Today was the real deal. My first radiation treatment for the squamous cell carcinoma on my right vocal cord -- throat cancer most likely caused by at least three decades of smoking. I quit on March 16, 2000 which is good because it would really be tough to quit while this is going on.
My advice to all smokers who read this: Quit now. This minute. If not for yourself then for those who love you. I am getting wonderful support from Sylvia and from my children and grandchildren but I really feel ashamed when I think about what my folly is putting them through.
The first session took about 45 minutes. There was some trouble adjusting the mask. The mask is plastic mesh that was molded to my face and head. It is fastened to the back board to keep my head immobile during the treatment. I am on my back. My shoulders have to be lowered so they will be out of range. So I have a platform under my feet with ropes around my wrists. When I push down with my legs it pulls my shoulders down out of the way.
The treatment itself is quick. I counted to 30 on one side and 40 on the other. But I am told they don't go by seconds but rather by doses of radiation.
I felt a little disoriented after the treatment but that went away in about 30 minutes. Cathy and Marty met us at the hospital, in a pouring rain, to take us to an Italian restaurant for dinner.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comments are welcome!