Just got home from my TBI simulation... It was pretty interesting (maybe because I haven't done any radiation yet). They took a caliber like tool and measured my body from two different angles from head to toe. They then took me back and took two x-rays. I then went to be outfitted on this stand up positioning device that consisted of a couple of handle bars and a bicycle seat. So, basically, I'll be getting the TBI standing up with the support of a nicely cushioned bicycle seat and hand bars to support me while I get zapped. I'm due to go through 8 sessions of TBI. The first 5 will be without any type of shields to protect my organs. The last 3 I'll have a custom designed lung shield with strategically placed holes based on where the tumors are in my lungs. The reason for the shield is 5 sessions is the max my lungs can take being unprotected (without causing damage). The last 3 sessions will protect my lungs but let in tiny beams of radiation through the holes exactly where my tumors/scar tissue is. The shields will be designed by a specialist at U dub based on my latest CT scan results.
According to the nurse, I can expect possible nausea during the sessions and after. She also mentioned I might get a "burn or tan" which in my eyes wouldn't be a bad thing as I'm getting pretty pasty these days ;). And finally, I can definitely expect major fatigue which will be exacerbated by the following Cytoxan and VP-16 high dose chemo's.
That's it for now... I'm going to try not to think about the Hodge tonight as it's Thursday night and My Name is Earl, The Office and 30 Rock are on (not to mention It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Testees)! Our friend Eric comes by and we sit here and laugh for a couple of hours, good times! I think I may even have 1-2 beers to celebrate my news of no new growth on my CT (funny how I celebrate status quo). This may sound strange but having the scare of the puffy area around my collarbone sort of made me forget about the worry of the impending pounding I'm going to take and deeper than that, the hope that this pounding is going to result in a cure. It's like I'm an onion of worries, you can peel off one layer but there's another layer of worry underneath...
Such is life of a cancer survivor...
1 comment:
Some things never change. The TBI setup looks just the same as when Adrienne had it in 2003. At least the treatment is quick. Enjoy your few days off without anything to worry about. Love, Alison (Adrienne's mom)
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