I'm all set to go with round two of radiation this Monday. We're also adding Cisplatin chemo to the mix, starting Monday as well (in three week intervals 2-3x).

Most of my anxiety has been over the chemo, as the docs say my IMRT radiation shouldn't be as tough this time because they're not zapping my mouth or esophogus. Reading Lance Armstrong's book this week really fired me up, but I had the wind taken out of my sails this afternoon.

The radiation oncologist talked to my wife and said my new plan will feature 54 stops, and I'll be on the table for an hour each day!! Acck!!!!!

I certainly wasn't prepared for that. My first plan last winter took about 12-15 minutes a day, and only featured seven stops. That was plenty tough, and took a lot of mental energy just to get through that.

How on earth am I going to stay completely still, my head locked into suffocating plastic mask, for a whole hour? Did anyone else have such a complex IMRT plan? Any tips on how to "pass the time" while on the table? They better let me bring CDs or something into the room...

Sorry to whine. This, too, shall pass. But I had to share the shock with someone...

I was on the table for at least 45 minutes each day and over an hour once a week for x-rays. I just loaded up with Zanax and slept through it. I also brought in my own CD to help also.

They want to make sure that they get it this time.

Eric,

"Good Luck" on your second time. Chemo and an hour on the table can't make it easier. I start my treatment on Monday and can't figure out how I will be able to keep my arms from sliding off the side of the table during my 15 minutes.

I'm not much help; however, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Kill the damn thing this time, will ya?

David

Jeez Louise, and hour?? at one time. Have these guys ever heard of hyper fractional radio thereapy, break it down into two times a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, but only half (or a little more than half) each time.

Gets the job done quicker, with less side effects I'm told, plus only half the time each time on the table. Might not be very convenenient if you have to travel a good distance.

Otherwise, hang in there, anything you can do to pass the time, like sleep will help. Try books on tape if the cd doesn't work.

Bob

Eric,

You're not whining - an hour is an awful long time on the table with that damn plastic girdle (as I came to see the mask) encompassing your head and face. Although my time on the table was short in comparison (10-15 minutes) I found that I usually fell asleep! I guess I was just so tired from all the treatments that I didn't need any additional meds to get me through it. But if meds is what it takes to get through being strapped down for an hour, then go for it. I also think the CDs would be a nice distraction. I also had cisplatin and compared to radiation that, for me, was a picnic in the park (so to speak). Hang in there and I'll be pulling for you.

Nancy

Eric-
Wow, I can't imagine an hour on the table. When the mucus gets thick later down the road it is going to be extremely hard lying on your back for that lenght of time and not gagging. If you can get it split in half as Bob suggested you might have an easier time. Good luck to you and my prayers are with you. - Kris

Eric,

I really have no suggestions but wanted you to know I will be praying fervently for God to comfort you through the seemingly long periods every day and work more miracles in your life.

I remember once my mother had 3 MRI's in one day and ask if they could just run them together...for 2 1/2 hours. They tried to talk her into but she insisted she did not want the spend the whole day at the imaging center. They were amazed, as was I, that she did it without any medication.

I am sending you best wishes and warm thoughts.

Ed

Well it won't be fun but it alsways could be worse. I was on the table for 30 minutes each day with 10 stops. I closed my eyes, tryied to take a nap and tought of the most pleasant things I know of or would like. It seemed to help. The best part the 6 weeks went by so fast I couldn't believe I was done. So its a mind thing and if you approach it as I can find a way through this instead of how am I going to make this it will go easier. Good luck and sweet dreams.

Good luck, Eric,

surely they'll let you bring a cd-player, I don't see why not. I spent my 10-15 min. radiation periods reciting poems and songs in my head, but an hour - I would go with medication and hope to sleep through it. I never suffered from the mucus hardly at all until after the radiation was over, I hope it'll be the same for you.

Sometimes I would lie there trying to visualize the cancer cells being bombarded by the rays, but that never worked too well. You know, going "Kill, kill, kill", in my mind.

I hope they get them this time.

Leena

Eric, sorry to hear of your future protracted time on the rack. I passed the time with prayer when I was on the table. I prayed for everyone I knew and lots that I didn't, including for those people who end up marrying my kids that I haven't yet even met. They will need all of the prayers they can get. I was on the rack for 20-25 minutes each day and up to 45 minutes for x-rays. They had music also, so that helped as well. Hang in there and try to think pleasant thoughts.