9-2-10

Ok, so I have had 4 doctors appointments in 4 days... this is getting a little old.

Since my last post, I have had two appointments at Arnold Palmer Cancer Center.  The people there have been very nice.Yesterday, they told me all about all of the many various side effects from radiation. (Scare me much!)  They patiently answered all of question, and went over the radiation. Again.

Today, I went and got a CT scan that they use to plan the radiation (How much, from what angle, etc).  The weirdest part was that they made me a mask to fit my face and shoulders that they bolt down to the table so I can't move my head, and my head will be in the exact same place every time. They also put what feels like a big piece of jello jigglers (or ballistics gel) over my scar to make sure that it gets the right dose. The process isn't pleasant, but it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.   I was worried about panicking with the mask bolted down, but it is very light, and I could sort of zone-out while I was laying there.

The next step is that the doc has to look over all the scans and figure out exactly where to aim the radiation and at what doses. He'll also figure out exactly how many days I need (it will be 30-35 days).  This should take 7-10 days.   Then I'll go in, and we'll have a "dry-run" on the radiation machine. Shortly after that, we will actually start the radiation.

The worst part is the waiting....
 (at least, I hope that is the worst part!)

Post Script - Who is other?  I am curious :)