R-T-Tattoo

Sounds like R2-D2 from Star Wars isn't it? ;) hee hee.... My version is: Radiation Therapy (RT) Tattoo.

At 11:00 a.m. today I went to CVH for a CAT Scan Simulation (CT SIM) and markings of the four freckle size tattoos. The RT brochure they gave me said the CT SIM appointment will take one to three hours. So I went there armed with a book, brochures, a water bottle and anything that will keep me occupied for that amount of waiting time. But my appointment didn't even last an hour from start to finish and that included seeing the oncologist on call.

I went to the hospital with mixed feelings and unsure what to expect. When they called my name, a radiation therapist interviewed me to make sure all the information they have are correct. The lady graciously answered any questions I had prior to the simulation. She took a picture of me for records purposes only and I had to fill up a form if I'm experiencing pain or stress, the lady told me I have to do this prior to each visit.

Then came the CAT scan. It wasn't for diagnostic purposes but merely for measuring the breast. They asked me to lie on the scanner bed with my right arm placed on a special contraption over my head. I wasn't allowed to move and was requested to breathe normally. Before entering the scanner, one of the technicians placed some sort of sticker around my right breast that will help in the scanning. Once that was done, they "wheeled" me in the scanner, it moved in and out a few times. Afterwards, the male technician used a ruler and yelled over the measurements to another technician. The terms were too technical for me and the only thing I understood was "the others are standard". I'll take that to mean, the size of the breast is normal. I think.

The markings of the tattoo came next. I saw the needle and I got nervous. Since I couldn't move the only reaction I could do was to make a cross-eyed, tongue sticking out look. ;) The technicians giggled and assured me it won't hurt. It didn't. Getting blood samples from me was worse than than the tattooing. It felt like the tattoo process took less than a couple of minutes and before I knew it I was done. Whew! :)

The technicians asked if I want to see a doctor, they said I don't have to but if I had any questions, it shouldn't be a problem. So I went to the doctor's clinic. I told the oncologist on call that I've been feeling pain below my right breast whenever I try to reach anything over my head for a couple of weeks now. He said it is normal and is connected to the scar tissue where the lumpectomy was. I also complained about the swelling of my legs and feet, he told me to go see my family doctor and it had nothing to do with radiation. Hmm... I wasn't satisfied with his answer. I think it's still related to my last chemo and I will call the oncology nurse tomorrow.

Anyway, that was the CT SIM appointment, painless and stress-free. So I barely have two weeks left before my radiation therapy starts June 2nd at 9:00 a.m. Wish me luck!