2005 radiation

The radiation in 2005 was similar to the previous two, because it was still cobalt radiation. But it was a different machine. The newest, latest, and greatest. At least that's what the medicals said. Instead of a macaroni strainer type helmet, this machine required a mask that was form fitted to Maries' face. Once over her face, the mask would be secured to the table, so she couldn't move. The mask appointment was separate from the radiation treatment, and needed to be done in advance. It looked like a white plastic mesh, that covered Maries' forehead to her mouth. It actually looks just like her. A sculptor couldn't have done any better.

We had traveled a long road already in brain tumor treatment. Surgery, that removed part of the skull to expose the brain. Radiation machines that fire cobalt beams, into the head, to kill cells. Good ones and bad ones. The farther down this road we traveled, the more monstrous it became. We were getting immune to it though. Pictures of brains and tumor. Going in and out of hospital and rehab centers, I think people can get used to just about anything.

The radiation treatment went without a problem. It was done as an out patient. No night in the hospital. Just go home and talk it easy for a day , then wait for the next MRI. This radiation stuff seemed good to us. In... zap... go home. Almost no side effects. This was Maries, third time. We were experts. What we didn't get was, there is apparently a cumulative effect from radiation. It was treating her tumor, yes, but what else was it doing. If the tumors don't come back, then okay. But if they do, then what? How mach radiation can a person take. I don't know. I've never heard any thing definite about any brain tumor treatment. I thought of it like filling up a glass. When it overflows, you stop pouring. But do people have different size glasses? Can some hold more than others? It would be interesting to ask a medical professional their thoughts.