Dress Rehearsal

Today is the penultimate day before I start for real. We arrived at MDA at 1:20 for my 2:00 appointment with Dr. Chambers, the dental oncologist. He gave me my stent which will be used for the entire 6 1/2 weeks of radiation along with some trays that are to be used for my self administered fluoride treatment which is to be done every day. A five page sheet of mouth instructions was also part of my goodie bag which included a sample of some toothpaste, dental floss and the tube of fluoride. He bade me farewell and said that I would do just fine. (He probably tells that to all his patients)

Next stop was Radiology and the final simulation. That sounds kinda ominous. This is somewhat of a trek as it is near elevator G and we started at Elevator A. No big deal but we always manage to get lost on the return. Anyway, I checked in and was told to go to waiting room C in the basement. We waited a little while and soon the entire team of Techs came out to meet me and introduce themselves. They will be zapping me for the entire length of the program. Then it was on to the room and the simulation.

Sally was allowed in the room briefly to take photos and then ushered out to the waiting room. It took them 20 minutes to do all the positioning for the Xrays and to make certain I was properly placed on the table. That completed they told me they would see me tomorrow for my first treatment.

                                                                   Man in the mask

We mentioned that we would like to change the time to anywhere between 8:00 and 8:45 so we'll see if that will happen. Dr. Beadle's office called and left a message that she would like to see me tomorrow before the first treatment.

Tonight I will finish up the cookies. I have done well...gained 5 pounds on the cookie diet.