IMRT Imaging today

"To have and to hold from this day forward, through sickness and health......."
I was reminded of this today on the eve of our 31st wedding anniversary. Not for the obvious  reason that David is getting ready for phase two of our prostate cancer journey, but rather for the underlining reason I go with him to his appointments. We were discussing the test today on the way home and it became clear to me that alot of the information goes in one ear and out the other. Case in point, he has to have a balloon catheter inserted for every radiation treatment. This was explained by Dr. Butler at our first meeting with him. The purpose is to "recreate" the prostate and its position. Once the prostate was removed the bladder, colon, and other orgins shift into the void left behind. The balloon becomes a make shift prostate and lifts the organs out of the way. This is done so the radiation can hit the prostate bed without doing any damage to the healthy organs. News to David! He had not realized any of this....and that's why I go...and am so blessed to be able to calm his fears in ways I never imagined.
The test today was to map his prostate region. A special "bean bag" was made just for him, a large air mattress looking thing that was molded to fit around body. He was marked with a black sharpie to line him up in the same position for the treatment. Very small marks on the backs of his legs, they will be remarked over the duration of his treatments to keep him in the same position. Several CT scans were done, some with the balloon some with out.
I was able to go back to the room with him at the start of the test, but had to leave once they started. The nurse was telling him what to expect and when his treatment should start. She said we might get the call as early as this Friday to start on Monday! What makes IMRT so different is the carefull planning using 3D computed tomography images in conjunction with computerized dose calculations to determine the dose intensity and pattern. Once Dr. Butler comes up with the plan, we will know how long the treatment will last. Could be as few as 24 or as many as 42 sessions. Another positive about IMRT is that it is a far more precise, higher and more effective dose of radiation and causes less damage to surrounding tissue. It works more slowly making the toxicities do less damage to surrounding "good" tissue.
Before you all start thinking I am working on my degree to become a doctor, I should explain I take notes and come home and do research!
David did take some prescription meds to calm him down today. He was worried about the balloon, and when the nurse called it a "catheter" I thought he might run out the door! So, being dopie helped him get through the unknown. We left feeling much better, nothing hurt, everyone was nice and he is ready to get this next round going!