TBI

Today there were a few appointments. The first was preparing for radiation. Since the bad cells were everywhere, I need total body radiation or TBI. This will be a low dose given in a standing position facing the machine for about 10 minutes. Then turn around and do the back side. Since the lungs are very sensitive to radiation, there will be special lead shields made in the exact contours of my lungs to block the radiation.

That is great, but we need to treat the ribs blocked by the shields. They are leaving no place for bad cells to live.

So the after the standing treatment, I lie on a table with a shield over my chest with a cut out so radiation can get to the spots in the lung shape. This dose will not penetrate deeply into the lungs. It will only reach the bones. And as expected, flip over and they will hit the back.

Yes, it is very cold in that room. Next time I will wear long johns under the gown. After they got everything positioned, I got marked so it will be easy to position the green sighting lasers next week. I have to be careful not to wash them off.

Then we met with the pharmacist who went over all the expected side effects, drugs, side effects and time line for side effects. They have an answer for everything. Then the coordinator came in and reviewed my do and don't list. Which was bigger? The don't list. But it's nothing I have not been living with for he past 3 months. Only a year or so to go.

The next meeting was with the physicians assistant who went over my test results from September 30th. All the blood work was in the normal range. The heart work was also normal. My lungs were under what was expected for absorbing oxygen. But neither the doctor nor the physicians assistant were concerned.  

Best news were the bone marrow biopsy. It revealed I was still in remission with less than 5% "blast" cells. That's the same as a normal person. What is a blast cell? I am not really sure. But I do know that this is something to celebrate. I was told so.

There were two more meetings, one with the doctor, to finish up the rest of the questions. He said I should have a whole glass of wine. Maybe on my day off tomorrow.

Then Mom and Dad headed home, and left Kent and I to brave the 5 pm traffic alone.  We got home just in time to walk the dogs before Kent left for his violin lesson.

We need to learn to lock our doors. We got "Apple pie bombed" by a neighbor. Thanks, Dave! Dinner is served!

Lastly, two gifts were opened. Thank you to Lucie and Bill for the gorgeous scarf and rescue magnet. The lovely pink tumbler and lotion are from Lymdra. Thank you!

Now... I am off to sleep (planning on sleeping in late) and enjoy two more days without a central catheter port.