Assessment

Yesterday I went for my assessment.  I had to wait all day as my appointment was not until late afternoon.  That put a lot of pressure on me especially as I have had an upset stomach for the last few days (mainly nausea and loss of appetite).  However, I am happy to report that I made the journey quite well.

Obviously I had to go to Radiology and Oncology which is in a completely different building and, as usual, Mike had the hassle of finding a parking space.  There is just not enough room for all the cars that are there on a daily basis and sometimes you have to drive around and around until a space becomes vacant.

The waiting room was very pleasant, not one huge open room like the Breast Clinic. The waiting rooms here are small, about four chairs, a couple of changing cubicles, nice pictures on the walls.  We sat chatting to a very nice elderly couple.  He was having radiotherapy on his jaw.  He has Parkinson's Disease and they felt that radiotherpy might be able to stop the constant dribbling he has to endure.  Let us hope they are successful.

Then I was called.  Nobody could come with me this time.  On first entering the room and seeing all the machinery I must admit my stomach turned over.  Then I was put at ease by a very lovely man, one of the radiographers. A couple of silent tears ran down my face at the prospect of having to go through it all and it was yet another reminder that I am a cancer patient.  He put his arms around me, told me that his name was Elijah and that God was with me.  He also told me I was among friends, friends who were helping me to recover completely and not to be afraid.  He said I could ask him anything, tell him anything and never be scared to admit that I was scared.  That did a lot to put me at my ease. I then had to answer some questions which he ticked off on a form, one of which was would I mind if occasionally, students were in the room.  I readily gave my consent.  They have to have their training and having gone through whatI have already, I have no qualms about anyone seeing my naked breast (do not expect a picture here).  So, if I can help students, all the better.

Then it was onto the table.  Now this was not easy for me.  I never lay on my back due to the arthritis in my neck.  I do get pain if pressure is put on my neck.  So it took them sometime to adjust the headrest to get the best possible position for me but even then it was very uncomfortable because there was no soft padding, just a hard metal rest.  Also having my arm fixed into the air.  At first that was o.k. but after a time it started to "pull" on the operation scar, so once again adjustments were made to try and make it easier for me.

They took lots of measurements, drawing crosses and marks on my chest and breast (thankfully most of that has now washed off), attaching metal strips and re-positioning them,  taking a scan and and X-ray.  Then the machines came into play.  I must admit I felt like I was on the Starship Enterprise or something.  A machine suddenly appearing on the right side and automatically scanning across you with green flashing lights, one coming up from the left with red lights.  This happened on various occasions with the two machines moving around me, the table I was on being swung around.  Endless measurements being called out and double checked.  The table settings listed. In all it took around 30 minutes or so but it felt much longer.  The last thing was the tatooing.  Only one hurt and they warned it would because the area is still tender but one of the staff, the woman, held my hand and gave me permission to scream.  Well, I did say "ouch".

That was it.  Then I was given my own top to bring with me on all subsequent visits and Elijah then took us to the Linac 5 area where I will be having my radiotherapy.  This is a brand new part of the hospital with all new and more accurate machines.  He told me what to do when I get there and gave me my first treatment date - 2nd May.

He walked us to the main entrance and put his arms around me and gave me a huge hug, a real cuddle.  He told me he will be doingquite a lot of my radiotherapy but not always as he will obviously not be on duty all the time. He shook hands with Mike, told us not to worry, everything would be fine and that was that.

Coming home I decided I wanted to take a much longer drive so we stayed out for a further hour.  I was very tired when we did get home.

I must admit today my muscles are hurting across under my shoulder blades and also my lower back but then I always have problems with that.  Now, all I need is for my stomach to get completely better and I feel things will really be looking up.

So, I have taken another step on the road to recovery, another hurdle overcome.  In some ways I wish the radiotherapy could have started next week rather than having it hanging over my head but they know best and it will give me a little break from all the appointments and also, hopefully, give my stomach time to settle down. 

It was not caused by the anti-cancer drugs which I commenced taking last weekend because I already had the upset stomach before I started them.  Whether it is a bug or my stomach is just irritated by all the stress I have had I do not know.  My own doctor has given me some tablets that cut stomach acid but I really do not want to take them if I can avoid it.  I am on enough tablets already and these ones also have a list of side-effects as long as your arm.  I would prefer to eat light food and let my body heal itself if possible.  Anyway, time will tell.

Please keep your prayers coming.  Well, I need not ask because I know that you will.  I have come a long way but now face the hardest challenge of all.  Going for radiotherapy every single day.  Also please pray that my stomach clears up really soon because I do not need anything pulling me down. 

I shall leave you now and go and rest my back.  I asked Elijah and the other two team members if I could take their photos for my journal and they were thrilled.  They said it was a great idea sharing my experiences with others and that it might help somebody at some point.

Here is Elijah

Elijah, "Buzz" and Harry