Wednesday, I got to take Mom to radiation therapy. Bonnie had previously asked the nurses if I could take pictures - which they were fine with, so that was the plan. I followed Mom and a nurse to the room. She laid down on a hospital bed which moves up and down. They placed the mask - a hard, blue plastic thing which covers the entire front of her head - on her and used that to lock her to the bed. This way she can't move, talk or even blink. They raise her up and line up a small X on her temples with laser beams used for placement accuracy. They are just like the laser levels people use to line up picture frames or the like. This set-up process takes just a few minutes. Bonnie also has to hold a small ring shaped pillow to help keep her still.
After she was all set up, the nurses moved the the adjoining room and I went back to the waiting room. Mom is by herself in the radiation room for about 15 minutes while the shoot her brain with laser beams! She actually doesn't mind the process much, even though the machine is fairly loud, she likes the solitude and finds it relaxing. Her only complaint is the mask is very tight; it leaves the weave pattern of the plastic on her face. And some of her medicine is making parts of her swell, so the nurses warned her it may get tighter!
Overall, the trip is relatively quick and simple. Mom has the entire trip down, so if anyone would like the option of taking a trip to radiology, it's not a terrible way to spend the afternoon. :)
After she was all set up, the nurses moved the the adjoining room and I went back to the waiting room. Mom is by herself in the radiation room for about 15 minutes while the shoot her brain with laser beams! She actually doesn't mind the process much, even though the machine is fairly loud, she likes the solitude and finds it relaxing. Her only complaint is the mask is very tight; it leaves the weave pattern of the plastic on her face. And some of her medicine is making parts of her swell, so the nurses warned her it may get tighter!
Overall, the trip is relatively quick and simple. Mom has the entire trip down, so if anyone would like the option of taking a trip to radiology, it's not a terrible way to spend the afternoon. :)
Sounds like you're making the best of your radiation "therapy", Bonnie. Sort of taking the Zen approach to it. I'm glad that chemo and radiation haven't hit you too hard. Keep up the good work! And, hey, maybe you could use your mask for Halloween! Take care, Gwen
ReplyDeleteWhat a great report, with a photo bonus, for those of us who haven't a clue. We admire you greatly for your "making the best of it" attitude. Best Witches for a Happy Halloween.
ReplyDeleteAh, Bonnie, what adventures you are having! You do look very peaceful!
ReplyDeleteLiz
Great photo Bonnie! Thanks Jenya for keeping us updated. Keep healing Bonnie. You're being thought about daily.
ReplyDeleteWow, I think that is pretty amazing that you even got to take pictures. Mom had a mold like that for her check while to her radiation, amazing what they can do. Hang in there Bonnie. We miss you. Love al and Anne
ReplyDeletethat should have said mold for her chest...what was I thinking. Sorry.
ReplyDeletenice picture. being still is very important.good job on being relaxed too.that makes it all the better. sat. was not a good day for me. had really bad pain around my lower abds and pelvis and back.monday i already had doc appt for my gut and was not doing well that morning too, so off they sent me for a ct scan. yum two boddles of blueberry contrast. i ask for ice and vodka. they just laughed at me and so did the other people in waiting room.then also got contrast with iv.and blood takin, now i felt liked a pin cusion and getting that warm gonna pee my pants feeling.well the good news it didn't show anything, so off to my regular doc and i may have old timers desease i think. i heard pete took you ltd's.misha said he has been working long and hard hours. so being busy is a good thing.see you soon. love ya!
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