Today started with an iv for the CT and MRI. Then we were off to the CT Simulator room to make the radiation mask. As I walked in the room, one of the technicians said ‘hey, she can’t come in here’ and I’m like ‘woops’. Then he said ‘with that hockey shirt on’ Phew. Of course I had my Habs rally shirt on again. With Ken lying on the CT table, they took a mesh looking plastic sheet that has been in warm water. Then they placed it over Ken’s head and shoulders. Then it was shaped around his face, etc. They put cold towels on it after that. Once that is done, they place it in ice water to cool it down and let it harden. Then they put the mask back on and attached it to the table. Ken and I are both claustrophobic so it was not fun to be watching or having it done. I reminded him to breathe. The technicians told him to go to his happy place at a Justin Bieber concert once they heard we were from Stratford! Then I had to leave while they did the simulation for radiation. The technicians were all very good. They needed to put a little tattoo (dot) on his chest for later to line him up during treatments. They gave me an appointment card for the 1st appointment – Nov. 28th. Wow that’s next Monday!
We met Peggy who is our facilitator. She like our ombudsman between all departments and makes sure we get everything we need. The MRI wasn’t until a few hours later so they capped off the iv so we didn’t have to drag the pole and bag around with us. We escaped across the street to East Side Mario’s for lunch. Ken’s hand with the iv got us a few looks!
After lunch we sat in the LRCP waiting area in the lower level. It’s a nice atrium area where you wait for people having treatments, etc. The Canadian Cancer Society provides free coffee, tea and cookies! Then two older gentleman came in and setup to play some music on a guitar and bass violin. They were very good and it was relaxing. I visited the bookstore / library where you can check out books etc. all to do with cancer.
The MRI appointment was next. We were both nervous about it for sure. The department was a long way from the LRCP building through the hospital. We had no map this time so a few friendly workers directed us along the way with our lost looks on our faces. We filled out another clipboard form. The MRI was to take 45 minutes. It was a long emotional wait in the waiting area. During the appointment they brought out the mask made earlier in the day. We didn’t know that was going to happen. Ken had to have it on during the scan. He was given a ball to hold. If he needed assistance, he was to squeeze the ball and they would take him out of the machine. BUT, they would have to start over again it he did. So he didn’t. He did great. I was very proud of him for what he had been through that day. As the Momma Lion you want to help your babies all you can. I was very glad to see him come out. He was definitely ready to get out of the hospital for the day!
Next appointment - Friday the 25th to pickup dental trays, fluoride and a 1 hour chemo training session.
When they're puttin' on the rad mask and you get in to your happy place, pretend you're the next spiderman ;-)
ReplyDeletePS - for the technicians.....Habs Rule!