IX. Two sessions of radiotherapy to go
Dear All
I have now completed 13 sessions of radiotherapy and with 2 to go - tomorrow and Tuesday, it does feel like the treatment journey is drawing to an end. However, I was reminded at my mid radiotherapy review meeting with the registrar last week that my walk with cancer has still got some way to go; more of that later.
I can not praise enough how truly amazing the St Luke's radiographers are. Polite, professional, efficient, humorous, dedicated are the characteristics of each team that have had to haul me around to position and align me whilst making sure I'm OK. I guess the first session was the most memorable due to the fear of the unknown but as the two kind Irish radiographers (with self proclaimed slightly cold hands) moved me in position, I quickly learned that all was going to be OK. I even had a bit of a laugh with the radiographer from New Zealand (I dare not bring up the pending Rugby World Cup up with this chap, probably best not to upset a man in charge of administering radiation to your abdomen) who is always cheerful. I am very grateful that the radiographers allowed the above pictures to be taken. These are "pre-degowning" I'm not quite ready to show my bare stomach on the internet. The picture on the right shows one of the green laser lights from the wall which are used to get me in the exact position.
With regards to the radiotherapy side effects, what I've experienced so far can be described as mild with respect to nausea and moderate on the tiredness front. Apart from the increased amount of siestas and power naps I'm craving, my general sleeps are also much earlier and deeper than my usual routine. I have also been craving 'hangover food' and sure I have been responsible for increasing Ronald McDonalds share price. Due to the accumulation of the therapy, I've heard these effects will last for a few more weeks or so.
With only 2 sessions left to go, I have reflected on a question from a friend, "will it be strange not having radiotherapy every day?" and although the answer for this is pretty obvious, I will miss the time out each day which a session allows and time I've spent with the Lord - I'm able to get a good Lord's prayer in during the 50 seconds or so that each zap takes!
The meeting with the registrar was very positive and my long term follow up was discussed, I will put this onto my next blog . . .
Thank you again for all the super notes of support I've received.
Best wishes
Stuart
