-204-0455 or 305-279-2900 today to make an appointment.