Starting radiation

From July/Aug2015

 
Eila started her radiation treatments yesterday, and was shuffled back and forth between hospitals in a "Doernbecher kids' taxi" (aka a wagon).  Things are going surprisingly well so far, they say it could take 1-2 weeks for side effects to set in.  But she did so great being as still as a statue on Monday that she gets to bypass sedation for the week.  This is great because it means she has no limitations on eating and her appointments don't take very long.

It was very intimidating to see her lay down on the table Monday afternoon.  But she was very brave and determined to be still.  She climbed into her body mold (that is designed to hold her in the extra same position each time) and reached her arms over her head to grab the bar.  The radiation team leveled and lined her up, then I gave her one last kiss and went out of the room.  They close a giant door (it's 5 doors thick!) and moved to their "command stations" (at least that's what it looks like to me).

From July/Aug2015

I listened as they verified her positioning and got all the settings just right.  The doctors stopped by to check on things, then came out to talk to me as the light above the door turned on -- explaining that she would be done in 90 seconds.  There was a faint buzzing/humming sound while the light was on.  That was it, it seemed so simple.  The door slowly opened and I was able to take her off the table.  First treatment complete, five more to go.

Today's treatment was very quick because they already had all her settings in the system now, she was in and out in under 10 minutes.  Tomorrow she has both radiation and chemo, her last "easy" chemo appointment.