Simulation

I tried my best to convince the radiation therapist that I should have a pink ribbon tattoo, but apparently they only stock black or blue ink. Well, it was worth a try. She was extremely skilled at 'dots' though! Yes, four tiny black dots were permanently placed around the breast and underarm area to be radiated. It didn't hurt any more than a shot. She used ink to make the dots first, then used a special needle that pushed the ink deeper in the skin. I was assured that this process was much different than what is used in tattoo parlors :) The simulation was the measurement and placement of the beams with the position I will be in during treatments. They marked, measured and took pictures to make sure my body and the beams will be in the exact location each time. The MRI and PET were by far much harder to endure than this. However, all these machines look and sound like a spaceship is landing. Time for the leftover random cancer cells to hop aboard for a one way journey to outer space! I now need to use special deodorant without aluminum and utter cream (it is a real cream and sure sounds lovely, huh!). My first treatment will be Wednesday November 5th. At that time I can begin counting 30 treatments (5 per week). Do they take Thanksgiving off? I don't know yet, but I do have a lot to be thankful for this year.