This is the radiation room at MD Anderson. I lie on a table with my shirt off and my face in a stabilization mask while the radiation machine zaps my chest and neck. This only takes about 20 minutes total. Most of that time is getting my body in the exact position so the radiation beams can zap the right tissue.
I have most of my treatments in the mornings Tuesday through Fridays. On Mondays, I have the treatment in the afternoon, as I drive from Fort Worth on Monday mornings. The radiation areas on my body are getting very red and itchy at this point. During the second week my throat became sore which made it difficult to swallow. I have been given some medication to relieve some of the pain and swollen areas of my throat. I had a doctor's appt on Thursday where she said after the radiation, I will need to have check-ups every 3 months. They watch for recurrence in the first two years. If I get beyond 3 years with no recurrence, then there is a very high chance of it never returning.
The weeks have gone by pretty fast. I have had a great opportunity to connect with some of my long-time friends in Houston. I am also able to work some at the SAP Houston offices.
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