Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Planning Session

Well today 12/11/08 was the day to get my treatment planning done. All I can say is each step of the process was done with military precision. I will not go into complete detail but step one was to build a body form to hold me into position once the actual treatment starts. Then a complete CT scan and then Tattoos were placed on my body as permanent register marks. This allows for exact positioning each time I have a treatment. Step two was lab work which was a blood draw. Step three was a meeting with a radiation nurse. She advised me as to what to expect in the coming weeks and what to do and not to do during the treatment period. Plus we discussed my treatment schedule, possible side effects and she gave me additional literature to further educate me. Finally step four was the MRI, 30 minutes of claustrophobic bliss. Well actually it was not blissful but the time went relatively fast especially with the headphones as I listened to Power 106. A station selection that surprised the MRI technicians. I was delighted that I did not need an IV or any type of contrast solutions. So now it's all done. Next stop treatment-ville!!