Getting Started

We left bright and early this morning and had no trouble with weather or traffic. It is quicker than 2 hours to the hospital, so we actually arrived early. Justin's only issue was, "when can I eat?"

The resident doctor came in first and asked Justin a bunch of questions about his general health and then wondered it we had questions? We asked a few, then we got to watch a video all about radiation treatments. It was actually short and informative. Then the nurse came in and went through a bunch of information with us, all about side effects, scheduling, diet, medications and what they would be doing to get ready for the treatments.

Justin's doctor came in and went through a few things, made sure we understood it all, had us sign some papers and talked to us about our lodging, yet to be determined. He was absolutely SURE we could stay at the Hope Lodge and said if they turned us down to let him know. We filled out an application. There is a waiting list; we just don't know how long. The doctor is so kind and assuring. It is very nice to feel everything is in good hands.

The nurse came back in and was to put in an IV for the CT scan dye. We told her he was hard to get an IV in, that there had been some issues the last time he was at the hospital. She tried several times and was very puzzled at why she couldn't get it in. After about 3 major tries, she went and got another nurse, who also tried many times and finally got it in, although she said it "wasn't very good".

Next came the people from the radiation area. They did a dental impression with some liquid goo. It hardened and was hooked to a part of the radiation unit. When Justin bites down into the impression, it fits him perfectly every time so they know they are radiating the right area. It is sort of like a GPS unit. Once that was done, they took him to make a mesh mask. A hard plastic mesh was soaked in warm water to soften it, then spread over his face. They pressed down all over his face to make a perfect image. It had to harden, then it will be made into a mask that will be attached into the table he is laying on it for the treatments. It will also hold his head still. It looks a little scary and a little confining, but that is the way it is done.

Then they were off to do the CT scan and the MRI. I waited in the lobby for a long time. Finally one of the nurses came out and said that his IV had failed and they had been working on it to get it in again. Four people and 12 tries later, it was finally put in by a resident doctor! Poor Justin. He is all bruised and sore, with holes all over. They finally got the CT scan done. An emergency came in and needed the MRI, so Justin was put on hold for that. They told us to go get some lunch, but to be very careful with the IV! We went up and got something to eat, to the bookstore for a new John Grisham book and then back to Radiation Oncology. We waited a long time, and again the nurses came out to let us know that there was a delay and they would see him as soon as possible. He finally got in about six hours after we arrived. The MRI went fine, he actually got some Valium and slept through most of it.

Justin may lose some hair in spots during the radiation, so we went to buy a Iowa Hawkeyes hat for him. He wears a bigger size and of course they didn't have any that fit. Then it was off to the Short Stop for a treat and we headed home.

Justin needs to be back at the hospital next Wednesday the 14th of January. They will go through a dry run to make sure everything works and then the radiaton will start on Thursday. It will be daily, Monday through Friday for 6 1/2 weeks. We asked for a late morning time so that we don't have to be up at the crack of dawn every day. They can usually accommodate preferences.

I sensed that Justin is feeling greatly relieved to finally begin treatments. He was happy and his usual teasing self today, and it was really wonderful to have the old Justin back.