So I started the 1st of 5 treatments of Proton SBRT today and things went well! I have to admit, however, that I actually got a little nervous this time. Why? In part it's the triple-dosing I'm getting with each round and being worried that I'll move or twitch when the beam is active. But another part is because the prompts/hints were all different this time as compared to 2 years ago. Back then I knew exactly when the beam was running as it made an "old school typewriter" noise. No detectable noise at all this time (though perhaps we had the music going too loud). And from my angle (laying face up on the table) I could not see any radiation warning light (usually a red flashing light that goes on when the beam is active). All I got was a one-time "we'll be starting radiation soon" announcement but didn't know when the beam was running.
What I can say is that the radiation plan calls for 3 different beam angles, all coming in from my back side. This is not surprising as tumor itself is behind my right kidney. Prior to turning on the beam at each location, I am told that the techs had the doctor look at a live X-Ray of me to verify that I am lined up exactly. From what they told me when it was over, I was lined up perfectly with each of the 3 beam applications and kept very still the entire time. I'm happy to hear that as I felt like I was about to have a calf cramp just in anticipation of what was about to happen.
For the remaining treatment days I've requested that the techs give me a "heads-up" just before activating the beam. This will help me to remain calmer and control my breathing because (in my opinion) knowledge is power.
The guys there in "the purple treatment room" (one of 4 active proton therapy rooms) were really awesome and not only let me take some pictures, but they took this picture of me right after my first treatment.
And no, I wasn't trying to look sexy, I just am!
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