That sort of sums up the last 6 radiation treatments. Started last week Monday for my first treatment. As you may remember all the issues I had getting an early morning time. Since I’m always early I arrived at 6:45AM for my 7:30AM appointment. Imagine my surprise when I arrived to find no one waiting. Sure enough a tech came in the waiting room right away to get me set up for treatment. In fact I have been taken at 7:15AM every day since. I’m still wondering why all the drama with my appointment time. Sounds like someone thinks they’re more important and can control a schedule without taking the patient into consideration. Of course I was done after my first treatment at 7:15AM and they had me scheduled for a 8:00AM appointment to see the doctor. Now remember I’ve been through all of this before so I knew exactly how it was going to work. I wait until 8:30 (if I’m lucky) before the doc strolls in and asks me how I’m doing, how do I feel, blah, blah, bah. It was my first treatment so in my mind there wasn’t going to be a whole lot of information being traded. So in my own “Doreen” way I just forgot about the appointment (what – my brain is being zapped. I had an excuse) and left. I thought I was in the clear until Thursday when I got a call from the nurse reminding me I didn’t stay for my appointment (what appointment??) and scheduled me for today (well truth be told she told me Wednesday at 8:00 but when I tried to leave today they ganged up on me and told me it was today). My doc is on vacation so I saw another doc who was really funny. He couldn’t get the computer to work – kept turning it on and off before he gave up and basically asked how I was doing. Fine I said and that was the end of the visit. Like I said a waste of time.
So, what are the treatments like? Way different then the last time I had them. Since they are radiating the whole brain the beam is on for approximately 9 seconds on each side. I get a funny chemical taste/smell when the beam is on. Almost like smelling burning flash and getting that taste you get when you smell something that sticks at the back of your throat. Really, I’m not trying to freak you out. Although my eyes are closed you can see a bright light and hear a buzzing that sounds like EEEEEERRRRRR. Reminds me of an old Frankenstein movie when old Frank gets hit by lightening and comes alive. Otherwise I’m just tired and I have terrible dry mouth (which hasn’t stopped me from talking). I have attached some pictures taken of me on the table and my mask straight out of another horror movie. Once the mask is put on and attached to the table you can’t move an inch. You can’t talk or hardly swallow. Imagine having it out, hearing the buzz, seeing the flashing lights and getting that taste. I think I’m starring in my own horror movie.
Otherwise, no loss of hair yet - just an itchy scalp.
Until next time…..
Keep on Dancin”
