Radiation arrival

On Monday, radiation called saying they could start this week.  Initially, they wanted to start on Tuesday, but I was in Utah and couldn’t make it. We decided on Wednesday, which is today. If all goes according to plan, we should be done May 12th  

The first several sessions are all over the place as for time. Today was at 3:15 and tomorrow 10:15 and on and on. April 24th, I’ll have a 10:15 standing appointment until May 12th. Wednesday’s appointments will be a little longer as I will meet with the doctor. 

Today’s appointment was pretty simple.  Changed into the half robe and was escorted down the hall. 

First, Tarah showed me the room where they would be monitoring me. There seemed to be a lot of technical things like camera monitors and monitors with lots of numbers and words. 

Second,  I was led into the radiation room. The door they close is about two feet thick. From the mapping appointment, they already had the room setup with the platform. The machine was huge behind me and there was another portion above me.  

I laid on the table and raised my arms above my head grasping the handles. I didn’t quite get left arm in right position and hurt for the next 15 minutes. Then a bright red light came on and they asked if it was too bright.  Why yes!  So I got a lavender scented eye mask. Mine that I will get every time I go and take home when done. The mask scent almost made me fall asleep  

Three people discussed what was going to happen next. Since this was the first time, there was some additional imaging that needed to get the system setup so when I come back tomorrow it’s just a push of a button once I’m on the table. 

During the imaging, there was a lot of noise and the table moving around.  The machine over my head moved as well. Someone told me that I would have to hold my breath, much like a mammogram, but I didn’t.  I was doing some deep breathing and trying to push away the pain in my left arm when all of sudden there was someone in the room saying it was over.  I moved my left arm and it dropped into where it was supposed to be. I’ll do better tomorrow. 

I lubed up afterwards as suggested. Once we got home, Murray put lotion on my back, collarbone, and neck. 

The major side effect is reddening of the skin much like a sunburn. And of course there are rare ones so you know me 🙋‍♀️. 

But I feel tomorrow should be a breeze. 

Until next time…