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.
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.
| Agencies in New York | Agencies in New Jersey | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Partners in Care: 888-735-8913 | Caring People: 877-227-4649 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Caring People: 877-227-4649 |
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
If you have any questions or concerns, talk with a member of your healthcare team. You can reach them Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the numbers listed below.
Radiation oncologist: _________________________
Phone number: _________________________
Radiation nurse: _________________________
Phone number: _________________________
After 5:00 pm, during the weekend, and on holidays, call ____________ and ask for the radiation oncologist on call. If there’s no number listed, or you’re not sure, call 212-639-2000.