Last week I was again invited back to the Radiotherapy Department at the BHOC to have scans in preparation for radiotherapy. I was marked up with ink on each side of my chest and a very small tattoo on over my breastbone. Then, yesterday afternoon, I returned to have the actual therapy. This was undertaken on a device called a Linear Accelerator on 'Linac'.
I simply had to lie on a (rather hard) surface.
This image shows the actual Linac at the BHOC.
I had two treatments; firstly on part of my spine which has been giving me pain. This involved the radiation source being positioned beneath me. The second was to my breastbone requiring treatment from directly above. I can now expect to see my skin react with something akin to sunburn and which may become a little inflamed.
I am extraordinarily fortunate that I am treated at the BHOC and that I have access to such advanced facilities. Everyone I meet at the BHOC is so kind and friendly despite their often very difficult work.
Keep safe, keep well, and KBO
