The radiation waiting room

I think I've mentioned before that the Radiography center at Rohnert Park Cancer Center is an efficient, almost production-line-style operation.  You check in on arrival, get your kit off and then sit in the waiting room to be escorted to the cookers.  Sadly, this very efficiency means there is little time to chat with other patients, however from time to time it is possible.

Last week a guy showed up for his first session, where they show you the ropes and get you tattooed - we were able to have a chat about my experiences there and I helped him pick out a woolly hat from the box of donations that is on the table in the waiting room - I'm sure he was absolutely thrilled to get my fashion input! ;-)

Today, there was a bit of a bottle neck, so I was able to strike up a conversation with a guy who I have seen around quite a bit before - his sessions frequently coincide with mine.  We compared notes.  He has 35 sessions, and each of them are about 15 to 20 minutes long (I only have 28 and they are rarely over 5 minutes), however, he does not have to suffer the indignity of having his butt-cheeks taped open and simply has to sit.  He was surprised to hear that I was having the treatment and chemotherapy before the operation, so I was able to explain about the plan to shrink the tumour to make the chances of success better.  He seemed to think that I had it worse because of the added chemo, but I maintain that my 5 minute sessions must be a hell of a lot easier than his daily marathon!

It's really good to talk with people who understand and have experienced, or are experiencing, similar things - if anyone reading this is prevaricating over joining a support group, I say "Do it!" It's a rewarding, if emotionally challenging, experience and, rather like this blog, it's a good way to download thoughts and feelings without burdening my wife with absolutely everything!


There was a wonderful surprise donation to the GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/PLUChris) that came through today. Peoples' kindness and thoughtfulness will never cease to amaze and delight me!