Treatment Has Begun!

Well, after a very long day yesterday and a series of miscommunication, I did have my first proton session last night. We had several phone calls in the morning asking us to get some tests and the chemo pills. We did all of that, and then when we got to the proton center they told me I was starting on Monday because I did not have my tests done & chemo pill. I forcefully pushed the issue and they got my radiologist on the phone. He agreed that we should and could begin and told the proton center to go ahead with treatment. The first time lasts 1 hour because they have to xray between every proton beam segment ( I have 4 segments). Today's session lasted only 30 minutes and subsequent sessions should be 20-30 minutes. Nothing about the treatment hurts, however, being strapped to a table for an hour was very uncomfortable. I will post some pics at some point so that everyone can see the mesh mask that holds my head to the table.

I also took the first chemo pills last night. Of course, getting that wasn't easy either. The insurance balked because I am taking a nausea pill and 3 chemo pills to get up to the right dose. The largest mg. pill costs $330 and I need 42 of them! So we had to buy one pill out of pocket to get me through day 1. Luckily, the insurance did cover it and we were reimbursed. I now have what I need for chemo. I've now taken 2 rounds of chemo and I have not yet had any nausea or other side effects. I'm sure when it builds in my system things may get interesting but for now, all is going well.

We had a great day with Jason's family celebrating Rebecca's 16th birthday (I can't believe she's 16), then I used my treatment as an excuse to take a nap. Jason had to wait for a very long time at the pharmacy to get the chemo medicine worked out and then he picked up Nana from a late incoming flight. She'll be here with Aidan and me this weekend while Jason and Ashley fly to Lubbock to take care of a few things. I'm looking forward to relaxing and getting some work done.