What is a CT simulation appointment for radiation therapy?

Are you asking about the simulation done in Radiation Oncology to plan the patient's radiation treatments?

Yes

The team simulates the position the patient will be in during actual treatments using the type of machine that will be used for them. The purpose is to plan, by getting enough information for the physicists and radiation oncologists to plan the precise location and amount and type of radiation that will best reach and treat the cancer spots.

@dwheels8, I'd also add to @lag's helpful reply. The CT simulation appointment usually takes about one hour. It is used to get everything lined up precisely and specifically to your cancer. During the simulation appointment, you will be placed on the same machine that will be used for radiation treatments, but you will not receive any radiation treatment on the simulation day.

Here's a thorough explanation about what to expect.
https://www.austinradiation.com/what-to-expect/ct-simulation/
Did you have your simulation appointment? How did it go? What tips would you offer anyone preparing for the CT simulation appointment?

I had a CT Simulation at Mayo Phoenix. This was a day after carbon seeds were planted in my prostate. After the CT Simulation was a High Resolution MRI of my pelvic region. No fasting, nothing other than just show up. Not being claustrophobic, the scans were a piece of cake, just lie as still as possible and breath with as little motion as possible. On the inside of the tube of one machine little animals were printed.

My understanding was the CT Simulation used X-Rays. And the machine was a tube exactly like an MRI machine or PSMA PET/CT machine in overall appearance/dimensions.

The kindness, pleasantness and professionalism of nurses made the experience interesting and enjoyable.

Thank you.
Dwheels9

Hey Rick137, thank you for your feedback. I’m having mine done at Mayo in Phx at the end of August

Let me echo Rick137’s experience, same as mine five years ago at Mayo Phoenix. As I understand it now, the protocol requires a full bladder, but no rectal saline balloons 🙂 anymore.
I had 43 treatments of proton, I believe the standard is now 25, my PSA went from 11 to 0.1. The team at Mayo is world-class in many ways.

@docwatson

You are correct. I forgot the full bladder. Fortunately I had not drunk anything for hours which was essential if you are on Flomax as I was. Should be part of the directive but I do not remember if it were on not.