Radiation, how’s that?

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Radiation, I had no idea in how that would be. What is it like to be fixed with a mask on a table for twenty minutes not be able to move, what do you notice about the radiation and what side effects do you experience? Of course you get information in advance, but that is not the same as going through it yourself, everyone experiences it in their own way.

After nine sessions I know the answer to some of the questions. Spending twenty minutes with a mask on a table is not pleasant, but it doesn't make me feel claustrophobic. The mask is very tight so it leaves an imprint on my forehead. After the first session I indicated that it was painful, they now put a piece of cling film on my forehead before they put the mask on. This makes it less painful and the print fades faster.

And then the side effects. They had indicated that it would take two to three weeks when you to experience side effects. After three sessions I notice that my skin is red, I still think that is the heat. But after session five, my skin stays red and starts to irritate. I also notice that there is a swelling in the operating area. No pain with swallowing or tightness, but a feeling of oppression. It feels the same as just after surgery. The care coach gives me an ointment for my skin.

The morning of session eight, I notice that my throat is a bit bothering me. Is this a common cold? After all, both boys also had a cold last week. Or is this the beginning of the swallowing complaints? Just wait and see how it will go in the coming days.

The positive side: I have had a quarter of the irradiations!

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