Throughout Radiation treatment, my skin is likely to get sunburned and sensitive, and it is recommended that I use all natural, fragrance free lotions during this time. So like a good patient, I purchased some all natural, Tom’s of Maine. I was amenable to the switch, having heard that the aluminum in other deoderants is linked to Alzheimers, and decided that all natural deoderant was a smart choice all around.
Let me just tell you, Tom’s makes a bad situation worse. I have never been so smelly in my life as after a day of sweating and wearing Tom’s deoderant. You’re better off wearing nothing at all, I guarantee the smell of your own sweat and salt is far better left alone. Lee tested the theory on the same day, and I can attest to the fact that he, too, smelled to high heaven.
After two weeks of Radiation, I have yet to feel serious side affects (making me question the real necessity for Tom’s deoderant). Every day after work, I drive to the Cancer center in Framingham, change out of my shirt and into a johnny, and await treatment with the rest of the patients. When they call my name, I am escorted down a long hallway with several odd turns in it, and walk through two heavy doors, each 6″ thick. The technicians ask me to remove my johnny, put my arms up in stirrups, and whatever you do… DON’T MOVE. this leads me to wonder if I should sneeze, would radiation go to the wrong part of my body? Can I intercept a beam with an uncontrolled cough? It’s more likely that they would only have to readjust me, lining up my tatoos and marking me with sharpie to be sure they are radiating the right spot. However the idea of sending a Radiation wave pinging across the room in the opposite direction is enough to keep me as still as a stone. Of course, the second they tell you don’t move… everything begins to itch.
For all I know, the technicians play video games when they leave the room. After getting me lined up, they tell me they’ll be RIGHT BACK, and make a beeline for the door. The two 6″ thick doors close heavily behind them, sealing me up by myself with my radiation treatment. Once they leave, nothing happens… that I can see. I hear some machines buzzing around me, but I can’t turn my head to see where it’s coming from. And I can’t see the medicine going into my body, the way I did with chemo, leaving me to wonder if there really is any treatment happening.
Here’s the weird part – Radiation treatment can kill cancer, but it can also cause cancer… hence the thick doors, twisted hallways and RoadRunner routine from the technicians. All told, it leaves me with an uneasy feeling, as I watch the technicians retreat from the chamber to set up their next game of Space Invaders.
Can you please write a book!!! I love the way you speak from the heart with a funny twist. I swear you could write the next Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Hey Tricia,
While hanging there, waiting, privy to blips, buzzes and bonks and little else (certainly the technicians), you might play with inventing a new space game for the techies…a new game Wow! and you’d be less likely to notice the itchies. Then you can copywrite and market the game and make heeps of money. Later, Gracie can tell you how you could have made the game better…, that’s just how it is.
Keep up the fine writing which is doing a great job of bolstering your spirits. Love you and support your efforts always. Cuz.
I have thoroughly enjoyed your take on all of this. Today’s writing made me laugh out loud. Of course no was here to hear me except Lucky, our latest addition to our animal family. He had to get into my lap to see or hear what was so funny. Keep up the writing it is absolutely enlightening. Can’t wait to read more.
Trish:
As I sit here waiting for yet another delayed flight, I see you’ve blogged and I read immediately!
You never dissapoint, I laughed out loud and folks here in the gate area are now moving away from me. Well, tough for them… Your writing is brilliant…please don’t stop! Follow your dream and get published, if not for yourself, do it for me
Hi – my sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Kenny Whitcomb have kept us posted on your journey. I agree with the other poster…you should write a book. I recently finished reading a book called The Middle Place. If you haven’t read it I would highly recommend it…the author is a young mom like yourself and her cancer journey. We will continue keeping you in our prayers.
All the commenters are correct Tricia, your posts are very insiteful, and entertaining. Makes an old man proud!!!