Mom's "x-ray"

Ginny_B
Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
in Esophageal Cancer #1
We went to the radiology place for a port x-ray. Of course we had no idea what that was. I thought it was a simple x-ray. Not. They had mom on a table for 45 minutes with arms up and not being able to move. She came out of that procedure with a bunch of crosses, which she cannot wash off else she has to redo that x-ray.

While I was waiting, I was on the phone with the oncologist trying to get an appt while waiting for the letter from the Nagourney Institute with the chemo type and dose. We are set for Oct 20th (m 61st birthday) at 9:20 a.m. If we get the letter sooner, I will call back and try to get in sooner. That's a log way off for mom not to wash those marks off!

Can anyone shed any light as to what kind of X-ray that was?

We also got a Rx filled for a laxative which she took at 11;30. By 1:30 she was ready. Hopefully this laxative will help with the Morphine that's clogging things up.

Ginny

Comments

  • jim2011
    jim2011 Member Posts: 115
    #2
    X marks the spot
    Those X's mark where they are aiming the radiation. Little tattoos that will eventually wash off. Once the machine is calibrated then it works almost by itself and the marks wear away. There are way way smarter people on this site that know more about this. I think I remember that the radiation people redid the marks later on just to make sure that they were on the right spot. I totally forgot about that step so early in the first sessions of treatments.
    Constipation is an unfortunate part of pain control medication. Just keep the doctors updated on what works and doesn't work. Remember that they have a plan of attack and having you on her side will help more than you know. Make sure that she is keeping up with the fluids and staying ahead of the pain.
    I wish you the best.
    Jim
  • Callaloo
    Callaloo Member Posts: 135
    #3
    mapping
    They are preparing the map so that the radiation will be directed to the same spot every time. They should also have prepared a foam body form with her name on it which she will use at each rad session, to keep body position stable. Every few weeks, another x-ray will be taken to make sure that the techs are still on track. These are low-level x rays and probably not strong enough to be used for diaganostic purposes, only for postioning the radiation machine for her rad sessions.

    I don't know what the big x is for. They ordinarily use tatoo ink as guides to position the radiation beam. The marks are barely visible, and they do not wash off -- they actually are tattooed into the skin. But I can' find mine anymore. Perhaps the techs were interupted before they finished.

    Hope this helps.
    Lu
  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    #4
    Callaloo said:

    mapping
    They are preparing the map so that the radiation will be directed to the same spot every time. They should also have prepared a foam body form with her name on it which she will use at each rad session, to keep body position stable. Every few weeks, another x-ray will be taken to make sure that the techs are still on track. These are low-level x rays and probably not strong enough to be used for diaganostic purposes, only for postioning the radiation machine for her rad sessions.

    I don't know what the big x is for. They ordinarily use tatoo ink as guides to position the radiation beam. The marks are barely visible, and they do not wash off -- they actually are tattooed into the skin. But I can' find mine anymore. Perhaps the techs were interupted before they finished.

    Hope this helps.
    Lu

    Mom was tattoo'd during the
    Mom was tattoo'd during the 2nd CT scan last Tuesday. That was when they did the CT and MRI. Today was a port x-ray as they called it. They told me they would not tattoo today's marks, but they did not want them washed off. Mom said they put X's. I didn't see them. I only saw a cross on her neck where it indents by the collarbone.

    They didn't tell me they'd do it again - maybe to spare my mom who seems to sigh and fret at every step.

    The body mold was done at her first visit to the Radiology Office. Same day we did the lab work. Same day we got the first diagnostic CT scan results. Up until now, everything has been one day to the next. Now we had nothing on the calendar until next Thursday when we meet with the oncologist for the chemo.

    Lu... (or anyone else). Will the actual radiation beam (or whatever it is) hurt my mom as it's being administered? Is there intense pain?

    I had another question, but just this instance forgot it. Oh well... it'll surface. I'll post some photos of mom and the family after Sunday. Everyone will be here for y 61st birthday BBQ.

