|
|
 |
|
Ted Sielaff, 85, is writing about his own medical crisis as it happens. His colleagues cheer his courageous spirit and professionalism, wishing him a speedy recovery. |
|
|
 |
What it's like to be healed
by a linear accelerator
By TED SIELAFF
of TheColumnists.com
Being sick is a
full time job. I wish I could write a personal note to each of
you who have sent me cards, emails, letters, and prayed for me.
You have given me a goal and have made me optimistic. You have
made me think that success in this treatment for a non-cancerous
tumor (called the Thymoma) is possible. I believe that this will
be a self fulfilling prophesy.
After trips to Stanford Hospital two times, draining the fluid
from my pericardia and then my lungs–big bottles of it–I
am now taking the radiation treatments.
I have had 12 treatments so far with 18 ahead of me. The procedure
is very interesting. The treatment room is lined with lead that
is about two feet thick, and the machine that delivers the radiation
is a linear accelerator. It has a big stainless steel arm that
can move in all sorts of directions. A linear accelerator is
very unique because it delivers a beam that matches my tumor.
Tattoo marks have been put on my chest and a laser is used to
position me. It is a tough spot because the tumor is near the
heart and lungs.
With one of our sons at the wheel, I get started for the Palo
Alto Medical Clinic at about 10:30 daily for my 11:30 radiation
treatment. The radiation takes only a few seconds but it takes
time to get me set up. Afterwards, I frequently meet with a doctor
or have another test or x-ray. That’s another hour. So,
the whole cycle takes about two to three hours. I could not have
done this without the kindness of Ginny, my wife, and three sons
who are spelling each other off, driving and watching over me.
My case of edema has partially cleared up. My legs are no longer
like big five gallon bottles of water. There is still room for
improvement, however. They tell me that I will not feel any big
benefits from this treatment until the end of July.
My appetite is very poor. I cannot exercise very much and get
out of wind easily. I believe these things will change as my
treatment succeeds.
I am very grateful to the doctors and others at the Palo Alto
Medical Foundation for their care of me. My lead doctor is Dr.
Jeffrey Croke and my radiation doctor is Dr. Gordon Ray.
In the struggle up my imaginary mountain that I call Half Dome,
I have pulled my foot out of a big hole, gotten better footing,
and am making good progress. Thanks for all your good wishes.
©2006 by Ted Sielaff. The illustration is from IMSI's Master Clips Collection, 1895 Francisco Blvd. E., San Rafael, CA, 94901-5506, USA. This column first posted May 22, 2006.
You can comment
on this column online. Please address your message to either
"The Editors" or Ted Sielaff. To send an email, click
here and don't forget to mention Ted's name: talkback@thecolumnists.com
|
|
|
Archives |
|
|