Radiation Simulation

Ok I don't have much time to write this all out, perhaps I will come back later and write more, but I wanted to put this on here for those of you who diligently check this blog when you know I have big stuff happening. (PS - by popular demand, I added a subscribe link on the side bar so you can just get emails when I put up a new post. I realize that like, 3 people might subscribe, but you're welcome to those 3 of you who care :) )

So this morning was my radiation simulation. That is where they line me up on a ct scan table and figure out the best way to deliver the radiation with the least amount of affected areas. I wasn't quite in a butt high up in the air position, but my cheeks were exposed a time or two and it's just really embarrassing. I didn't get my tattoos today (there will actually be 3 about the size of a freckle. She said she would try to make them into hearts! Haha!) but I will get them next week. The doctor will review the scans and decide if he wants me lying on my stomach or on my back and once we know, I'll get tattooed.

Before the simulation began, we met with my radiation oncologist, Dr. Callister. He is a father of 8 (8!!) kids and just the nicest guy. He gave us some good news. The tumor is a T3 and from what they can see, only one lymph node is affected. This was such a relief, I wanted to do a little dance! I am still stage 3, probably 3b, and he said it was T3 (size of tumor), N1 (1 node effected), M0 (no metastasis detected, all clear.)  My VERY favorite part of the whole day is when he said "This is curable. Some cancer is treatable, this is curable." THANK YOU! Thank you for my Grey's Anatomy moment! There should have been a Fray song in the background or something.