RADIATION 101

When we saw the radiologist over a month ago, he set up our appointment for today.  I wasn't quite sure what the appointment would entail.  But I was so unprepared for what it did.  Neither Taylor or I slept well last night, in anticipation of today.

Upon arrival, we were quickly ushered into the "clinic".  Even though we were 20 minutes early.  No sitting, waiting, or time to catch our breath.  Taylor was immediately asked to change into a hospital gown.  

Then we were taken back to a "prepping" room.  They had him lye on a table with a head support in it.  Then they lined up lasers on him up as if they were going to do a CT scan.  He had to hold his chin up at a certain level.  Once he was all lined up, they stuck football type mouth guards into his mouth to form molds for his mouth.

Once that was finished, (still holding his chin up and being completely still, mouth guards still in place) they placed a piece of heavy wet plastic mesh on his face.  He had to lye completely still for 7-10 minutes while it dried.  Then they scanned him.  Once that was done, they began marking all over his body with a permanent marker.

When this was over, he was given three small tattoo's.  One in the middle of his chest and one on each arm.  The whole experience was rather traumatic and I wondered if I should have waited outside.  It is an image I will never be able to erase.

Following the mask, marking and tattoo's, we met with the doctor.  Looks like things will be going hard and fast from here.  We have a dental certification this Thursday.  A PET scan next Wednesday.  Echo Cardiogram, Pulmonary Function Testing and an appointment to review the results with the oncologist on Thursday.  Friday we will have a radiation simulation test.  And we begin the actual radiation on Tuesday, July 26th.

We had intended to have Taylor's port removed before they begun the radiation, but it doesn't look like there will be time.  It all seems to be happening so quickly.

Today was REALLY, REALLY hard.  I wish I had taken someone with me for moral support.  I cried a lot.  Seeing your child in that mask and bolted to the table is not a pleasant thing.  He is such a brave young man and I am so very proud of him!