Undergoing radiation therapy involves a daily regimen that starts with checking in, changing into a hospital gown, and anxiously waiting alongside other patients in the waiting area, all of whom are undergoing similar treatments. Time seems to stretch as everyone anticipates the call of their name.
The treatment room resembles a sterile laboratory, evoking an unsettling atmosphere akin to an alien abduction scenario. It is brightly lit and features only an adjustable table beneath a large, circular machine. The environment feels cold and unwelcoming. Upon entering, you are met by two staff members dressed in protective gear, including suits, masks, and gloves. They assist you lying on the table, carefully adjusting your position by sliding a sheet underneath to align your body with the tattoos and the machine while guiding your arms to hold onto what look like handlebars. Some patients may have a high-tech mask fitted snugly to their face, ensuring they remain still throughout the procedure.
Once you are settled, the room empties as the staff leaves to protect themselves from the radiation you are receiving to fight tumors. The experience feels almost dreamlike. A loud buzzing noise fills the air as the door closes, and communication is maintained through a speaker if needed. A bright red light activates, indicating that the treatment is about to begin. The machine whirs to life, focusing on the tumors to stop their growth and reproduction. The sound reminiscent of a pencil sharpener echoes in the room, first once, then twice, followed by two more apparatus rotations.
After the session concludes, you return to the dressing area, where you might notice a reddish tint to your skin. Depending on the treatment area, the side effects can range from skin irritation and mouth sores to fatigue and swelling. It’s not uncommon to find yourself wishing for something as fantastical as an alien encounter to break the monotony of the experience.
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Those who undergo radiation are tattooed and have stickers placed before starting the process. These stickers are waterproof and stick to your skin throughout the treatment period, and you must be cautious when showering or going about your daily routine. The tattoo, a tiny dot made by injecting ink into the skin with a needle, serves as a precise marker for the tumor(s). This small, intricate reminder will remain with you for the rest of your life. |