First Brachytherapy Treatment Done!

So I have decided to do a play-by play of Tuesday because although it was definitely a long day, I was really amazed by how the radiation technology works and how individualized the care is.

My day started in the pre-op area where they prepped me for the procedure.  A nurse got vitals, asked me a bunch of questions, and made sure that "Valarie" was working properly (flushed my PIV:).  Soon after I was visited by the Rad/Onc resident, then the anesthesiologist, next my Radiation Oncologist, and finally an anesthesiologist resident.  I was given Versed (a medication that allows you to still be "awake" but you don't remember what you say or do) to relax me a bit before the procedure.  Moments later it was time to go so Nathan and I said our "see you soon" and after a quick kiss I was wheeled away.  The Versed started working pretty quickly and all I remember is being asked to breath deep from a mask and the procedure started a little after 8am.  During the procedure the Smit sleeve (will permanently stay inserted) and the ring and tandem (will be inserted and removed for each treatment) were all placed.  As I was still sedated I underwent a CT to ensure proper placement.  

The next thing I remember is slowly waking up in recovery around 11am.  I was in some pretty significant pain so the nurse gave me some Dilaudid (a pain med I've never had before).  It worked pretty quickly but it also dropped my heart rate pretty low so the nurses had to monitor me closely.  After I was fully awake and more stable I was taken to have a short MRI.  This one was much more manageable (probably because it was shorter and I had some nice pain meds on board).

Next I was wheeled to a room where I was joined by Nathan.  The Rad/Onc nurse explained that for the next couple of hours my Rad/Onc team would be reviewing the imaging and completing the treatment planning.  She also explained that during this time I would need to remain laying flat to ensure that the proper placement of the devices stayed intact.  During this down time I was visited by a research nurse for the study that I am participating in.  With the lights dimmed and some nice soothing music playing, she provided a reflexology session of 15 minutes on each foot.  I did feel a decrease in my anxiety and pain and increased sense of calmness and relaxation. It was AWESOME and I look forward to this with every brachytherapy treatment.

Around 2pm the Rad/Onc nurse entered the room and said they were ready to start the treatment.  I was wheeled to a nearby treatment room and the Rad/Onc technician hooked up two tubes from the radiation machine to the two tandem tubes that were already placed.  My Radiation Oncologist double checked the set up and reviewed what the treatment involved.  Basically high dose radiation would travel through the tubes, would dwell in the cavity for a short time, and then the radiation would be returned to the machine.  The treatment session lasted less than 10 minutes and was not painful at all.  After the treatment, a Rad/Onc technician used a scanning device to ensure there was no radiation remaining in my body.  I was given some more Dilaudid and my Radiation Oncologist and the Rad/Onc resident removed the tandem and ring.  I was given some discharge instructions and wheeled back to the recovery floor.  

In recovery, the nurse checked my vitals, removed "Valarie", and told me that when I was ready I could change into my clothes.  By 3:30pm I was in a wheel chair and being taken down to the lobby where Nathan was waiting with the car to take me home.

Tuesday evening I rested and caught up on some work.  I had a little discomfort in my throat from the anesthesia and some minor cramping form the surgical procedure but it was manageable.

Overall the first treatment went well.  My next internal radiation treatment will be Friday but should be a shorter day since there will be no sedation and surgical procedures.