JT had his radiation simulation this morning and it seemed to go pretty well, albeit longer than anticipated. Dr. Jeff Young was very apologetic about making us wait the extra time as he and his team got (a sleeping) JT positioned on the machine and began the exacting process of moving him into the precise positions that JT will need to be in during his therapy.
One of the “obstacles” to J’s treatment is that he’ll need to be positioned on his belly. On the surface, belly or back doesn’t seem to be much of a big deal. But the fly in the proverbial Emla ointment (lidocaine/prilocaine joke there) is that JT will be put to sleep for each procedure and that alone causes a few headaches. First, is the need to access his medi-port to give him fluids and sleepy juice. Given that it located, under his skin, just below his left collarbone, they don’t want him putting direct pressure on that. Also, since he’ll be sleeping his muscles will be, basically, asleep too. Second, the “added weight” of his body while laying on his belly may hinder his breathing and put unwanted pressure on his, er, boy parts. So, as it stands he shouldn’t need to be intubated every time. But a O2 mask will be positioned under the table, pointing toward his mouth. And, pads have been found to alleviate some pressure down south. Sounds like a big deal for five to ten minutes of radiation.
We also got our therapy calendar and marching orders this morning. JT is scheduled for thirty-one sessions. Monday through Friday, 7:30am. So we have to be at Maine Med by 7:15. This is a double-edged sword…you hate to get cranking that early, but, JT can’t eat anything until after his therapy so the sooner the better.
“Phase Two” is about to begin and we’re ready to take this on. We can beat this. It’s just gonna take some time, some tears and quite a few Happy Meals. At the risk of sounding very repetitive, the support that all of you wonderful people have extended to us has been amazing, if not humbling. Thank you so very much!
dct
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You're right...you CAN beat this, and you will. And you will have all of us with you while you do it. Only good things coming your way, even if they take the long road to get there!
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