Battle Helmet and Treatment Start Date!

I met Dr. Prabhu, my radiation oncologist yesterday for the first time. I’m so lucky to have such smart, caring doctors on my team. He explained everything very thoroughly. Maybe they are playing to the brain tumor, but I feel like all of my neuro docs have spent a lot of time with us, determined what brought us to them, answered all questions and are generally thorough. And they all seem to geek out a little on MRI images, which is kind of cool – this one, you could see the spot where they went in for the biopsy – sort of left a divot in there.

I also got a ton of referrals from him – including a 3 hour visit with a neuropsychologist next week to get a pre-treatment assessment of my cognitive ability, memory, etc. I might be the most nervous about that one! The inner-workings of my mind could be an interesting, scary place.Also an OT,PT and general neurologist – I’ve never had so many doctors! Thank goodness for good health care and living so close to the Levine Cancer Center – we are so grateful that we landed in Charlotte! I was also telling my Mom, Mar, last week that I luckily picked up the additional cancer insurance this year…she said, “Yeah, you should probably buy a lottery ticket”

I also was fitted for my battle Helmet aka radiation mask – not too uncomfortable – just a little strange. So much of this stuff would be a challenge if one were claustrophobic. Like they put a warm mesh towel over my face that hardened into a mask. Once we get started, the sessions will last 15 mins and be totally painless.

Tomorrow, its back to see my main oncologist in Charlotte, Dr. Favarro, the quarterback of my team. They have set me up to start both radiation (5 days a week for 6 weeks) and oral chemo concurrently, beginning next Thursday afternoon. Dr.Prabhu thought I would find the side effects underwhelming, which I’ll gladly take. ;) Its cumulative, so should notice nothing at first then some lethargy in a few weeks. The radiation could cause a little bald spot on the concentrated area (50/50 chance). Ive decided to take the non-bald spot side of the odds, but if so…. more hats! I’ve gotten used to wearing them in quarantine anyway! And KP & Brittany just brought me some new branded CLT hats!