Radiation and So On

My fifth radiation treatment was today. It's an unremarkable process from my perspective, although I know the technology that goes into it is way beyond my comprehension. It's so quiet and fast, it's hard to believe how much is actually happening.

I now have three tattoos so that I can be lined up in exactly the same position every day. The tattooed dots are aligned along laser lines to make sure the radiation is precise. I receive radiation in three places: my skin, chest wall, and axilla (under my arm where the lymph nodes used to be). I lie on a table with a huge machine, like a hunching, one-eyed critter, directly over me. It swivels around the table so the radiation can be delivered perfectly. I receive 5 doses of radiation, totaling about 52 seconds. On most days, I am in and out of the office in less than 20 minutes. Two elderly nuns, Sister Marie and Sister Owen (they really are sisters), keep the patients company in the waiting room, and they are a pleasure. They are upbeat, cheerful, and genuine. One is gentle and quiet, the other is loud and sassy. They have really made a name for themselves because I've heard about these two ladies for months now. They make that waiting room a comical, pleasant place. I think many of the radiation patients make their appointments for the mornings, just so they can be in the waiting room while Sister Marie and Sister Owen are there. They move on to other responsibilities at noon.

Yesterday was the interview with 9News. Kim Christiansen interviewed me, and she was so comfortable to talk too. She immediately put me at ease and made the whole interview seem like a simple conversation. I think it went well. Gilead even gave a few gassy smiles at just the right moments. 25 people were interviewed in preparation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) and Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure. The interviews will be aired during September and October. I will be sent a link to 9News.com so I can share them with folks who aren't part of 9News's market. I don't know if I can figure out how to post it though.

Just kidding.