Deb's Latest Update - 8/22/2009

Not much new has happened in the last couple of weeks. I did find out that my CT/PET scans on Monday revealed that the tumor we are getting ready to radiate has grown a little, but nothing substantial. The other tumors are unchanged, still assumed dead. So, very good news really!

I go in Wednesday for my first dose of SBRT (Stereotactic) radiation. I've done my setup and am all ready. The procedure itself takes only minutes, but it takes them awhile to get you all lined up on the table. So, they said to plan for an hour each time. I will go for 5 visits every other day. So, Wed, Friday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday of the following week. Supposedly you walk in and out without noticing a difference. I hope it is that easy!

The setup is pretty interesting. I promise to post a picture as soon as I remember to take my camera. I am basically cryovaced (like the foodsaver) into a plastic bag. I was permanently tattooed on my stomach/chest with 7 little dots.

After I am sucked into the bag (which my head is out of thank goodness), they lay magnetic balls on the tattooed spots. This is what they use to line me up in the machine. The purpose of being shrunk in the bag is to keep you immobile. Seems to work pretty good.

Then, after I am in the same position as what I was initially setup as, they will hit the button. The lady says they usually zap you between 4 and 10 times each session.

The physicist has studied my breathing patterns and developed his radiation plan. So, hopefully all will go well and they'll zap only the tumor and I won't notice a thing!! I guess they actually watch it disappear as they are doing it!! Should be interesting!!

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers for the next couple of weeks if you don't mind!

After I am done with the radiation I am back on my meds I assume. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that a miracle happens and Dr. Fabian says that isn't necessary. But, I'm definitely not holding my breath!!