It is typical for RT to start within days of the simulation, if not the very next day. Scheduling and machine down time sometimes affect the schedules in RO. You will be amazed at how many people get treated on these things. UCSFCCC has 4 LINACS and 2 shifts. If one goes down, their schedule is toast. It's not uncommon, also, to have delays during treatment while the machines are being fixed. The machine I was being treated on broke down at least 3 times during my treatment. I was grateful for the time off but I also wanted to get done in a timely manner. I used to service and install systems in LINACs and I can tell you that they are a 9 1/2 ton, piece of precision mechanical and electronics, accurate to 1 mm.

Always be on time or a little early for your RT appointments. The rooms are kept cold also so ask for blankets and extra pillows as needed. The treatment "couches" are hard. Bring your own music with you. Most treatment rooms have boom boxes or stereos. I slept through many of my treatments.

Ask your doctor for a handicapped placard (or to sign the DMV paperwork) so you don't have so far too walk once you're in treatment - you'll need it.