4 Down, 13 to go

So I've had four radiation treatments.  So far, so good, but I have to admit I keep bracing myself for the side effects.  I ventured into Dr. Google-land yesterday, which probably wasn't the best thing.  I know, I know, I should stay away from the internet.  But being the planner that I am, I thought maybe I could learn a thing or two from some people who have gone through the same experience.

One of the side effects that could possibly happen, due to the location of the tumor and where they aim the beams, is a sore throat.  As my doctor described it, "It will be like a sore throat you get when you get a cold and it will go away just as quickly when you're done with treatment."  Sounded pretty harmless to me.  Yet, I don't know about you, but I HATE sore throats.  (I don't bargain with God like I do if I feel nauseous, but it comes pretty darn close).  Because I don't want to have a sore throat, I turned to Dr. Google.  And promptly freaked out.

Dr. Google told me that some people have experienced such bad sore throats that they couldn't eat ANY solid foods.  Some temporarily lost their sense of taste.  Some couldn't even drink water.  Some had to get feeding tubes and IVs for food and water.  Some were in such excruciating pain that that had to take prescription pain killers.  Say what?  I know that these are the extremes, but all I kept thinking about was our upcoming trip to Europe.  So help me if I won't be able to taste or swallow the wonderful foods and drinks in the places we're visiting. 

A lot of the people talked about Aloe Vera juice and the healing qualities of it.  So yesterday I found myself at Trader Joe's buying a gallon of aloe vera juice and drinking it mixed with cranberry juice.  I am hoping that it possibly prevents some of the soreness from taking place (even if it's in my head).  For y'all who know me, I take great pleasure in eating and drinking.  I would be depressed if I was denied this pleasure.

In other news, Stein and I have been gone the past two weekends in Chicago.  The first weekend we celebrated my mom's husband Rich's birthday, and the following weekend we celebrated my dad's birthday.  They were both whirlwind weekends that were chock full of family, food, and fun.  Some of the people we haven't seen in years, so it was nice to reconnect.  This weekend I am looking forward to getting flowers planted and just hanging out at home.

Thank you again to all those who have contributed to Patty's marathon fundraising!  She made 100% of her goal!  WOOHOO!!

Radiation Day One

I'm glad the first session is over and I know what to expect for the rest of the (16) sessions.  I tossed and turned all night last night, trying to anticipate what it may be like.  They told me that the first session takes the longest (40 minutes), but most sessions will take about 20 minutes total, including undressing, waiting to be called, and re-dressing.

I forgot to mention that I had two simulations done before I actually started the radiation.  At the first one, I was positioned on the bed of the CT scanner, and they marked my body with a Sharpie in four different places.  Then they placed stickers over those marks so that they wouldn't wash off in the shower.  After they had me positioned just so, they rolled me into the tube and took some pictures.  The whole process didn't take long, including a "tour" of the place and how to check in when I started my sessions.

As we waited for them to call me back with my schedule, Stein and I realized that the sessions may run into our vacation to go see Chris.  We called the doctor's office to inquire about this, and we received news we hadn't expected: they wanted me to have a second scan because they wanted to position me a different way and limit the amount of radiation I would receive in different spots.

So, I went in at 7:00 the next morning for the second scan.  As I was getting prepped for what I thought would be the same as the previous simulation, the tech said to me, "And you know we're making a mask for you, right?"  Visions of the propaganda video we watched danced in my head.  I remembered seeing the masks, but breathed a sigh of relief when I was told I wouldn't need one.  This is what it looks like: