The Radiation Experience

Here are some photos of me getting radiation.

photos by Ana Arroyo

The ventillated mask was made prior to my first session. As I laid on the table, the flat mask was heated up and laid on my face. It sort of felt like a facial. The technician then presses the mask against my face to conform to it. They use lasers to determine where the tumor was and that is where the radiation is projected in my treatments. Afterwards, the mask hardens like a stiff plastic. It is then placed over my face and clipped to the table to hold me in a still and stable position.

The mask is placed on my face for each treatment. They only take 10-15 minutes… not even enough time to nap! It’s totally painless and since this is only my second day or treatment, it’s hard to imagine the side-effects I will experience.

Everyone is so nice when I come in for the treatment. It totally reduces any apprehension I may have. Once I am on the table, I try to breathe deeply and imagine pleasant things, like the kitten purring, or that someone is stroking my hair. As I am relaxing, I imagine white light shining brightly in and around that cavity where the tumor was.

I found a great book called “Why Woo-Woo Works: The Surprising Science Behind Meditation, Reiki, Crystals, and Other Alternative Practices” by David R. Hamilton, PHD. It really supports the power of positive visualization and how the mind can help to heal the body. Hope you check it out!