My Turn - Radiation Day 2

Kevin thought I should title this post: #2...although a bit humorous, I didn't think it was a good idea.

No, we are not going to post after all 30 radiation treatments.  But this was my turn to go behind the scenes so I wanted to share what I learned. Fair warning: this post is more educational than humorous.

First off, we are making headway on our "To Do" list.  The updated wills are signed, the financial Power of Attorney documents are signed, and the health Power of Attorney documents are signed.  Tonight we stopped by the DMV to get some titles changed.  Here's a tip for you:  when titling vehicles always include both names with OR between them (Kevin or Kathy).  This gets you one step closer to avoiding probate in case something happens to one of you.

Mentioning the DMV...in general, I think they get a bad rap.  The place is always busy, but the employees seemed to have done a turn around on the friendliness factor.  However, have you noticed that there are no clocks to be found in the whole place.  Although we arrived by 3:50, I was anxious about getting out of there by 4:30 so we weren't late for radiation. I kept looking around for a clock.  Luckily, we were walking out the door at 4:30 (according to Kevin's phone).  Also, it's a bit perturbing to be charged a $5 counter fee.  Really? Isn't the overpriced sum I'm paying to have my name added to a piece of paper enough?  To top it off, we had two transactions (same counter, same person) so we were lucky enough to pay TWO counter fees.   I'll just have to think of it as a tip for the friendly service.

As promised, Kevin was able to check in tonight with his handy dandy scanner card.  I waited, but no fanfare music, no blinking lights, no bells or whistles.  Perhaps they are not aware that we think he's "kind of a big deal." Kevin barely got his coat off and Justine (formerly known as nameless nurse) came to get him.  Once back to the room, Alicia (the other former nameless nurse) asked for the secret password.

This technology is truly amazing. Since Kailey described what goes on inside the room, I took pictures of the nurses at work outside the room. Although they have markers and lasers in the room to get him properly aligned, they want/need to be super precise so they also use x-rays.  They project the CT scan from his appointment last week (see first picture), and then use x-ray devices in the room to create images as well.  They overlay those x-ray images  on top of the CT scan image to adjust for a perfect fit (see second picture with the orange tint).  If necessary, they go back into the room to make adjustments. Tiny adjustments can be made from a little device right at the computer.


From there, they turn to their right to a counter full of monitors. They recite Kevin's name out loud and click the mouse to begin treatment.  As Kailey said, the nurses hear a chirping sound while the radiation machine is at work. They can view Kevin from at least three different angles.  If he is having any difficulties, he should just wave.  But he shouldn't just wave at the camera to say "Hi."

Both of these young ladies have bachelor's degrees from UW-LaCrosse in radiation therapy. Yes, I asked.  I can't help it...it's the teacher in me always wanting to know more about careers. I'm thankful there are such competent people working with Kevin.

In just a few minutes the machine had done its work and it was time to unhook Kevin from his mask.  He's a bit unsteady when he first gets up until he gets his bearings but there is no pain (not even a tickle).


Kevin is also on Day 2 of chemo pills.  No side effects yet.

We celebrated the end of the week with pizza and breadsticks at Rocky Rococos. I'm guessing Culver's and Rocky Rococos are probably not part of the healthy eating plan that Gundersen would recommend. Life is short, right?

Last night I went out on a limb and posted on Facebook.  I looked over at Kevin tonight and could tell by the look on his face that he was reading people's comments.   We continue to be overwhelmed daily by the outpouring of support. Thank you does not seem to be enough but it's the best we can do right now. Thank you!

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 

1 Thessalonians 5:18