Radiation is the third of three legs of this FBC treatment stool. I am hopeful that that when it’s complete, this stool will be a strong and solid foundation that will last for generations to come.
Today was the first of 25 treatments. Yes, I started today. I know that yesterday I said that today was supposed to be a “dry run”. That’s what I was told…until I arrived.
After taking more x-rays, my Radiation Oncologist came in and said that everything looked perfect and that no adjustments were needed; therefore, we could accelerate the process by starting today. This was actually a Silver Lining (the first of many today) because it means that I have one treatment DONE.
Below is an image of the radiation machine. My body goes on the black part. Laying face up. See the blue appendages? That’s where my arms go. All tangled up (or so it feels).
Below is a photo of what I see laying on the black table with my arms (in knots) above my head. All of those little dots that look like kids stickers are exactly that: kids stickers. So wonderfully whimsical and perfect balanced with the seriousness of the situation.
I asked permission to bring a specially selected sticker from Finally Five’s collection to add to the group. What a Silver Lining to have a little sticker from her for me to look at every day.
After my first dose of radiation, I was given “Lotion Soft Skin Conditioner” to put on my radiated lady lump region twice a day. I was told that 3 hours prior to treatment, I should not put on any lotion and (while receiving radiation) I should not use any scented soap to clean the region. Lots to remember. And I’m not so good at remembering things these days, as YOU may remember. This is the reason that I write EVERYTHING down!
I’ve had several other Silver Linings today, most of a technical nature. For example, the HOTY (neither of us known for our technical or gadget prowess) and I figured out how to use Face Time on our iPhones today. Don’t laugh. I now know how easy it is. But I didn’t know how easy it was until today. Which is why I’m feelin’ awfully proud about getting it to work. Anyway, as I was saying, it is a Silver Lining of my day because I was able to visually talk with the HOTY, Finally Five and even our dog Buzz, which made me feel closer despite being several hundred miles away from them.
The second technical Silver Lining came in the form of my interaction with the cable guy. I know that Silver Lining and cable guy are rarely, if ever in a million years, used in the same sentence. However, today was the day.
Victor called 30 minutes ahead of his scheduled 2-hour window and asked if he could come early (Silver Lining). Yes, I said early. You did NOT misread that. Not only did he come, but he was nice, efficient and got my television and wireless up and running in my temporary housing. Here’s something even more staggering about the cable guy : he even showed me how to use the remote (with 10,000 channel options)! This is staggering because I still think that channels should be changed by hand. I have never had a positive interaction with a remote control device. Until today. Silver Lining.
Though I am missing my family, I have had a great start to the last leg of my treatment. I am hopeful that things will continue to go as smoothly, but I know that if they don’t, I’m in exceptional hands. The biggest Silver Lining of all!
The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.
~C.C. Scott
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