The Lightsaber...

Today was my first day of proton radiation treatment. Everyone of my nurses are very nice and they know their shit. I was nervous but they made me feel comfortable. I basically had a crash course in radiation therapy today. Once I checked into the facility I was escorted in back to my own dressing room. They catered to the rock star in me. This was nice. I had my own locker to store my valuables. Which at this point you can steal my wallet there isn't much in there.  Then I was given this very sexy hospital gown and a white robe. Oh yeah I bet you are jealous of me now aren't ya.

Once I was changed into my new sexy attire I was escorted to the main room where I would be receiving my treatment. The room was big and the machine was very intimidating. Nothing like chemotherapy rooms at Illinois Masonic, Those were suites, this was just a cold room with a big machine in it with a bed for me to lay on. I use the word bed loosely. One I was given the rundown of what the procedure entails I lay on my back on this bed with my foam mold of my back they had made for me a few weeks ago. Then once they had me all lined up with my mold it was time to put the mask on and lock my head to the table. Then I heard those dreaded words. Ok stay still and don't move for the next hour. 

I won't lie to you. The second they said that I had a killer itch on my back. I mean fuck me, really? Then my nose itched. I figured ok now it's time to use the force and not think of the itching. But of course when you tell yourself not to think of something your mind automatically thinks of that something you are trying not to think about. That was a mouth full. Once I was locked in place I just closed my eyes. I was told that I would hear some noises come from the machine and that it was normal. Once I hear the doorbell sound they would leave the room and the treatment would start. 

The the machine only emits the radiation for about one minute. They move the machine a total of four times for my treatment. So the would walk in after each shot of radiation to check on me and change the plates in the machine for the next treatment. My treatment only lasts a total of four minutes yet I am locked in place trying not to think of anything itching for close to an hour. Not to bad huh? Yeah says you. Not an easy task to sit there that long with your head completely locked in one position. Not exactly the best feeling in the world. Hey no big deal only nineteen more to go lol.

The upside of all this is that you don't feel anything at all. You only know you are getting the radiation because the room clears out and you hear a doorbell. I suppose it's better than having Kylo Ren come at you with his light saber. Although I have had enough of getting stabbed with needles and shit for the last eight or so months. I like the fact that you just don't feel anything during the procedure. I can deal with that. The hard part seriously is laying there with your head in this mask that is locked to the table. You seriously just can not move. It is a very crazy feeling. Having three hot nurses lay me in bed and lock me into place and leave the room is a start of a good joke. Gonna have to work on that. 

It was over before I knew it. They said I did great and if I do the same thing for the rest of the month I will be the best patient ever. But I bet they say that to all the guys. Once I was done I was escorted back to my dressing room to change. I saw my doctor and the nurse before I left to go over how I was feeling and if I had any questions thus far. I was told once again about possible side effects and to not go swimming or laying in the sun. I suppose I will cancel the pool party I was planning for the weekend. I was given a list of things to not eat or drink for the next month and was told to try and not lose any weight because they may have to remold me to the table. Still I am supposed to keep working out. The more I work out the less I will feel tired or run down. But hey try not to lose weight in the process. You can already guess what I am thinking right? Yeah fuck that. 

It is crazy when you do everything you can to stay healthy and then "bam" life turns on a dime. throws you a curveball. Use any analogy you wish. Life is short that much is true. Never waste a moment of it. Grab it by the balls and seize the day. Hell, seize your life. You only have one so make it the best you can. 

SMIB \m/

www.gofundme.com/patcatalano