Loss of the Gold Standard

It has been awhile since I have updated this blog and my journey is getting ahead of the telling. This week I began radiation treatment on my prostate at Northwerst Radion Oncology Associates The center is very comfortable and staffed by the nicest people you could ever want to meet. That's important since there is little modesty possible in radiation. One of my friends gave me helpful heads-up. Women take everything off above the waist; men take everything off below the waist. Of course we get a lovely gown to tie around our exposed limbs while waiting. When I saw the radiologist I learned something new. Remember those three tiny gold markers inserted by the urologist with some effort into my prostate? They are gone, disappeared, kaput! The assumption is that they may have backed out the way they went in and are now enhancing in their tiny way the effluent of the Bellingham sewer system. Easy come, easy go, as they say. (more details in addition -- for those who want to know) No problem. The radiation beam is very accurately oriented with laser markers lined up with three tattoos on my hips and groin. They are my first body adornments but I won't be showing them off ant time soon. Next a small ballon is inserted into my anus (it feels pretty much like you imagine) and filled with 100cc of water. That expands the rectal wall and positions the prostate firmly so the beam can find it easily. Then I lie on the table and this magnificent piece of technology circles my body stopping about seven times in its rounds to deliver a dose of radiation. I relax and listen blissfully to my iPod. Lately I have been playing a compilation son, Martin gave me for Christmas: music by Radiohead, The Decmberists, The Magnetic Fields, Rilo Kiley, Band of Bees, and Iron & Wine. These are not in my usual repertoire but Martin has a gift of selecting wonderful music from very obscure bands. Frankly, I love it! My radiation sessions are at 4:30 in the afternoon so it is a pleasant way to end the work day. The staff is always happy to seem me because I am their last patient. Posted by Donel at January 11, 2005 09:51 PM