Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Radiation SNAFU

Got a call from the doctors at the Cancer treatment center last Thursday morning asking me to come back in so they could take some additional measurements on the mask. Apparently, Dr. Sinesi looked at the markings and had some additional changes for the radiation therapists. I went in and spent over an hour lying down on the machine with the mask on while the radiation therapist moved me around and positioned my head in the perfect position.
After about a 25 minutes my my head started going numb from lying there and after 60 minutes I was in some serious pain. I contemplated numerous times in my mind about raising my hands and asking the ladies to give me a break, but did not because I knew that I had to lay still in order for them to get all the markings necessary. Finally got everything squared away and I was finished for the day, but had a very sore neck.
Today I went in for a radiation simulation test where they put me on the table where the actual radiation machine is and make sure everything is set up perfect. First I had to lay down on the table with the back of head cradled in this plastic device. Then the radiologist adjusted the table's handles and shoulder clamps to ensure that my head, neck and shoulders were in the same position as it was when the mask was made. Once this is accomplished the mask goes over my face and gets clamped down. Well, here is where the problem began. When the radiologist put the mask on it didn't fit. After numerous attempts and adjusting my hand positions and shoulder positions, it was determined that when I initially had the mask made, my head and neck were incorrectly positioned. That's the reason my neck went numb last week. Unfortunately, all the tests and measurements made last week were for nothing because it was determined that we would have to redo the mask. So after heading home for lunch, I went back to get another mask made. This mask making appointment went much better. The radiologist had me lay down on the table and get comfortable and ensure that this time the neck support that I lay my head in was in the correct position and felt much better. Once that was done, she positioned my hands on the grips and set those up. Finally the shoulders were positioned and everything was clamped down. She made the mask and took numerous readings with the machine. I think I was in there for about an hour, but according to her and the doctor, everything looks fine.
The only issue with this SNAFU is that my schedule is now shifted to the right about a week. I go back next Tuesday for the first simulation and then Thursday for the final simulation. If all works out, I'm scheduled to begin the radiation on Monday the 19th and will finish April 6th.