Day three:

More of the same. The drive is getting somewhat tedious; however, I am impatient by nature which is my problem. I also need to remind myself of the benefits of early non-surgical treatment options.

By the third day everyone recognizes you, even the parking attendants, and most in the RO clinic will call you by name.

Again, the staff came and called me first from the waiting room this morning. I think that mine is the easiest and simplest treatment of their day. The staff told me that they do about one person per week for DC on average. They also stated that they treat one patient every 10 minutes throughout the day, a busy schedule. They are very friendly and conversational, and it's simple to be at ease while in their care. The administrative staff are wonderfully pleasant as well. The coffee was hot and fresh as always.

Today I seem to have less post-treatment sensitivity in my palms, as I am not feeling any vague sunburnt feelings or itching. I may be getting the slightest of a tan line in the palm of my hands, outlined by the shadow of the collimating shield, LOL.

Today they scheduled my second round of treatments, for seven weeks from now. They stated that the first day, Monday would not be as long as this week's Monday was, but will be slightly longer as Dr. Weiss will want to see me on that day.

I have yet to meet Odell (sp?), likely the first person that patients trying to get into the system will talk with, as she is out on vacation this week. She is the administrative supervisor and very helpful on the phone.

I think that's all for now.

Kevin

I noticed nothing in either of the two treatments. My treatments were about 10 weeks apart.

Edited 08/08/14 03:58

Kevin, what I understood from your posts is that you do not have any concern about long term risk of developing cancer with this radiation treatment? Because of your experience in this area it would be good to know your opinion.

psyduck:

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Kevin,

Thanks for all of the updates! I have just returned from vacation and am preparing for my RT with Dr. Weiss on Monday. I was curious. You noted on one day that the radiation tech set you up but they didn't do the radiation until Dr. Weiss took a look and okayed it. I may have missed you mentioning it, but I was curious whether this was the same each day as my expectation was the Dr. Weiss would be attending to each daily treatment.

Based on your report on parking, I'm glad that I'll be staying at Hospitality House. My understanding is that it's just 3 blocks away and that they shuttle you to the hospital and back. Hopefully parking is better at HH.

Karen

Day Five;

Sorry, but this is a couple of days after the day five treatments. I went on travel directly from VCU, and have not logged on in a few days.

Day five was identical to the previous five days, with the only exception that after my treatments that I was returned to an examination room where Dr. Weiss examined my hands, asked several questions, and confirmed when my next treatments were scheduled.

I did have one question for her - she had told me during my initial phone consult/interview that after the treatments I should avoid straining or overworking my hands. When queried, she reiterated that I should avoid any strain of the hands, although normal use is fine. So I will lay off rebuilding the house and working on my classic cars!

I will be returning seven weeks from now to complete my second week of treatments.

Any sensitivities I previously had have not been reported, and my hands are fine. No changes in the nodules for now, but I will update between now and the next series of treatments.

Kevin

Edited 08/11/14 03:49