So, I had my first session of radiotherapy today and, although it's very early days, it wasn't that bad. I was on the bed for around twenty minutes in total and probably half of that was used for setting up. They put on my Hannibal Lecter-mask (actually it's not that gruesome - it's just a moulded-plastic mask that keeps my head in place, but that's how I picture myself!) and then take some x-rays to make sure I'm in the same spot every time. The treatment itself lasted around seven or eight minutes and I've somehow developed the ability to slip into a zen-state of mind while I'm lying there. I really want them to hit the right spot, y'know! The other major challenge is filtering out the 80s rock ballads and other terrible radiographer-choice music cuts...I'll let you know how that goes.
A favourite moment from today was the look on Anna's face as she handed me the drugs haul from her visit to the pharmacy while I was having treatment. Even though the drugs are covered by medical insurance, the price of each drug is listed and Anna handed me the paper bag as you would pass someone a bag of explosives. "Here's $15,000 worth of tablets...don't drop them!!"
Books update (as a few of you have asked). 'Late Nights on Air' was excellent - more for the wonderfully-crafted characters and the rich descriptions of Northern-Canada than a pacy plot. In the end, I didn't want it to end, so that's a pretty good measure of a great book for me.
I'm currently half-way through Paul Auster's 'Invisible', which is absolutely unputdownable (thanks Janis!).
Today I also finished the first chapter of 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'. I've found that there are loads of books that can be dowloaded to the iPad for free simply because they're out of copyright. (Yes, you can add 'cheap' to 'stubborn'!). So, I might add a few classics to the great list of suggestions that I received on the calmer books post.
Actually, I'm missing the midnight reading time a little (although I'm sure Anna's not). There was something quite nice about passing a couple of quiet hours in the still of the night with a great book.
Hehe! Nevermind the look on my face...I'm going to ask for an armed guard next time!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear the first session of radiotherapy went well. Keep up the good work. X
ReplyDeletewell at least your spirits are good, keep that going. so has the midnight reading stopped because you keep falling asleep or you sides are too sore from where anna keeps digging you in the ribs to turn the light off :-)
ReplyDeletei wonder what will have cost the most in the end, the drugs or the books the way you are getting through them i would say the books
im just picturing you in that mask and wondering if its improving ya looks any ha ha u know i jest (sorry to your mum, michelle and anna it really really was a joke)
well bazza time for me to go and do a bit, its month end you know, can you even remember those times or are they a very distant memory
speak to you this week
take it easy, do as your told and keep it going
luv
carol
x
$15,000!!!!! As Jennifer Aniston would say, "because you're worth it"!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad Day 1 went so well, now hoping the rest follow suit.
Free books on ipad! That's ace! You'll have to start setting your alarm during the night to get some more midnight reading in so you can read all the freebies! Anna won't mind (much!!).
Keep up the good work,
Lots of love,
Helen x
Great to hear that the first day's treatment went so well,Barry.
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong with 80s rock music?
We listen to it all the time!
Do you ever read short stories?
William Trevor is very good. The stories are interesting and varied, if a bit weird - but then what would you expect from an Irishman?
Keep up the high spirits.
Thinking of you all.
Hugh and Agnes
Buddha said:
ReplyDelete"On life's journey
Faith is nourishment,
Virtuous deeds are a shelter,
Wisdom is the light by day and
Right mindfulness is the protection by night.
If a man lives a pure life nothing can destroy him;
If he has conquered greed nothing can limit his freedom. "
Glad to hear that everything went well today. Love, G
great to hear youre off to a good start and things went well..the leckter facemask made me smile..,great to hear your humour remains strong..still its doing a job i guess so theres no such thing as a free ride even for the mask - make friends - youre in it together i guess - hoooowww expensive are those drugs eh - and you are definitly worth it..you should have an armed escort to go home hehe - on the reading front...i like reading early on sunday morning too - minds can wander amidst the silence - thinking your own thoughts - for you though,it had a place at that moment so be thankful for the snuggly duvet and more peaceful sleeps..if the ipad ever goes on ebay il be a firm bidder ! only if it comes loaded with the books tho..take care to all of you xxx lacey xx
ReplyDeleteHey bruv,
ReplyDeleteI'm with Hugh and Agnes on the 80s rock ballads - they don't make them like that any more!! On that note, I wonder if this song might be more to your liking (not sure if I can post a link on here, her goes)...if this doesn't work, then I may post it on your wall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa-bG0XdRbk
You may have just gotten the song out of your head, but I thought a reminder may bring a smile to your chops!!
Toodle pip for now, lots of positive vibes and hugs tucked away in this post
Michelle xxxx