My new road: radiation? (Page 2 of 3)

Dr. K invented (or more specifically, improved it) and she doesn't give up control over it. She will allow ONCs and their nurses to be trained in how to administer saline and steroids, but will not allow anyone else to use chemo or glycerol in it. That's her dept.'s job. Saline means 2 week regimens. Glycerol is long'term so I wouldn't have to go for about 6 or so weeks. I want to get up there starting all this radiation so I can quit worrying about the pump... but it's hard to make a quick appt. with her.
I've been to Princeton the last couple of times, and will go again in a week. But I have to keep going every 2 weeks when I go there. And with no treatment, I think it's a waste....

Actually the pump is not new. Fox Chase quit using pumps a few years ago.
I went in this morning expecting a CT scan, MRI, mapping, tattoing, and a simulation. Dr. Meyer said about 3+-4 hours....
I was in for my CT scan by 9, NO MRI (he didn't need it), mapping, tattoing and simulation. I was out of there by 10. Something that actually worked!! WOO-HOO!!! And the tattoos are smaller than my freckles. Just little tiny dots. Felt like tiny pinpricks.
They told me my breathing was really shallow. I said that was because I was on drugs for the MRI. And I always breathe shallowly when I lay on my back... I think that's why they didn't need the MRI. Because the nodes didn't move much since my abdomen doesn't move much when I'm relaxed....
Just gotta remember to take Xanax before every treatment!!
And Lainy: I had a good day yesterday. Went out with a friend to one of her friend's houses. It was a fun veggie picnic. I had my first veggie burger. Not impressed. But I don't like hamburgers either, so... Hung out by the pool and chatted.
I hope you got some rain!

I start radiation at 2pm this afternoon. Stereotactic 3d imaging. Dr. Fong and Dr. Meyer (radiologist) talked last week after I got my tats, etc. I guess I find out today what they discussed. I still don't know if I am getting radiation to both tumor and lymph node(s) or just lymph node(s). I guess it doesn't really matter, either.... side effects will most likely be the same. Dr. Meyer said he had no concerns about the tumor. It's the lymph nodes between all those organs that are much more dangerous... intestine, duodenum, pancreas, and the "good" bile ducts.... I sure hope they have a steady hand!!!
Needless to say, I'm quite nervous about today... I think it's gonna be an extra Xanax day.

Scratch that last post. I'm leaving it up anyway... Fox Chase just called and they want more time to evaluate my situation. They've had a week!!! So they cancelled my radiation! I can't believe it. I'm so upset about ANOTHER delay in my treatment. I've lost count... chemos delayed, surgery delayed, etc., etc.
I want to get to the top of one of these damned ladders and stay there for a while. I'm tired of the chutes getting in the way. I can't use the rollercoaster theme because at least there you can see the uphill in front of you.

The doctor will be calling me this afternoon. I hope he has a good reason. I might start tomorrow: I might not. I LOVE these guessing games. I GUESS he will tell me today. UGH!! is not strong enough but I already swore once on here...

Aw, Kris. Anxiously awaiting some better news here in Phoenix! If wishes would come true I am wishing for them to get on with the show!

Why the nerve of these "calculating" people! But, all's well that ends well. I am elated and sending much good luck to you, Bionic woman! I knew you had a personality that radiated! Hey, now you can be your own night light!

Good luck today Kris.  Prayers of healing and grace coming your way as you start down this new trail.

Thanks everyone. I was scheduled for 3pm. At a little before 2 they called and said to come at 4pm. Of course, I had already taken my Xanax... Got there at 4pm. At 5pm they finally took me back. I informed them my Xanax was now 3 hours into my system and I sure hoped it was still gonna work... After an hour I was done. Testing, scanning, testing, checking and then finally radiation.
I feel pretty good except that I was getting a headache from the folded up sheet under my head... an hour of not moving. Hard to do for a fidgit like me.
Thanks for everyone's support. It was a tough couple of days. I'm emotionally exhausted. Thankfully I feel fine.

Hi Kris,

So glad to hear that you mananged to get the radiation done and my fingers, toes and everything else are crossed for the best possible results! I'd be like you I guess with the fidgetting and not being able to do that! No wonder you are exhausted, so get some rest, recharge and look forward to getting back on the scooter!

Hugs,

Gavin

Hang in there, Kris, only 3 left!!!

Marion: It isn't throat discomfort. It's that feeling you want to be sick in the back of your throat, but not enough to actually vomit.
I would definitely tell them if I thought it was something wrong. I brought my anti nausea meds with me tonight but didn't take them.
I've been having an occasional sharp pain where I know the tumor is, so today I envisioned the troll munching away so fast he couldn't keep up. I figured if I was having pain, that means scar tissue, right???? So he was busy eating this afternoon. And he was shoveling the tumor down his throat!!! Now I gotta get hom to work on the lymph nodes.