Today I received my second treatment with success! Nothing too special today. They were backed up because of a special procedure they did in the morning so I had to wait a while and then was a little rushed getting onto the table and into my mask. It created a little more stress than I experienced yesterday but nothing significant. Part way through my treatment the mask felt rather uncomfortable. I realized that I was pushing against it. Once I realized it was me causing the discomfort I was able to let go and relax.
The technicians have been very friendly and helpful. Here’s the x-ray they use to line me up before beginning treatment. They are able overlay this with the CT scan images created during my simulation to replicate my treatment each day. It’s pretty cool to get a glimpse of how they do all of this. The technology is absolutely amazing.
This is the radiation plan created by Dr. Samuels to target areas where microscopic cancer cells may be hanging out while avoiding “safe” areas. My tongue is the primary target since it has a high density of lymph cells and was the location of my tumor. Lymph nodes are also an area of concern so they are targeting my neck to kill any potential cancer cells there. The doctors are even able to target the scar on my neck and the surgical clips that are in my neck from surgery. Sometimes cancer cells move towards these areas during surgery so they are also prime targets for the radiotherapy. I am VERY confident in Dr. Samuels and the team at UM/Sylvester. I am grateful for the skill, technology and compassion.
