Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Mapping for Radiation

I was scheduled for x-rays last week to get a map for the radiation application to my right breast. Apparently, even after breast reduction/reconstruction, my breasts are too large, so I must lay face down on the exam table and my breast hangs down through a break in the table. Too large? Whatever. Anyway, the first day, everything was good and I went home. I went back three more times because the first application was not sufficient and the next two were not. Yesterday, I went for a fourth mapping session. I thought it was the radiation visit. I fell asleep in the machine. I was awakened an hour later and told that we could not continue, we were almost there but there was a back up of patients awaiting radiology. I was just having more x-rays. I go back Thursday to do more mapping. I haven't been radiated yet and that seems to be fine with me. It is hard work to lay on a table for an hour and not move a muscle. Falling asleep was a good idea I thought, but apparently your body settles............ Huh? Settling means moving. You cannot move. I was just trying to be helpful. One radiologist technician pointed out to me that the issues were not mine but their machines. He made me feel better. In a previous meeting with my Dr., I told him I would gladly take a sedative if that would help me be still. The Dr. said NO! The issue is that the necessary angle to radiate the spot is difficult to reach without causing lung tissue damage. My thinking is that I am not using these things (boobs) for anything but to hold on my bra, they could take them off if that would help? My lymphedema hurts, maybe the swelling is in the way? No clue. I will keep you posted. I wanted to drill down to the specifics of the cotton mouthed, arrogant, alcoholic tech but I won't. I still have to get mapped and radiated by the team. After it is done, I might rant about it. More as it happens.

No comments:

Post a Comment