Well...I have given up on the tattoos. They just replaced my very torn and tattered sticker. The reaction from the stickers can't be any worse than the effects of radiation. Today marked the end of 5 successful radiation treatments and they started off today with some more scans and x-rays. Not sure why, the communicative bunch didn't offer, and I didn't ask. They were kind enough to move my appointment time around to allow me to keep my dental appointment, I didn't want to bombard them with questions. I just wasn't in the mood.

They also "changed things up a bit" (their words). After the scans I had my 6th treatment. Instead of the usual 2 beams that are delivered, there were 6 or 7 all about a minute each. They are trying to bake me :-) and they are succeeding. The treatment area is sore and tender but still nothing I can't handle but I can see the progression and it doesn't excite me. Sooner, rather than later, I can see the area unbearable. Hey, I may surprise myself! Only time will tell and there is no getting off this ride so I will ride it out.

Tomorrow is another day :-)
I hope it's a good one for all!

Back At It

Well I got back on the saddle today. Treatment number 5 was uneventful and I saw the nurse. They still did not do the tattoos, and I mentioned to them that the stickers were hanging on by a thread. I was surprised that I even had to mention it to them because they were staring right at them when they did my treatment. They weren't concerned but I am! It is barely hanging on. I pray that they address it tomorrow because it is causing quite a bit of stress.

The nurse wanted to see me and examine the area to make sure that it hasn't blistered yet. I am surprised the reaction hasn't been as gradual as I thought it would be. I have a nice little sunburn and it is uncomfortable. It isn't unbearable but certain movements are more bothersome than others. I compensate and adjust. Nothing I can't handle.

Saturday was a horrible day. I felt lousy throughout the whole day. Sunday was a great day. I felt really well but that changed of course today. I will get used to the roller coaster and roll with the punches.

My friends and family have been wonderful. I am glad many of you are making use of the blog. I will try to keep it current. I rely on your support and prayers and FEEL that we will get through this. My dear friend Vicky went out and bought me comfy, pretty dress to help with my "tan". Thank you for lifting me up! You all do with your own person touch.

That's all for tonight. I'll keep you posted on my "tats".
Stacey

No Tattoos

No tattoos today. Machines were up and running. I woke up feeling much better. I hope it continues throughout the day. I have 2 days off and then I go back for 5 more treatments next week. I got the impression I will see the doctor every Monday. I am supposed to see him every week and since I didn't see him this week, it has to be Monday....I think :-)

Machine Down

I received the call today that the machine was not working. I will add a treatment to the end of my list and hope tomorrow it will be fixed. I am also supposed to get my tattoos tomorrow. I hope it happens (I think) because the stickers are driving me CRAZY and I don't know how much longer they will stay put. All of the edges are pulling up.

I am not sure why it has happened so soon but I feel terrible. I am nauseous, have a headache and I am exhausted. Food isn't all that appealing either but I know I have to eat so Scott is standing over me and making me do it. Radiation or virus?

This is what the machine used for my treatment looks like. Instead, I am lying face down and I am unable to witness this bad boy in action :-) Which is probably a good thing. Close your eyes and before ya know it, it's over!

Two Down!!

Today went much smoother. I was called in a little before 9 and I was in the elevator at 9:05 heading for my car. Quick and easy! It is getting easier to walk through the door into that room. I figure by the end of the week, I will be used to the routine. Thirty-five more to go!

1 down 36 to go!

Well, it finally happened!! I received my first of 37 treatments today. It went very much like my trial run on Friday. The doctor didn't put all of the fields into the computer though, so I had to wait for the physicist to come down and enter them into the computer. It wouldn't have been that bad if I hadn't already been positioned, so I couldn't move for 30 minutes and if I wasn't scared out of my mind! It was an emotionally exhausting day but I got through it!