My night was a restless one but I did manage to sleep throughout it. I got up around 6:35am to take a nice shower and get myself ready. The girls and Keith came with me for support and to give the girls a visual of this thing we call radiation. They only saw the waiting room but that is enough to put them at ease and know where Mommy is going when she says she is leaving for radiation each of these 27 mornings. We of course had to stop and get them a donut on the way since one of these girls does not stop eating from the time she wakes up til the time she goes to bed (and the toughest thing is she is the skinniest of them all!!!!). So everyone was happier when they had sugar in them. Then we proceeded to the Lake Forest building in Grayslake.
So at 8:30am I officially began radiation treatments! I was taken to the changing rooms and went into to get a lovely short robe and take all off from the waist up. I was then escorted to the next waiting area outside of the HUGE doors that have a big Radioactivity warning on them-- so comforting!!! There were three Radiation Therapists helping me today since it was my first day and we had to set up the final details for the machine. When I walked into the radiation room it was on the dark side and rather large with a table and these machines all around the table. The mold of my head and arms was on the table waiting for me and the therapists had me lie down on this table. They put a pillow under my knees and adjusted me to where I needed to be for the procedure. It is quite a feeling laying on this table completely exposed from the stomach up having three people working around you adjusting the equipment and measuring and talking about what changes to make. I was also drawn on, x-rayed, and tattooed two more times throughout this process. The actual radiation did not occur until they were sure I was in the exact position and the machine was lined up perfectly which must have been after about 20 minutes. Then when the radiation treatment began it was over before I knew it. There is very little noise to it and I really felt nothing at this point. The therapists came back in the room when all was done to take a couple pictures for the records and to let me know that I would see the doctor tomorrow since he was in with a new patient and to help me get up. One of the female therapists walked me back to the changing rooms and gave me some samples of Aquafor which is what they recommend for their patients to put on their skin that is getting hit with the radiation... oh it brings me back to baby time when we used this on the twins and Katelynn as infants. Then I was done.
It was all an experience and I was so nervous and tense that when it was over and I could relax I found myself wiped out. I know it was from all my anxiety and build up to this moment so I hope to sleep well tonight and be ready for tomorrow. I am thankful the therapists are all so nice and really made this process easy. The whole office is a friendly group of people so that helps!
Each time I go in now I have my own card to scan so they know I am there and they all have my info on their computers. It is all so high tech!!!
I am experiencing all of this while a friend of mine from middle school and high school is having her surgery to remove her Breast Cancer today. Tracey has been in my thoughts and prayers these past few days and I know she will do well but I ask for your prayers for her as well at this time! It is so hard to think that the two of us are battling this cancer at this time in our lives!!! She is a strong woman and I know she will come out of this just fine but it is a hard road to travel!
It is so good to know that this leg of the journey has begun and God has given me a few more angels to help me along my way!
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