Radiation Part 1

Just a quick update. I have been going through radiation treatments every weekday since the last week of Sept. I have 25 in total and I have completed 9 of them as of today.

At the beginning of treatment, my Radiation Oncologist explained the possible adverse effects of treatment to me with the targeted area being my upper chest…possibly coronary issues, increased chance of lung cancer, etc. It is all scary-but what hasn’t been in the last 6 months? Right now the most important thing is killing whatever is left of Tyrone for good!

I have little magic marker alignment markings with sticky tape on me for the next month to line me up with the machine. Because the radiation is directed towards my upper chest, I also started to develop a pretty raw sore throat this weekend. I was constantly in pain and couldn’t talk. The doctor had previously prescribed Nystatin, but then bumped the prescription up to “Miracle Mouthwash”. (Tetracycline, Nystatin, Dexamethasone, Diphenhydramine, i.e. antibiotic, antifungal, steroid, antihistamine). To make things worse I also developed a cold this weekend while my parents were visiting. After taking steroids and the Miracle Mouthwash I seem to be recovering today and was able to lecture to my class without the use of a microphone.

I have attached a few pics. Two of Meghan and I in Florida during Labor Day and one of me under the radiation machine! I also put a picture of driving towards Pt Dume in Malibu because it cheers me up. I have to indulge sometimes. ;-)