A new term I learned this time is "superficial". Radiation therapy aims to maximize the number of cancer cells destroyed, while minimizing the damage to nearby normal cells. As low energy x-rays do not penetrate very deep into the body and transmit most of their energy into the skin. These low energy x-rays are often called superficial or orthovoltage x-rays. In my case, using superficial rays can kill cancer cells inside my ribs (near the surface) and would not harm my organs underneath. I am sure you know what "superficial" means traditionally and generally. When I heard the radiologists said "we are going to use the superficial treatment on you", I asked "Superficial?" He replied positively and affirmatively. (Hahahah!)
Now 4 days after the superficial treatment, I am feeling better and stronger. Compare with the last radiotherapy (also my first) back on 18th March, 2010, rather than a square shape with a few crosses for aiming accuracy. This time, as you can see in picture below, is a 18 x 10 rectangular shape and a dotted line at the bottom. After setting the machine and the body at the proper position, the radiation process itself took ONLY 2 minutes and I was done for this time. Unlike last time, which I need to return every day for the week!
The whole treatment left me with an impression ... well ... quite superficial! But I certainly hope Mr Cancer - My Friend is being treated well this time. The chemotherapy will start next week and I will be using a different drug. Stay tuned and I will share with you more new terms that I learn in the process!
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