Meeting with consultant clarified that despite the RT being targetted they have decided to do a full 'belt and braces' approach which will see both sides of neck and top of chest being treated - the left side of neck and chest will receive a lower dose rate than that of primary and tumour sites on right side of neck. Also advised to gargle with aspirin as well as salt gargling (anyone would think I had nothing better to occupy my time during the day than gargling - still I suppose it is doctors orders so had better crack on). The RT session was much slicker, quick x ray and then straight into a 10 min blast - comprising of 5 different angles and 15-20 slightly different bursts from each angle. With the eyes cut out from the mask I could see what was going on - including my reflection to begin with - looked like a cross between Hannibal the Cannibal and Spiderman, gave myself quite a shock! Afterwards I could still see clearly and before I knew it I was homeward bound. Anyone embarking on the RT journey are advised to get holes cut in mask from start if possible. Now sourcing some aloe vera 99.9 percent pure skin cream for neck (Holland and Barrett have a good deal on). Who knows there could be a danger of me being even better looking after this is all over, at least I should smell really nice! lol. So with two sessions down and only 28 to go, I continue to make the most of the honeymoon period before the side effects kick in middle to end of next week. It is a strange feeling knowing for sure that things are going to get worse before they get better? That said - 'forewarned is forearmed', so will enjoy each painfree day while I can. Earlier session planned for tomorrow so got to battle through Salisbury rush hour traffic, so early night on the cards after a massive steak for supper!