    I feel exhausted - I can't even imagine how my mom must feel. It would be nice if dad was with her, but we lost him 23 years ago. I really miss him now.
  • unclaw2002
    unclaw2002 Member Posts: 599
    #5
    Ginny_B said:

    Mom was tattoo'd during the
    Mom was tattoo'd during the 2nd CT scan last Tuesday. That was when they did the CT and MRI. Today was a port x-ray as they called it. They told me they would not tattoo today's marks, but they did not want them washed off. Mom said they put X's. I didn't see them. I only saw a cross on her neck where it indents by the collarbone.

    They didn't tell me they'd do it again - maybe to spare my mom who seems to sigh and fret at every step.

    The body mold was done at her first visit to the Radiology Office. Same day we did the lab work. Same day we got the first diagnostic CT scan results. Up until now, everything has been one day to the next. Now we had nothing on the calendar until next Thursday when we meet with the oncologist for the chemo.

    Lu... (or anyone else). Will the actual radiation beam (or whatever it is) hurt my mom as it's being administered? Is there intense pain?

    I had another question, but just this instance forgot it. Oh well... it'll surface. I'll post some photos of mom and the family after Sunday. Everyone will be here for y 61st birthday BBQ.

    I feel exhausted - I can't even imagine how my mom must feel. It would be nice if dad was with her, but we lost him 23 years ago. I really miss him now.

    Ginny,
    As with all other
    Ginny,

    As with all other things radiation effects everyone in different ways. However, there are some side effects you should know about. Remember your mom may not experience any of these but you should watch out for these and call the doctor immediately if you notice any complications.

    Skin irritation. Rashes or redness at the site of the radiation therapy is common. This minor side effect may be uncomfortable but it shouldn't be painful — contact your doctor if you do notice any pain. Sometimes it seems like my dad had a sunburn at the radiation site as well as internally in his esophagous. The doctor can prescibe creams and medicines to help manage the pain.

    Loss of appetite. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may cause appetite loss, but it's important to get the nutrients and calories you need to stay healthy while getting treatment for esophageal cancer. Following some simple tips to make eating more manageable with esophageal cancer can make a big difference.

    Fatigue. Eventually, radiation therapy can take its toll on patients and cause significant fatigue. Exercise, meditation, massage, and other alternative therapies might help combat this side effect of radiation therapy.

    Stomach problems. Radiation therapy may cause stomachaches and diarrhea. If you experience this symptom, be sure to drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.Pain while swallowing. Radiation therapy destroys the cancer cells lining your throat, which may leave it feeling sore and painful (like a sunburn). If swallowing foods becomes too painful, a feeding tube may be needed to ensure nourishment during treatment.

    Best,
    Cindy
  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    #6
    Praying for you and MOM
    Ginny,

    I am relieved for you and your mom that she got her X-Ray staging and tattoos done finally. Sorry she has to wait for the start with those marks. Mapping...

    Is Mom still mostly pain free with the Morphine I hope?

    Those laxatives are a necessity and a godsend, too I use Dulcolax (or any generic that's cheap) and it works great. I only take it every few days, but I eat a LOT of whole grains and a ton of fiber too so that helps a lot as well. I found a balance but they are needed with the opiates for sure.

    I am thinking about the both of you and sending prayers, hugs and love. Here hope for real progress with the next few appointments and a plan that puts you at ease, too.
    May God bless you,
    Eric
  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887
    #7
    Ginny_B said:

    Mom was tattoo'd during the
    Mom was tattoo'd during the 2nd CT scan last Tuesday. That was when they did the CT and MRI. Today was a port x-ray as they called it. They told me they would not tattoo today's marks, but they did not want them washed off. Mom said they put X's. I didn't see them. I only saw a cross on her neck where it indents by the collarbone.

    They didn't tell me they'd do it again - maybe to spare my mom who seems to sigh and fret at every step.

    The body mold was done at her first visit to the Radiology Office. Same day we did the lab work. Same day we got the first diagnostic CT scan results. Up until now, everything has been one day to the next. Now we had nothing on the calendar until next Thursday when we meet with the oncologist for the chemo.

    Lu... (or anyone else). Will the actual radiation beam (or whatever it is) hurt my mom as it's being administered? Is there intense pain?

    I had another question, but just this instance forgot it. Oh well... it'll surface. I'll post some photos of mom and the family after Sunday. Everyone will be here for y 61st birthday BBQ.

