First Radiotherapy Treatment

Went for the first radio today accompanied by CH. Met her at the Mr Bean outlet at 9.15am and we walked up to NCC together.

This treatment is at the Crystal Suite at basement 2 of NCC. It's done up rather poshly with carpet, larger changing rooms and flat panel TV. There weren't many sofas in the waiting area though and CH and I ended sitting at the far end and couldn't hear the staff calling me when it was my turn.

It started with an interview and the radiologist (I'm not sure what his role is, I'll just call him this) ushered us into a small room where he explained the proceedings. Asked me preference for treatment schedule and checked if I understood the side-effects. Patient guy who wanted to be sure I knew what I was going for. Actually, I'm not 100% sure but if it's something I have to do, I proceed. Do you know everything about a car before you drive? I trust God will heal me.

I changed into a kimono and waited till I was called and went through the doors marked with the radiation warning. The corridor reminded me of some spy movie that doubles back like a U so that you can't see the interior when the door opens. There was a single green sofa where I was to wait.

When I was called again, a team of 4 prepared me on the contraption. I still don't know what it's called, linear accelerator? I had to lie still for 20mins 'cos this is the first round. Subsequent ones would be shorter and the Tuesday or Wednesday ones 2mins extra 'cos of xrays.

Each time after they cleared the room to start the radiation, there were many different types of sounds - whirring, clicks and a boom followed by a siren. I was a bit alarmed at first but closed my eyes. The decorative panels above me of marine life no longer interested me.

It ended before I realised and they said I could go. After changing back, I checked the time. 10.20am. No side effects. Just a bit of tiredness but this could be due to my late night on Sunday night and not being able to sleep properly recently.

I SMSed both SF and KH to let them know that my treatment started. Interestingly, SF said to hold on the moisturizer and KH said to proceed. Hmmmm. KH's starting her treatment this Friday while SF finished hers last month.

Next 2 appointments will be in the afternoon.

Dear God, please let the beams just kill of those cells that need to be gone from me. Let those good ones get out of harm's way and be safe. Let the cell regeneration take place quickly so that I'll have healthy cells again. Thank you as I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.