Radiation Treatment

Today, I started my radiation treatment. It will be 35 sessions, five days a week for seven weeks. It will be a long journey, but I'm optimistic. I've cleared my calendar on the weekends to allow for extra time to recuperate. The doctor said that fatigue is one of the main side effects people experience during radiation treatment. By the way, in case you are wondering, here is a list of possible side effects in my situation: fatigue, skin reaction from mild to severe, fibrosis, and more susceptibility to any illness, including infections. I'm praying that none of these will affect me long term.

The first treatment lasted about 45 minutes. It was long because of x-rays, double checking the leg position and many explanations of how the treatment is going to be. Beginning tomorrow, I should be in and out in no more than 30 minutes. The actual radiation time is less than five minutes. The radiation machine, one just like the picture I posted, shoots beams of radiation for 10-15 seconds from different angles - I think it was six. I did not feel anything and heard only the humming noise produced by the machine radiating the leg. Everything looks the same so far. It was only the first day and I know after a few days, I might start seeing or feeling some of the effects mentioned above.

Before I finish this post, there is one last thing I want to write. Because of the radiation, the treatment room is well sealed by special doors with big signs warning of the risk of exposure. During the procedure, the technicians leave the room, of course, and tell you that you are going to be by yourself, during the entire treatment, as the radiation moves into your body. As they left the room, closed the door and left me there laying down motionless, I could not help but think of the presence of God in that room. He was there. I closed my eyes and prayed to thank Him for being with me, by my side, in a situation and place where no one else could. It was very comforting to realize that my guarding Angel did not have to leave the room and was commanded by God to stay there with me. "Thank you God for your real and constant presence in the lives of those who love you."

If you are going through a detour in your life as well, don't panic, put your trust in God. You will feel His presence. I did.