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By Pamela
Radiation started today. I arrived there just before my scheduled time, 8:15 a.m.. The first thought I had was not about the mask I have to wear but to the size of that machine! It is incredibly huge!! Then before I can even get over that, it is off with the glasses and the head scarf and right into the mask. I am not sure if it possible, but is it tighter than it was last week? 

I think I actually expected to feel the radiation. But it is painless. I could hear the clicks of the machine. Other than that, you just focus on how much longer will that mask be on my face. It was over quickly, I would say less than 15 minutes. The future dates will be faster, they won't have to x-ray me every day.

Every Monday we meet with Dr. Cozad after the treatment. He informed me that I will have 12 units of radiation on my entire neck. Then I will have 5 additional units on just the right side of my neck. So for you math guru's that is 17 units. (I was expecting to get 20 days of radiation but that has changed to 17!) Even with the unexpecting examination by the Doctor, I was home by 9:10.

Of course the Doctor also gives me his standard warning: 1/10 patients experience swelling of the saliva gland after treatment starts.  I say HELLLLOOOO! Did you not hear all the complications I had during chemo, you know that 1 is going to be me.

Olivia and I met Momma Liz and David for lunch afterwards. David also started radiation on his neck today.As  David and I were talking about the potential loss of our saliva glands, I realize my right gland is extremely sore to the touch. I knew it would be me!

After our lunch, which was leisurely and wonderful to catch up, I came straight home and sleep for 2 1/2 hours!
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