It’s been almost a month since I posted anything about cancer. After the flurry of appointments and tests in late September and the first week of October, it’s been nice to have a break in the action, but now it’s time to get down to the business of fighting this thing. I’ll be having my first radioisotope treatment tomorrow. It’s definitely been a long time coming. We were camping when I received the phone call telling me that I had cancer and now there’s snow on the ground! Fortunately, NETS are very slow growing tumours so there hasn’t been the same urgency to begin treatment that there is with many other kinds of cancer.
Early tomorrow afternoon, I will be injected with iodine-metaiodobenzylgaunidine, a radioactive substance better known as mIBG. It will be absorbed by my tumour cells and, if effective, will control some or all of the symptoms and inhibit the cancer’s growth, basically rendering it dormant. It may also make the tumours shrink.
Radioactive mIBG will remain in my body in diminishing amounts for up to 14 weeks. Most that is not taken up by the tumour cells will be eliminated within the first few days but, in order to protect other people, I will be isolated in a lead lined hospital room until my radioactive exposure rate drops below a certain level (likely 24 to 48 hours) and then I will be required to live a somewhat restricted life until 14 days have passed. While in hospital, I will have to stay behind a boundary line in the room. A tray table will be placed near the door so that meals, medications, water, linens, etc. can be placed on it for me to access without hospital staff having to come all the way into the room. I will not be allowed any visitors but there will be a small window into the room that people can see me through and a phone in the hallway that they can use to talk to me! Sounds a bit like jail, doesn’t it?
What will I do to keep from going stir crazy? I’ve packed library books, magazines, my Bible study book, a cross stitch project that I haven’t touched in ages, a deck of cards to play Solitaire with and a notebook in case I feel like writing. I’m not really a TV watcher but if there’s one in the room, I’ll probably see if I can find something worth watching.
Here are a few of the instructions that I’ve been given to follow after I go home:
- drink plenty of fluids and urinate frequently to help flush any excess mIBG out of your system
- use extra careful hygiene habits (followed by very detailed instructions for using the bathroom that I won’t go into here!)
- shower once or twice daily and keep your facecloths and towels separate from others
- wash your clothes, towels and bed linens separately from those belonging to anyone else
- wear socks, slippers or shoes at all times
- sleep in a separate bed (I’m moving into the guest room)
- if possible, use a separate bathroom from others in the house
- starting from 8:00 AM, you may have 8 hours of social contact no closer than 3 metres (10 feet) with your primary caregiver/spouse
- each day, you may have 2 hours of social contact no closer than 1 metre (3 feet) with your primary caregiver/spouse
Though these rules sound pretty rigid, I’ve been told not to become a hermit. For example, I’m allowed to go grocery shopping because that won’t require prolonged contact with anyone in the store and Richard was delighted to learn that I can safely prepare his meals!
So, how am I feeling about all this? I’ve heard it said that a positive attitude is a mighty weapon in a battle like this one and I figure that if I have to go through this, I might as well have a bit of fun with it! In spite of the seriousness of the situation, there’s been lots of teasing and laughter about whether or not I’ll glow in the dark (I won’t!) and whether the radiation will give me super powers! Now, that would definitely be fun, but I haven’t decided what my super hero identity should be. Any suggestions anyone?
Following Augustine 
You can only have one super power?! I vote for two or three. 😉 You’re awesome!
Sounds good to me! Thanks, Donloree.
Reading your recent blog was like walking down Memory Lane, Elaine. Years ago, while undergoing treatment for breast cancer, I too had an isolation stint, although on a smaller scale than what you will be involved in. What I wanted to share with you is this: I recall being quite nervous and dreading this 48 hours of isolation at the Cross Cancer Clinic while being hooked up to what looked like a large old-fashioned vaccuum whose “hose” was attached to me where large needles had been inserted in the breast area. Through the hose radioactive granules were pumped from the machine into my body. Quite archaic looking! How God used this 48 hours. He turned it into one of the most special times that I can recall – it was just Jesus and me in the room and by the time I was “sprung from my cell” I almost did not want to leave. His presence in the room was so authentic and profound and I left at the end of 48 hours knowing I had been given a huge privilege – close sweet one-on-one communion with my Lord. He will be with you every step of the way, Elaine. xox
I love that idea, Maureen! Just Jesus and me! There’s no better place that I could be than in his presence even if it is in a hospital room with lead lined walls. 🙂
Your super powers are who you are right now, a woman, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a teacher and a wonderful person. Thinking of you, you may be alone in body, but your spirit should feel totally surrounded by love, support and faith.
That’s exactly how I felt! I am so blessed to have the love and support of so many caring people!
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