A date with the accelerator

Yesterday morning was my first day - 4:00am came early.  Funny, but I was wide awake long before the alarm clock rang. We packed up, I said my goodbyes to Jane, the girls (who were still asleep), and my mom. Dad and I  then drove to Richmond. Check-in was quick and I was unpacked in my room in less than a half hour. This room and this floor is where I'll be spending at least the next 21 days. I can't leave the floor without a doctor's note. This is my new home.

Fortunately, I think I'll be able to hook up the wii to the television, and the nurses brought me an exercise bike.

   

My room... With a view...

Radiation was next - my first two grays with no shield. It's exactly like getting an x-ray, except where an x-ray makes the quick click-buzz-click, the buzz goes on for four minutes, and is repeated 3 times on both the front and back of the body. 6 exposures total, and you're done until the next session. My first session was uneventful.

'Meet my little friend'

Dad and I hung around for a few hours while waiting for the second treatment. Throughout all of this Jane and dad and mom have been great, ferrying me around and sitting with me during the procedures, or watching the kids while we run out. I have a great family.

The second session, using the shields, didn't go as smoothly. About 1 minute into the first exposure I became a little nauseous and dizzy, and we needed to stop the procedure. I think my blood pressure was a little low, and since I'd been standing at attention for a half hour (Total Body Irradiation is a stand up procedure), I think the blood had drained from my head.  At any rate, we were able to continue after a couple of rests, and the remainder of the treatment went ok.

Just for reference I thought I'd do a before and after picture, as well. So, here is me as of yesterday morning.  A subsequent picture taken this morning have me looking a lot more tan :)