Radiation- behind the scenes

Step 1: (upper left) Kev climbs into his custom made "seat".

Step 2: (upper right) The alignment begins...The table adjusts in two axis. It can raise/lower to set for correct depth and it can move in/out. Adjustments left/right are made by the tech pushing/pulling on the “seat”. A red laser light (barely visible in pics) is used as an alignment guide for left/right and in/out adjustments. Real-time x-rays are used for depth alignment. There is a bank of monitors on the wall used for visual displays. These settings are saved.

Step 3: (lower left) The emitter rotates.

Step 4: (lower left) Depth settings are now made for the underneath zapping operation. The program is “run” with a 15 second delay – enough time for everyone (except Kev) to evacuate the room through a 3-foot thick door. The techs monitor everything from a different room with computer displays.

Radiation

In early December it was decided that Kev would undergo radiation treatment on his pelvic region. It's assumed that the surgery did not remove 100% of the cancer in the bone so the radiation is used to attack any residual. And since the surgeon was not able to get to the groin tumor, this would also be included in the focal area. [The radiation injures the genetic material (DNA) in the nucleus of the cell. It will either destroy the cell or alter its metabolism which effects its ability to function normally.]

We met with the Radiologist on the 5th and she had his 'simulation' scheduled for the next day. Although there were a page full of side effects, she explained the ones most applicable to Kev would be localized burning (not unlike a sunburn), intestinal discomfort, muscle aches and sterilization. Kev always teased about having a late-life, unplanned, love-child after K&N went college. But with one consenting signature we said farewell to Freegift Pehr.

The 'simulation' consisted of having a custom fit mold made to hold his mid-section in the same place day after day and temporary tattoos applied to the newly shaved areas. The first treatment was Dec 11 and continued daily for two weeks, ending on the 22nd. Kev would lay on the table sung in his form fitting mold. The tattoos were used to align his body with the machine, maintaining repeatability on the focal area. Real-time x-rays were used to verify proper depth. It really was quite an impressive set-up. He'd first get zapped from underneath and then the machine would rotate and zap him from the top-side. He was getting 300 centigrays/day for a total exposure of 3000 centigrays. The whole process only took about half of an hour, but add in an hour drive (min) each way and wait time and it quickly became difficult to juggle the kids' schedules and Kev's schedule. A big thanks to Dave and Dan who helped out with transportation on days I had conflicts.

We met with Dr. A, the radiologist, on Wednesdays to discuss side effects. At the first visit Kev didn't have any noticeable side effects, but she explained they are often delayed since they correspond to dosage accumulation. She recommended 600mg ibruprofen for muscular discomfort and gave Kev some Aquaphor lotion for the burns. By Friday he was using both. On the following Wed we discussed the muscle soreness and the burned/sensitive skin. He had no intestinal problems -- yet. The treatment concluded on Friday, Dec 22, with a ceremonial ringing of the bell (K, N & I were all there to applaud) and total accumulation of 3000 centigrays radiation exposure. Dr. A (who btw looked barely old enough to be out of high school much less medical school) explained the following week would bring the worse side effects and Kev should expect to feel "poopy". I wondered if she meant literally or figuratively - she meant both and was right.