I can only begin to understand what transplant patients must feel like after today's experience. I had been waiting for the radiation team to call me to set up my simulation, the last step prior to beginning treatment. I received a call around 9:30 this morning and at 12:15 I was at the hospital in the radiation room going through the simulation. After the 10 minutes of simulation, my chemo was set up and my radiation treatments for the next 6 weeks were scheduled. It all just happened so fast that I really didn't even have time to think or react.
So, on Tuesday, I will start my chemotherapy which will be a continuous infusion. I will have the chemo changed every seven days for the next six weeks. The process, from what I have been told is fairly simple. My port is accessed and then dressed and I am hooked up to a fanny pack (I know, can't they come up with something better!) that I will carry around for a week at a time. The fanny pack contains the chemo agent and a small pump and is very light weight. Piece of cake, right? Except showering, dressing and sleeping will all be a challenge. I imagine once I get it all figured out, the six weeks will be up and I will be done.
Apparently the radiation is equally as easy. I go into the treatment room, verify my picture on the computer and state my name and birth date. I lay down on the table (not so comfortable), stay still and within 15 minutes I am done. Sounds easy enough, right? We'll see. Only time will tell, I guess.
There is still the unsettled business of the tattoos. They wanted to do the permanent tattoos today but I put on the tears and they said they would see if the new markings will last. For some reason, I really, really don't want the permanent tattoos. I know they are small and no big deal but I just don't want them. So, they will check the temporary markings on Tuesday and make a decision. Keep your fingers crossed!
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