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
Take Devices Off Your Skin
You may wear certain devices on your skin. Before your simulation or treatment, device makers recommend you take off your:
- Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
- Insulin pump
If you use one of these, ask your radiation oncologist if you need to take it off. If you do, make sure to bring an extra device to put on after your simulation or treatment.
You may not be sure how to manage your glucose while your device is off. If so, before your appointment, talk with the healthcare provider who manages your diabetes care.
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
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns, talk with a member of your radiation therapy team. You can reach them Monday through Friday from to After , during the weekend, and on holidays, call 212-639-2000. Ask for the radiation oncologist on call.