- 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 Luckily we were only watching the outdated video and not in the middle of scanning or tattooing.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)
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1 comment:
I'm so glad you explained "cast" and "tattoo". Stuff most of us don't know about; certainly getting my education right here!
Just You Go Girl for those age-45 tattoos! (My first was my 40th prezzie to Self.) Ya, it smarts, only for the first few minutes, but then The Body Magic kicks in and sensitivity decreases a lot. I guess with the hundreds of multiple-needle attacks, the feeling in the skin just has to say, "Hey, I'm outta here for a while, catcha later." That's my theory, anyway.
Also, it depends on Where you get them. My shoulder tatt took 90 minutes, with the first 15 being "I need a scotch badly" (which of course I wasn't allowed to have; that's just not macho!) and for the rest of the time it was ho-hum-easy-pie. My wrist tatt didn't feel much worse than a mosquito bite. My ankle tatt, well, when they got to right over the ankle bone I nearly told them to quit. Oweeee! No flesh there, just skin and bone, not a great place for a tattoo!
I love reading your blog, Court. You sound pretty chipper these days. Glad to see it!
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