Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Well, today was my consultation with the radiologist to begin 6 weeks of treatments. My new doctor is "Dr. Cmelak" and I will refer to him as "Dr. C" from here on out. For those of you that attend OPC in Florida, he could pass as a brother to Jeff Jakes in both looks and personality. He has a great sense of humor and during the middle of the visit answered his cell phone and talked to his dad while we were sitting there. Both Nick and I laughed at that one.

Lots of information came our way today. Dr. C discussed side effects and remedies for those side effects. My area of radiation will be broader due to the nodes being involved and the risk of lymphedema were discussed again. We walked away with another armful of brochures and paperwork. My "cancer" notebook gets bigger and bigger everyday.

Once the initial exam was done, they did a CT of my breast/chest and taped me up with metal wires to place the "x's" (5) that will guide them when they begin shooting the rays. My first treatment will be next Wednesday the 8th and every weekday till October 19th. My main task for the next week is to keep the marks on they placed with the magic marker and tape. I will be showering gingerly for the next week to say the least!

Fortunately the cancer center is close to the apartment. I will be able to drive myself to and from and Nick will not have to go with me for the visits.

Onto phase three - it's a good thing.