If you have been scheduled for a CT simulation, you might be wondering if there is anything you need to do to prepare.

This is a very common question, and the answer is both simple and important.

There are a few practical things to keep in mind before your appointment, but just as importantly, there is also a mental and emotional component to preparation that is worth acknowledging.

A quick reflection: For some patients, this appointment represents the beginning of treatment becoming real. Even if you have felt fairly calm up until this point, it is not uncommon for nerves to show up as you prepare to come in for your CT simulation.

Let’s walk through how to prepare so you can feel as comfortable and informed as possible.

What Should You Wear to a CT Simulation?

A common question patients ask is what they should wear to this appointment.

In most cases, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown, depending on the area of the body being treated. However, it is still helpful to arrive in clothing that is:

• comfortable
• easy to change out of
• free of metal when possible

Metal objects can interfere with imaging, so items such as:

• jewelry
• belts
• clothing with metal zippers or snaps

may need to be removed before your scan.

Your care team will guide you through all of this when you arrive, so you do not need to feel pressure to get everything exactly right ahead of time.

Do You Need to Do Anything Before the Appointment?

Preparation instructions can vary depending on the area of the body being treated.

Some patients may be asked to:

• avoid eating for a few hours before the scan
• drink a specific amount of water for bladder filling
• follow bowel prep instructions

Not every patient will receive special instructions, as the above list is not necessary for some areas of the body intended for treatment. Your radiation oncologist or nursing team will provide you with clear instructions when your CT simulation appointment is scheduled if any specific instructions are necessary.

If anything is unclear or you are unsure, you should always feel comfortable calling the radiation oncology department ahead of time to get any clarification necessary for your peace of mind.

What Matters Most During This Appointment

While there are a few practical things to think about beforehand, the most important part of this appointment (from our patient’s participation perspective) is your ability to lie still and follow instructions during the scan.

This is because the position your body is placed in during CT simulation is the same position that will be used for your daily radiation treatments.

Your team is working to create a setup that can be reproduced every single day with a high level of accuracy.

That level of consistency is what allows radiation treatment to be delivered safely and effectively.

Preparing Mentally for the Experience

This is the part that is not always talked about, but it matters just as much as the physical preparation.

During your CT simulation, you will be asked to lie still while your team works around you. There may be moments where you are not actively engaged, and you are simply present in the moment.

It is not uncommon to feel a little uncomfortable or slightly awkward in the way the radiation therapists have positioned your body. To be clear, the body positioning should not be painful. If you are experiencing significant pain, please speak up so your position can be adjusted.

Another reflection: Radiation therapy involves moments where you are asked to trust the process and allow your care team to guide what is happening. That can feel like a loss of control, especially early on.

It is natural to feel some of these emotions start to surface, and understanding what is happening during this appointment can help make the experience feel more manageable.

Small Ways to Make Yourself More Comfortable

Every patient experiences this appointment a little differently, but there are a few simple things that can help you feel more at ease:

• Ask questions before the scan begins
• Let your team know if you are experiencing any pain in the way they have positioned your body
• Focus on steady breathing while lying still

Your radiation therapy team is there to support you through this process. We anticipate that our patients will have questions about what we are doing, so please do not hesitate to ask anything that is on your mind.

Education Reduces Fear

When you understand what to expect and why each step matters, the experience can feel much less intimidating.

Preparation is about feeling informed enough to instill confidence in yourself. You now know that your team will guide you through each step with intention and care, and that the details developed at this appointment are all to ensure your radiation treatment is as accurate and safe as possible for you. 

Walking into this appointment with that knowledge will help you feel empowered and much more in control.

If you would like a clear and patient friendly guide to radiation therapy from diagnosis through treatment, I explain the entire process step by step in my book Let’s Talk Radiation Therapy.