The wait was worth it

An interesting development in my treatment yesterday (Monday), the radiation oncology dept. called about 10:00 am. to inform me that the radiation machine wasn’t working properly (a great confidence booster). Apparently, there are lead shields within the machine that shift to change the patterns for different treatment levels, angles etc. Well, the lead shields wouldn’t shift, probably a problem with a motor. Anyway, they told me to call before I left the office to be sure they are on schedule. I called, they weren’t on schedule; off by 15 minutes. No big deal.

I arrived at 11:45 am for my treatment. Did I mention one of the requirements for my treatment is a full bladder? Ya, I need a full bladder to be able to get the rays lined up correctly, or whatever. Each day, an hour before my treatment I drink two bottles of water. So Monday, I chug down my last bottle of water on the way to St. Vincent’s. I get there, with a full bladder, go in, put on my wonderful hospital gown with un-matching robe. They bring me into the x-ray room, get me set up, aligned on the table and the machine isn’t working. UGH! My nurse said I could lay there (with a full bladder) while they fixed it or I could go relieve myself, drink more water and wait.

Ya, I got up and took care of things. Good thing too. I drank some more, and waited, had to relived myself again, drank some more and waited, had to relieved myself, drank some more; it took nearly two hours to repair the machine and get me back in there.

But- the wait was worth it. For my delay and discomfort they gave me a $10 Culvers gift card- yea! It gets better- the flavor of the day was caramel cashew- way good. The wait was worth it.

Hopefully tomorrow everything will move smoothly; unless God wants me to have some more Culver’s custard.

Thanks for caring and praying. Keep praying for complete healing and protection from any and all side effects of the treatment.

PT

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