Halfway Through Radiation and Chemotherapy Post-Operation Treatments
RAD – not just a word associated with the early 90s! For the past three weeks, I’ve been going daily as an outpatient to VCS (Virginia Cancer Specialists) housed at Virginia Hospital Center.
When I enter the hospital I’m given a bright neon wristband, indicating that I’m on my way to the radiation oncology center – RAD for short. There, I undergo targeted radiation therapy directly to the part of my brain that has housed the tumor. During the actual treatment, a mask that has been molded to my head is attached, which guarantees that I’m in the exact position necessary and won’t move even an inch. I don’t feel anything at all during the actual treatment under the futuristic machine, which is pretty amazing.
In addition to radiation therapy, I am taking chemotherapy drugs daily. These combined treatments are the necessary post-surgery ‘standard of care’, and are designed to put me in the best position possible for longer-term care and management. The kindness and professionalism that the health care teams at Duke and Virginia Hospital Center have consistently shown is beyond inspiring, especially considering that these individuals have been working throughout the COVID pandemic over the past year.
There are many side effects to these brain tumor treatments, drugs and medications – some of which I’m already experiencing, such as constant fatigue and headaches, and some that only manifest themselves later in or well after treatment. The enormous showering of incredible support and love from family, friends, colleagues and community continuously lifts my spirits and helps me to weather these effects as well as possible.
Thank you for sticking by my side through this journey and thank you for the ongoing support and encouragement.
Cheers to half of the of RAD visits down and half to go!
May 21, 2021
Photo: RAD wrist band from Virginia Hospital Center on Stanley's wrist
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