Treatment Update

Today marks the halfway point of my treatment. Things have gone well so far and much faster than I expected. There has been some minor things here and there. Last week I started to have some dull headaches, but so far Tylenol is keeping them at bay. Hopefully, steroids won't be needed to keep the brain inflammation in check. Also, I’m starting to develop some sore/sensitive spots on my head, but they are okay right now. Thankfully, fatigue has not been too much of a problem and hopefully won’t be as treatment progresses.

Novalis TX

Here is the machine being used to treat my tumor. It is called the Novalis TX and is also made by the same company, Varian, who also makes the True Beam system.

Treatment Started

I began my treatment this past Tuesday and just completed my fourth session today. Just 24 more sessions to go. Feel okay so far and the drive to and from UCLA has been bearable so far.

I am receiving a total of 180 centigrade of radiation per session at the isocore (i.e., tumor). Since there are nine beams/entry points, each beam will deliver about 20 centigrade of radiation. The 180 centigrade is considered to be in the normal range for radiation therapy treatment.