Radiation isn't Rad
I'm starting to feel the effects of the radiation now. I have undergone 10 sessions of 18. My throat is getting sore from being heated up. It hurts to swallow anything, especially what I consider "sharp foods", such as grains, wheat bread and even crunchy fruit like apples. Alcohol burns my throat, so I'm done drinking wine for a while. My esophagus is a little heated up. It feels like I have heartburn all the time. I've adopted a mostly liquid diet for the time being.
I get tired sometimes. I get a little sleepy in the late afternoon and at night, which is actually a good thing. I get pretty good sleep at night, but oddly, wake up still feeling tired. The side effects are not anywhere near as crappy as chemo, so I am able to function pretty normally, except for the fact that I have to go in for radiation every single day.
Here's a slightly better picture of me in treatment position. No dots. That big machine on top of me delivers the radiation. The beams are blocked from areas that should not be treated by a slide that is inserted in front of the machine.
Here's a good look at that funky immobilization mask. As you can see, it is bolted to the table. I have asked the techincians that if there is an earthquake or fire, that they would be kind enough to come in and release me before they flee for their lives.
Today, I had to sit in this position for over an hour as they did a whole bunch of x-rays. For the duration of my treatment they are going to focus the radiation on an even smaller field, so they had to "remap" me a little bit.
They keep telling me how good I am at sitting perfectly still. I am so proud.
I get tired sometimes. I get a little sleepy in the late afternoon and at night, which is actually a good thing. I get pretty good sleep at night, but oddly, wake up still feeling tired. The side effects are not anywhere near as crappy as chemo, so I am able to function pretty normally, except for the fact that I have to go in for radiation every single day.
Here's a slightly better picture of me in treatment position. No dots. That big machine on top of me delivers the radiation. The beams are blocked from areas that should not be treated by a slide that is inserted in front of the machine.
Here's a good look at that funky immobilization mask. As you can see, it is bolted to the table. I have asked the techincians that if there is an earthquake or fire, that they would be kind enough to come in and release me before they flee for their lives.
Today, I had to sit in this position for over an hour as they did a whole bunch of x-rays. For the duration of my treatment they are going to focus the radiation on an even smaller field, so they had to "remap" me a little bit.
They keep telling me how good I am at sitting perfectly still. I am so proud.
Bill - my nephew had a rare form of cancer and had both radiation and chemo. He died 4 years ago at age 40. I had 2 other relatives and a friend who experienced the same fate, unfortunately. Do you remember Suzanne Sommers? She had cancer but did not opt for those conventional forms of treatment. She went instead with homeopathic and natural supplements, nutrition, etc. and is today cancer free. No side effects. I am a firm believer in alternative forms of treatment. The Chinese have some wonderful herbal approaches to cancer treatment. Chemo and radiation tends to destroy health cell and tissue and damage internal organs. That's an unfortunate fact of life. So do watch your nutrition and make sure you don't have anemia as a result of these treatments. We are deeply concerned for you - my mum and I.
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Hi Bill!
I sent you a picture of my in my "imob mask" when I had my radiation 5 years ago. I sent it to Q13 news comments. Be sure and save your mask and take it home. I'm going to have mine bronzed one of these days. Your life has changed forever. You have been blessed with "today is the first day of the rest of your life". Live it to the fillest! I pray for your good health from now forward! Claire Harris, Shelton, WA
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Hi Claire:
Thanks for the suggestion, but I actually had some other, EXPLOSIVE plans for that mask, as you may have read. Thank you so much, and I am thoroughly enjoying every moment. I know that I have a new lease on life, and plan to take full advantage.
Best,
Bill
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I wanted to suggest a good idea. One is aloe juice or there is a gargle that a pharm. company makes called OraRinse. Swish it around your oral cavity and swallow. It may help your throat and mouth (not too much it can be laxitative)
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