The Radiation Chronicles: Treatment Three-Fastest. Treatment. Ever

   It's a sunny June morning, with the rich blue sky that has no hint of humidity.  The day is more Spring than Summer, and should truly be enjoyed.  I however am inside a cancer clinic waiting area, ready for my third round of radiation treatment.  Before I can even get my Samsung media player online, a friendly tech is calling my name.  Treatment is about to start.

  By now I have an established routine before getting on the table:   I divest my pockets of all items:  keys, wallet, electronic devices and loose change.  My shoes are off and my left sock is removed.  Once that task is accomplished, I can lay on the table, where my feet are placed into the plastic holders.  The pillows prop up my head, but my legs being slightly raised cause some aches in the back of my knees.   One of the techs was  with me on my first treatment on Monday and remembers me.  I feel embarrassed as I never quite remember any of their names.

  Positioning my leg went remarkably fast.  Even the process of treatment seemed to go quick.  I supposed I might have been daydreaming, as my sense of time passing simply wasn't registering. It seemed like only moments from when the techs departed the room to returning again.  I felt good and perhaps because the fine weather,  there was an optimism that I hadn't had for a long while.  I decided I should treat myself to a little reward.

  Steimar Bakery is  a local institution, know for fine breads and superb  pastries.   My return to work would see us stop there for a treat.  I felt so good I even ordered a coffee, something I had almost never had in the past year. Blueberry Danish and coffee.  Sunshine and blue skies. The aroma of freshly-baked bread.   The richness of this experience was not simply because I have cancer, but that I took the time to appreciate the moment for what it was -something I simply enjoyed for it's own sake. 

  Today I was in good spirits, my treatment is half over, and things seemed to be going great.   That would change by tomorrow,  as I would experience a complete 180 degree reversal of emotions.