Mycosis Fungoides 06 Radiation Dance Moves

 Radiation Dance Moves

July 2019 ~ September 2019

The first radiation appointment was on July 24, 2019. We assumed that the first appointment was just a consult with the radiation team. HA! This was the start of full-body radiation treatments.

When you first walk in, you grab a key so that you can store your clothes in a locker in the dressing room. The keys reminded me of the keys that you used to get at gas stations (when gas stations were outside and icky). The key was attached to a large board - making it harder to lose or forget about. So, Tim went in and changed to the lovely hospital gown and began his radiation dance moves. He had radiation 4 days a week (Monday/Tuesday, Thursday/Friday). They had him do several different poses and alternated them each day so that they could get full coverage.  Here's what some of them looked like:

 

          

 There were 4 other poses but you get the picture. 

Once he got back to the radiation area, it only took a few minutes and we were on our way home.

Here's the machine that zapped him:

 Normally, i was not allowed back to the area where the radiation took place, but they did let me come back once so that I could take pictures. Everyone there was really nice.

Once a week, Tim would see the actual doctor. They were happy with the progress. The treatments did not clear him up as much as they wanted - but that was because he was SO bad to begin with. But, after 6 weeks of 4 days a week treatments, we did see a real improvement. Of course, he did lose his hair (eyebrows included) and his finger and toe nails. I think that was the worst for him. Not having any finger nails made it really hard to open pop cans.

Finally, after 6 long weeks of driving to Cincinnati, Tim "graduated". Everyone clapped for him and he got to ring a bell. They even gave him this nifty certificate!

As i mentioned, the radiation did not clear him up as much as they hoped, but it did flatten out the tumors and made it much less itchy. Here's some pictures from after radiation:




As you can see, his body is still completely covered but believe me, it is MUCH better than what it was.

So now, back to the dermatologist to see what is next.

Until next time...



                                                                             







                                               






















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