I got a tattoo this morning. Well actually two of them. They are just little dots. Nothing special. Supposedly they look like a freckle, but THERE ARE SO MANY SHARPIE MARKS ON ME, I can’t really see them very well yet. Sigh.
This morning, I had my measurement appointment for radiation.
I started off in the gown changing room, where I put on a very stylish hospital gown and locked my clothes and purse up in a locker.
Then I was taken into a room and the technicians explained what they were going to do today.
They started off by lining me up (centering my body) on the table of the CT machine. It’s not the most comfortable table, but at least it’s long enough so my feet didn’t hang off. 🙂
They did a CT scan with me just breathing regularly.
The Radiation Oncologist looked at the scan and then made marks with a sharpie all over my chest and sternum and under my arm. I now have my own personal sharpie, labeled with my name, that will stay at the Dr. and be used each treatment as needed.
Then they explained the Active Breathing Control (ABC) Device that I will be using when they are treating one of the targeted areas. I believe this is to move my chest wall up as far away from the organs underneath and also to keep me still. It looks a little like a snorkel, but as you breathe in, just before you get to a really big breath, a little balloon inflates inside, not allowing you to breathe in or out any more.
At first I thought the whole “stopping you from breathing thing” would freak me out, but it’s not a big deal at all. As soon as I can’t breathe in any more, I hold still by trying to breathe out (which it won’t allow me to do) and then after about 10 seconds, it allows me to breath out. The only part that stinks is the very uncomfortable nose plug they put on your nose so you don’t accidentally breathe in our out of your nose instead of your mouth.
Next they did another scan with me using the ABC device.
When they were done, one of the technicians gave me two little tattoos that they will use to make sure to hit the same area each time.
I made my next appointment for my “practice” radiation treatment for June 14th and radiation will officially start on June 20th. At my next appointment, we’ll set up the daily appointments.
The Dr. and the technicians all talked about sun exposure over the summer and how I will need to keep that area covered. I’m ready with my pop-up sun shade from Costco and I guess I’ll be wearing a t-shirt over my bathing suit when I’m not in the shade. This all should make for an interesting summer…
I check in for surgery on Friday at 9 am to have my ovaries removed. Tom is off that day and the weekend and will be working for home for the early part of next week as I start to recover. I had no reaction to the Vicodin I took on Sunday, so that’s the plan for the pain.
As you pray for our family, will you please pray for surgery on Friday, and as quick of a recovery as possible as there is a lot going on because of the end of the school year. Also, that I will be able to make it to the girl’s first piano recital on Sunday afternoon. Thanks friends!
Hi Sweet Lady,
As I read your blog, I always smile at your sense of humor, I read your faith in action, I read your determination and love of family and how you put them first. Through this journey, you have been an amazing witness to believing in the power of prayer, the strength received through love of family and friends and keeping your hand in the hand of the ultimate physician, He who has an awesome future planned for you. I have your “dates” on my calendar and will be with you in spirit (though I will be out of town!). Hugs and prayers! HE IS YOUR ROCK!
Thanks Marcia! Hope to see you soon!
Thanks for sharing so we know how to pray for you and your family. You are a trooper in God’s army as you keep your chin up and press on to his glory.
Thanks Tammy. 🙂
Oh yes, now we are tattoo sistas too 🙂 All playing aside…thanks for the comprehensive understanding of what you’ll be going through each time. Did they tell you how long each session will take? You are having more done than I did and I did not get to try out the contraption to help me breath differently than normal. I’m glad you are getting such thorough care at this point…remember your cream, even if it’s not burning right away, it will help (but check if you can use it/when).
♥ praying and especially/also for Friday…thanking the Lord that He knew ALL of this would come upon you and will walk through all the remaining steps with you ♥ Debbie
I don’t know how long each session will be yet. I should find out at the next appointment. Thanks for the suggestion about the cream (and for the cream). Hugs to you my friend!
We will be with you in prayer as well as Tom and the girls! God bless and keep you and give you His perfect peace.
Praying for you, Jennifer.
Thank you Kari!
Thanks Lisa. 🙂
I enjoy reading these! I love the humor you bring as you go through all of this. I think about you and your journey. You are in my prayers sweet lady❤️
Thanks Sara. 🙂
I’m so sorry you have to go through this – it’s just a pain in the “you know where.” I’ve gone through radiation with a friend and it sounds like you are handling it like a trooper – just like she did. I’m thinking of you. God is good – all the time.
Thanks June. So nice to hear from you! 🙂
I’m continuing to pray for you and your family. Radiation is so much easier than chemo but about halfway through treatment you will probably notice you’re a little more tired than normal. Be careful not to wear any creams or lotions when you go to radiation. If you do, it can cause your skin to be burned during treatment. I’m sure the doc will talk to you about all of this. If your skin gets damaged, like mine did after about the 15th treatment, they’ll order you prescription skin cream and may stop treatments for 2 or 3 sessions resuming after your skin looks better. The little tattoos will be with you forever! I have 6 tiny little blue dots. I told my grandchildren they were special marks to help the doctors know where to aim the radiation beams so they would kill the bad guys! You’re going to do great and I know your doctors will be taking extra good care of you. That’s one thing I can say without hesitation, cancer patients get the very best personalized care 🙂 Love and prayers in the days ahead… Bonnie
We do get great care, don’t we? 🙂 Thank you for all the tips! I appreciate it!!
I’m assuming your oophorectomy will be done laprascopically?
Will be praying for you!
(I echo all the kudos already written, for being so transparent in sharing your journey.)
Oooooh, you know the fancy Oophorectomy word that I can’t ever remember!! Yes it will be done laprascopically. I will go home the same day.
So much going on for you guys. Continuing to think of you and pray for you all – especially you, Jennifer.
Thanks Shannon. 🙂
Hugs my friend – as always you are in my prayers on a daily basis. Thank you for the update. Xoxo
Yep! Enjoy the rest of the school year!!! Summer is almost here!
That good attitude and humor is what gets you through keep it up. Are you having radiation at valley? My radiation oncologist was dr Douglas. The team is wonderful there. Where my radiation had to hit I had diarrhea for five weeks and they were so understanding sometimes they had to move times around because I would have it on the way and have to go back home and shower and change. And they were great. We love you we pray for fast healing and that radiation won’t be too uncomfortable. Keep that positive attitude going.
Yes, it’s at Valley. I have Dr. Travaglini, but I met Dr. Douglas on Wed. as Dr. Travaglini was out of the office. Both are very nice. 🙂
We will definitely be praying for you, Jennifer. God is using you & teaching us how to depend on Him completely throughout our most difficult days & weeks. We are encouraged & blessed by your blog & it really helps us know how to pray for you & your family.
Thank you Lisa. Praying for all of you as well!
Always praying, sweet friend.
Thank you dear! Hope to run into you around town soon! 🙂