Instructions Before Your Radiation Therapy Appointment With Anesthesia

This information explains how to get ready for your radiation therapy simulation or treatment if you’re getting anesthesia (medication to make you sleepy).

If your healthcare provider told you that you would receive anesthesia during your radiation therapy simulation or treatment, follow the instructions in this resource.

Before Your Appointment

Remove devices from your skin

If you wear any of the following devices on your skin, the manufacturer recommends you remove it before your simulation or treatment:

• Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
• Insulin pump

Talk with your radiation oncologist about whether you may need to remove your device before your simulation or treatment. Make sure you have an extra device with you to put on after your simulation or treatment.

If you’re not sure how to manage your glucose while your device is off, talk with the healthcare provider who manages your diabetes care before your appointment.

Arrange for someone to take you home

You must have a responsible care partner take you home after your appointment. Make sure to plan this before the day of your appointment.

If you don’t have someone to take you home, call one of the agencies below. They will send someone to go home with you. There’s usually a charge for this service, and you will need to provide transportation.

Instructions for Eating and Drinking Before Your Appointment

• Do not eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes hard candy and gum.
• Between midnight and up until 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time, you may drink a total of 12 ounces of water (see figure).
• Starting 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time, do not eat or drink anything. This includes water.

Contact Information