Not your average tanning salon Five weeks of daily radiation therapy began on December 4, 2012. The impressive “Elekta” external beam radiation machine only rests on weekends and holidays, so to date I’ve had 17 of 25 treatments. Here’s a recount of the events leading up to my first treatment, and of the treatment itself. Setting the stage The first day, dubbed "Day zero", was a preparatory session held in the radiation room. At this inaugural session I became acquainted with Elekta, had a succession of slides (x-rays) taken by her, and spent about an hour lying around while the radiation therapists took measurements and shifted me this way and that to determine the required treatment position. When receiving treatment for your chest wall and axillary, as is the case with me, you lie on your back with your treated arm raised up, back and to your side in a handy armrest. Elekta then shines beams of light across your chest and the radiation therapists
from kegels to chemo and beyond