Preparation for Radiation Therapy
Before radiation therapy can begin, radiation oncologist (Dr. Samant) prescribed the dose of radiation that is needed, he took into consideration my general health, type and stage of my cancer. The next step in preparing for radiation therapy is called simulation. This is what I am doing tomorrow. During simulation, a CT-scan is taken of the tumor site and the exact boundaries of the treatment area are identified. This area will be marked on my skin with long-lasting ink, tattoos.
They will make me a lead-alloy block that prevents healthy areas from receiving radiation. Blocks are made from a diagram drawn on the simulation CT-scan. My radiation therapy will be five days a week for five weeks.
Before radiation therapy can begin, radiation oncologist (Dr. Samant) prescribed the dose of radiation that is needed, he took into consideration my general health, type and stage of my cancer. The next step in preparing for radiation therapy is called simulation. This is what I am doing tomorrow. During simulation, a CT-scan is taken of the tumor site and the exact boundaries of the treatment area are identified. This area will be marked on my skin with long-lasting ink, tattoos.
They will make me a lead-alloy block that prevents healthy areas from receiving radiation. Blocks are made from a diagram drawn on the simulation CT-scan. My radiation therapy will be five days a week for five weeks.
I will start my radiation treatments the first week of August.
And on and on it goes.
ReplyDeleteSo what you're saying is that you are going to get a tattoo tomorrow! You are a wild woman!! hee hee!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Jackie :)
Dodi -
ReplyDeleteSo now I have completed 18 days of radiation. No real complaints. I had a couple of days of abdominal pain/irritation, but my Dr told me he had no idea what it was and to "tough it out" and sure enough it went away, quickly.
No fatigue. No real side-effects.
Be sure to stay on a mild diet (only cooked fruits and veggies, white bread, pasta, etc.). I had popcorn last night at the movies and trust me, I am suffering today.
My WBC is staying lower than I thought - not in the danger area, but I thought it would bounce way back up after chemo.
I take a month off after 7/27 (my last day of radiation) - and then go for 2 more rounds of chemo. You'll finish up way before me.
Good luck on your next step - no worries, all will be fine.
R's,
Jane