Radiation now on the horizon

Hi Friends,

Today we attended a radiation information session at PMH. There were 4 patients plus support people, and the instructor addressed the various types of radiation for different parts of the body, different types of cancers, etc. Unlike some of the other classes, this one didn't give too much scary detail. In fact, it was interesting to learn about how radiation has changed over the last few years. For instance, someone undergoing my treatment a few years ago would have been fitted with a body mold that would have been attached to the table. That way they could radiate the exposed area and protect the rest of the body. Now the beams are so specific, they line up the beams with the tattoos and radiate. The machine moves around you so they can radiate at all angles, and I'll learn more next Monday (my first day of radiation) how many beams I'll have directed at me over the 15 minutes. I'll first meet with my radiation oncologist that afternoon in clinic, then go in for the procedure. (I'll have lots of company: 457 people are radiated at PMH every day. Incredible.)
That means I'll be finished all my treatment on the 18th of March, just before the official beginning of spring. Very fitting.
Much love,
Kip