My New Job

In some respect, I do feel like I got a new job because I actually have to be somewhere everyday. I just hope this "job" pays off in the end like it should! When I go into the cancer agency, the radiation unit is like an underground maze. You have to enter on the main level, go through a bunch of twists and turns following orange signs, and then take an elevator at the end of the hall to level 0 (which I didn't know existed). When you get down there, I have more hallways to navigate until I get to Unit B. They give you a folded index card, like the ones you used to get at the school library, that has all your patient information and a special number (#292). I put my card in the basket at the sign-in desk and go to the changing rooms. Outside the changing room is where all the cloth bags are hung which holds the hospital gown I wear every time and the number on my card. Once I am changed, I hang out in the waiting area and wait for my name to be called. The waiting area is really big and welcoming with a large skylight right in the middle of the room. There are several tables with 1000 piece puzzles on them and a large screen t.v. There are 10 patients are sitting around in their gowns waiting for their names to be called. Most of them are by themselves since this is a daily trek which I'm sure I will be doing alone after this week as well.

Radiation is administered by 2 radiation therapists--all of which seem asian, young, and really peppy. They have two people so there is less room for error when setting up the machines which is a very technical task. Once I lay down on the bed and put my arms above my head, an x-ray -like machine gets placed near me and they start calling out a bunch of coordinates so they can align the lasers to the exact position that is outlined in my file by the radiation oncologist. There were also 3 pin prick tattoos placed around my breast at an earlier appointment which they also use as placement markers. Lights are dimmed so they can position the lasers and once that is done, they leave the room, flip the lights on, and let the machine do the work. There is a green/red light that beeps when the machine is on. The machine beeps for anywhere from 5 seconds to 10 seconds depending on the position. I am radiated from each side, and from the top and bottom. The radiologists come in and out to reset the machine a few times and once my hands have completely lost circulation and fallen asleep, I know we're done. It only takes about 10-15 minutes and is a painless process. My skin is feeling a bit sensitive already, like a slight burn, but I just keep applying lotion. I thought all the precautionary things they told me was for wimps until I leaned over the stove a bit too long yesterday and felt the heat come up on my chest--ouch!

I had a PET scan scheduled for tomorrow but now is delayed until next week because they are waiting for some part to come in. So much for private healthcare! Money definitely does not solve all problems. Patience, patience, patience...this is my biggest lesson of all.

Happy Easter, J