Yesterday I had my second plan verification session, and spent about an hour flat on my back under this tremendous machine - had a lot of time to study its characteristics, like degree markings, vga input port (no usb port ) etc. And it was cold in that room! I got to keep my sweat pants on, but had to bare my right breast and most of my chest for the duration. Gotta tell you, I have never been so greatful - for a hot flash! I was warm for a few minutes, anyway. I came away with more tatoos, more magic marker marks, and an instruction not to scrub that breast for the next two months. OK. I can live with that. I went right home and ordered the expensive lotion, with assurance that it would arrive today.
Today - again with the table, flat on my back, arm in the air. The technician took xrays before the treatment, and said there would be another xray tomorrow before treatment. Then after that, just the treatment. My right arm thanks you for small favors, like minimized time in the air!
The actual treatment was anti-climactic, as I expected it to be. No burst of light, as from a ray gun. Just the gentle whiring of the machine - the same one that was used to take the xrays.
My routine has been established now. At 9:20 am I show up at the cancer center and go into the dressing room, there to remove my upper garments and put on a gown. I can then sit down in the treatment waiting room, which is separate from the main waiting room. I can watch the blurry TV or read my book, till someone checks the closed circuit camera, notices that I am there, and calls my name to enter the treatment room. There, I lay down, bare my breast, raise my arm and wait. Then, up I get, re-dress, and head home. About a half-hour total. Not bad. And at the end, will I get a certificate of completion? Stay tuned - I don't know yet.