    I feel exhausted - I can't even imagine how my mom must feel. It would be nice if dad was with her, but we lost him 23 years ago. I really miss him now.

    Ice Pack 1 hour PRIOR to Radiation
    Nick found amazing relief by applying an ice pack to the radiation target 1 hour Before radiation. I know on the days he forgot, he felt more nausea and more of a sense of sunburn - inside & out.

    Hope that helps your mom!

    Terry
    Wife to Nick, age 48
    dx T3N1M0 05/19/11
    THE 09/08/11
  • Callaloo
    Callaloo Member Posts: 135
    #8
    Ginny_B said:

    Mom was tattoo'd during the
    Mom was tattoo'd during the 2nd CT scan last Tuesday. That was when they did the CT and MRI. Today was a port x-ray as they called it. They told me they would not tattoo today's marks, but they did not want them washed off. Mom said they put X's. I didn't see them. I only saw a cross on her neck where it indents by the collarbone.

    They didn't tell me they'd do it again - maybe to spare my mom who seems to sigh and fret at every step.

    The body mold was done at her first visit to the Radiology Office. Same day we did the lab work. Same day we got the first diagnostic CT scan results. Up until now, everything has been one day to the next. Now we had nothing on the calendar until next Thursday when we meet with the oncologist for the chemo.

    Lu... (or anyone else). Will the actual radiation beam (or whatever it is) hurt my mom as it's being administered? Is there intense pain?

    I had another question, but just this instance forgot it. Oh well... it'll surface. I'll post some photos of mom and the family after Sunday. Everyone will be here for y 61st birthday BBQ.

    I feel exhausted - I can't even imagine how my mom must feel. It would be nice if dad was with her, but we lost him 23 years ago. I really miss him now.

    The actual radiation beam is painless
    She won't feel a thing. I had very little discomfort from the skin "burn", in fact, I don't think my skin burned at all. The only problem I had was towards the end, my esophagus swelled from the radiation and this was accompanied by pain. But this was all taken in good stride as it meant the tumor had been incinerated.

    LU
  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    #9
    chemosmoker said:

    Praying for you and MOM
    Ginny,

    I am relieved for you and your mom that she got her X-Ray staging and tattoos done finally. Sorry she has to wait for the start with those marks. Mapping...

    Is Mom still mostly pain free with the Morphine I hope?

    Those laxatives are a necessity and a godsend, too I use Dulcolax (or any generic that's cheap) and it works great. I only take it every few days, but I eat a LOT of whole grains and a ton of fiber too so that helps a lot as well. I found a balance but they are needed with the opiates for sure.

    I am thinking about the both of you and sending prayers, hugs and love. Here hope for real progress with the next few appointments and a plan that puts you at ease, too.
    May God bless you,
    Eric

    Mom will not take her
    Mom will not take her Morphine. She believes that if she has something to do during the day she will not take the morning Morphine. Se takes 1 at 6 pm. She will not take Vicodin. She doesn't want to feel woozy, and doesn't want to become constipated despite the great laxative she was prescribed.

    Instead she holds a monkey stuffed animal to her chest and cries when eating and afterwards. Im beside myself getting her to understand that she needs the meds.

    But, as I've said, I will respect her decision.
  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887
    #10
    Ginny_B said:

    Mom will not take her
    Mom will not take her Morphine. She believes that if she has something to do during the day she will not take the morning Morphine. Se takes 1 at 6 pm. She will not take Vicodin. She doesn't want to feel woozy, and doesn't want to become constipated despite the great laxative she was prescribed.

    Instead she holds a monkey stuffed animal to her chest and cries when eating and afterwards. Im beside myself getting her to understand that she needs the meds.

    But, as I've said, I will respect her decision.

    I hope she changes her mind
    Ginny,

    I am so sorry. You must be beside yourself with worry. I know how much I hated to see my husband suffer with pain. I'm sure it's even harder to see your mother in pain.

    I hope she sees that the meds aren't there to make her woozy but instead to relax her and relieve the pain - just a little bit.

    Would she consider 1/2 of a tab? Something to maybe dull the pain and not give her the woozy feeling?

    Bless you for stepping back and letting her make her own decisions. It's difficult. I understand....

    Terry

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