Last Wednesday (11th Feb 2015), I went for my pre-radiotherapy session. It was supposed to take 45 minutes but it felt like ages. I reached National Cancer Centre pretty early, changed into the gown, and waited for my turn. As they were going to run a 'contrast' in my blood (from their screens, my lymph nodes will light up once the contrast is in my system), they inserted a plug at the back of my palm. I have very small veins, so when they're searching for veins to poke they always choose the most visible, i.e. it's always the same one! Also, chemotherapy causes my veins to shrink, in turn, causing the entire area to swell after every plug insertion.
Before heading into the theatre, one of the radiotherapists gave me a briefing. The usual procedure process, things to look out for etc. I casually nodded my head in acknowledgement until she said....
Radiotherapist: You do know that you'll be having parmanent tattooed dots inked on you right?
Me: HUH WHAT? And by permanent do you mean... forever?
Radiotherapist: Um, yes. It'll be with you for life. It's just gonna be 4 small dots, pretty much like little moles.
Me: (My mouth was open for 5 seconds before I said a word) Ok... You sure there's no cream to remove it?!
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The main purpose of me going for this pre-radiotherapy session is to do my body mould (again, for accuracy). This mould will be with me for the next 20 sessions, and I'm supposed to lie in that exact position everytime I go for treatment. Even my fingers had to be in the same position! Hence, it was imperative that I lay still and try to feel comfortable. Sucky thing is that my hands have to be above my head — I had to lie in that position for almost an hour, naked, in the freezing cold. Halfway through, my fingers were so numb I couldn't feel them anymore. I couldn't take it, I asked to rest. It was so bad, I couldn't bring my hands down on my own? The nurses had to massage them for the blood to flow. It was horrible!!!
I can now say that I have been tattooed... FOUR DOTS. They were being serious, they used the needle/ink method. Haha it actually sounds ridiculous when I say it like this. But it isn't too bad, each dot is a size of a 0.38 uniball pen dot? It's on the top and bottom of my ribcage, and on each of my sides. These dots will help guide the laser, so that the procedure will be done accurately.
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On a happy note, I have had a very busy Valentine's Day weekend catching up with friends, family and Joel. We avoided the crowds and had an amazing affordable lunch at The Naked Finn on Friday.
Will be doing another PET/CT scan next Monday to confirm if I'm going for radiotherapy. Praying for complete healing!
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