Zapped

I'm counting again.

No, not in my profession - but counting the days, ticking them off one by one, as the radiotherapy sessions go by.

Had my first last Monday 20th. A good friend/neighbour of ours, decided that taking me to my sessions each Monday morning, was far more preferable than going to work! Another male car enthusiast - I learnt about drifting, sliding, and how to make your tyres smoke and burn on an empty airfield. An hour and 10mins to the hospital. 

Announcing my arrival, I sat & waited in the brand new Oncology unit at the Royal Devon & Exeter, in their Radiotherapy suite. A bright new modern addition to the hospital. I look around. I am the youngest in the room - yet again. The average age I put at 72. A lot of men in their late 60's and 70's. A few old dears in their 70's & 80's. A couple of ladies late 50's. And me.

I play, 'Guess who's wearing a wig?'. I can only see one contender. And even then - I'm not sure... a grey short number...or perhaps she's got really nice hair. I play 'Which part of the body are you having zapped today?'. One chap is obvious. A huge scar around his throat. Throat cancer or suchlike. Some of the candidates don't change into a popping semi gown. I guess their zapping is more accessible. 

After a short wait - I'm called through.

A quick change into the said gown...heck....I'm freezing. Mental note...bring a woolly to wrap around.

Another short wait - and then into the special room. A room of lasers, monstrous equipment, and a very hard bed - set up for me, resembling a torture chamber. The equipment reminds me of a giant hippopotamus - with his jaws wide open. I'm strapped to the the extremely uncomfortable bed - with my left arm tied behind my head. Lights off. Green lasers are beamed onto me - following the positions of my tattoos on my wonky boob. Some adjustments are made. The staff leave the room & I am to keep very still. Some beeping & noises for a couple of minutes & part one is complete. The staff re-enter the suite & set about phase two. The hippo now turns on its side & attacks me from a different angle. A longer session this time - but soon over.
So - this is repeated every day for 4 weeks. A breeze.
So I thought.
For the first two days - I was very sick after treatment. Couldn't keep anything down.
More anti-emetics given by the hospital & we got it under control.
Disappointed? You bet.
But I got through the week.
This week has been better. No more sickness - but the tiredness is certainly starting to bite - (as is the sunburn!). It could be the travel. The boring endless travel. Or - of course - I'm not actually getting much time to rest. I leave at 9.30am & return at 1pm-ish. Have lunch & then it's Lily time. I miss my leisurely mornings! 
Still. 8 sessions down.
12 to go.
A house to sell.
5 viewings.
No offers.
Yet.
The weather is lovely.
The snowdrops & crocuses are out.
The daffodils are on their way.
We'll be in full bloom.
Soon.
Easter is the peak time to sell your house.....
And we're ready!
Beautiful bungalow for sale........
Any takers?