Wednesday, August 20, 2008
1st rad date set -
August 26th, 2008 @ 14:20. Unfortunately with the required 33 sessions, my treatment will take me right up to October 10th - the day I leave to attend my brother's wedding in Los Angeles. I will be soooooo bummed if I can't go. The documents about radiation mention not to travel 2 to 3 weeks after treatment. Well, all I have to say to the doc is that if my radiation was scheduled closer to the time mentioned and not almost 4 weeks later - traveling wouldn't be an issue. Hopefully, it will not be an issue and I won't have to bring out the scary ugly side of Courtney. I need more support to get healthier fast so I don't miss the wedding so keep it coming people - it's working because I feel a whole lot better.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Still waiting -
- for a call from the radiation department for my radiation to begin (insert theme music from Jeopardy - I could figure out how to insert the actual music but copyright infringement will probably be an issue).
During my 'simulation' to radiation a power outage happened. Luckily we were only watching the outdated video and not in the middle of scanning or tattooing. The video was a cartoon animation and was created in the 70s, so we really didn't miss much. The nurses figured out that we could skip the rest of the video because we were probably already (up-to-date) informed of the procedures. The nurses were right. Grant and I waited about an hour and a half before the power came back on and after the big impressive machines were back up and ready, we could continue with the rest of radiation prep.
I didn't need a 'cast' to anchor my position in the radiation zapper. I did have to lay on a special 'blowie uppie pillow' in a perfectly still manner, with my arms above my head, trying really hard not to giggle for about 45 minutes. Yes, giggle - I couldn't help it and all females will love this! I was laughing because I only have one breast that smacks the table at my side when I lay on my back. Even the only male nurse in the room couldn't hold back a laugh when I was explaining my(giggling)self. During the forty minutes, I was moved, rotated, magic markered, stickered, lazered, inserted in and out of a really big sci-fi machine (a CAT scan machine), and ending with having three blue molelike-looking tattoos. Just so you know - that if by unfortunate chance one experiencing the surgeon saying, 'you will not have the sensitivity in your breast that you used to have after surgery' - call BULLSHIT. In my case, of course I don't have nipple sensation because I have no nipple - DUH! but decrease in breast sensitivity - I call BULLSHIT. However at the side, under my arm, I didn't feel it at all. Does this surprise me? - I have never surrendered to normality. Single needle (like a homemade) tattoo is really smart, brings wet to the eye. How do you people with tattoos do it? I was, am, planning to have a tattoo at 45 (for many reasons) but I am questioning my ability to handle it (the pain factor). Any advise? from all the tattoo owners.
Now for the bad news, I will be visiting the cancer clinic for 33 sessions so it looks like I will be crossing back and forth over the Pattullo Bridge for almost seven straight weeks ending at the end of September or early October (depending on the start time). Now that is scary! especially since TansLink is proposing not to repave/repair the bridge until 2009. People drive it everyday back and forth - so I guess I can do this too. Did you all catch that faint hint of Courtney sarcasm?
I am still waiting for my radiation schedule and will hopefully find out by this week's end. Until then - always winkin' at ya! ;o)
During my 'simulation' to radiation a power outage happened. Luckily we were only watching the outdated video and not in the middle of scanning or tattooing. The video was a cartoon animation and was created in the 70s, so we really didn't miss much. The nurses figured out that we could skip the rest of the video because we were probably already (up-to-date) informed of the procedures. The nurses were right. Grant and I waited about an hour and a half before the power came back on and after the big impressive machines were back up and ready, we could continue with the rest of radiation prep.
I didn't need a 'cast' to anchor my position in the radiation zapper. I did have to lay on a special 'blowie uppie pillow' in a perfectly still manner, with my arms above my head, trying really hard not to giggle for about 45 minutes. Yes, giggle - I couldn't help it and all females will love this! I was laughing because I only have one breast that smacks the table at my side when I lay on my back. Even the only male nurse in the room couldn't hold back a laugh when I was explaining my(giggling)self. During the forty minutes, I was moved, rotated, magic markered, stickered, lazered, inserted in and out of a really big sci-fi machine (a CAT scan machine), and ending with having three blue molelike-looking tattoos. Just so you know - that if by unfortunate chance one experiencing the surgeon saying, 'you will not have the sensitivity in your breast that you used to have after surgery' - call BULLSHIT. In my case, of course I don't have nipple sensation because I have no nipple - DUH! but decrease in breast sensitivity - I call BULLSHIT. However at the side, under my arm, I didn't feel it at all. Does this surprise me? - I have never surrendered to normality. Single needle (like a homemade) tattoo is really smart, brings wet to the eye. How do you people with tattoos do it? I was, am, planning to have a tattoo at 45 (for many reasons) but I am questioning my ability to handle it (the pain factor). Any advise? from all the tattoo owners.
Now for the bad news, I will be visiting the cancer clinic for 33 sessions so it looks like I will be crossing back and forth over the Pattullo Bridge for almost seven straight weeks ending at the end of September or early October (depending on the start time). Now that is scary! especially since TansLink is proposing not to repave/repair the bridge until 2009. People drive it everyday back and forth - so I guess I can do this too. Did you all catch that faint hint of Courtney sarcasm?
I am still waiting for my radiation schedule and will hopefully find out by this week's end. Until then - always winkin' at ya! ;o)
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