Friday, February 22, 2008

Tattoos, needles, scalpels and radiation

Hi.

Mom's getting her first dose of radiation today, in about 20 minutes (at 3pm EST). At her planning appointment yesterday she got some small dots tattooed on her neck and shoulders, so that they can direct the radiation to the exact right spot and minimize damage to other tissue. For those who were horrified by this image, you'll be glad to hear that she doesn't have to wear a face mask--just a little chin strap.

Today's other big news is that they have decided to put a stint into her lung next Wednesday, to make her breathing easier. This is great news, as we were thinking that they would treat that with more radiation or just wait for the chemo to do its thing. Hooray for mechanical solutions. So the two things that are bothering her the most--her neck pain and her labored breathing--are being treated first.

She also has a new blood thinning medication (to treat the blood clot in her leg), that she must inject daily. Whee.

We are making plans to get out to New York again sometime soon. Anyone want to do a New York-San Francisco apartment trade?

3 comments:

jmss said...

Most of my friends in New York have apartments that are significantly smaller than yours (1 bedroom), but would you like me to post around? I am on a few email lists too. Let me know.

xoxo,
j.

jecaly said...

yes, please!

xoj

Charlie Roberts said...

My apartment might be good for a swap!
_jase