I have an appointment the Thursday prior to beginning radiation for a "run through". I arrive and change and am taken to a new room where my treatments will take place. I see a familiar face - James. It seems he'll be with me on the next phase. I'm glad to have a familiar face.
I'm placed on a table. My legs placed on a foam box to lift up my knees. My feet are strapped together. My foam mold is at the top of the table. There is a machine behind it. I lay dpwn into my personal mold. Arms over my head. Once in place, James places a clip on my nose and places a tube in my mouth. I will be breathing through this tube.
I'm to take in a deep breath. This raises up my chest and places my heart away from the radiation. While I'm taking a deep breath they will cut off my oxygen. I'm given a button to hold that will allow me to release the oxygen should I need it. A panic button if you will.
They take their time with me. Taking measurements. Moving me millimeters at a time. I keep hearing 90.5. I joke that must be my radio station. I'm moved into the correct spot and test run begins.
I will admit the minute they clamped my nose, I immediately got claustophobic. I'm a nose breather. How was I going to do this? In comes the Our Father and Hail Marys. Pray it out Princess! While praying, I slowly take deep breaths to get used to the tube. Each breath begins to bring calm. I need to do this, this is not another alternative. Figure it out.
By the time we're done I'm a little more at ease. I can do this. It may be a little uncomfortable but like chemo it is doable. Onward and upward - radiation here I come!
