the man in the plastic mask

Friday, I get to test my mask and also a CT simulation (calibration?) with contrast.

When I walk in it occurred to me that the mask was a clear plastic thing. Unlike the fishnet. With holes for my eyes nostril and mouth. Must be costly => staff, time and materials.

It did felt better though. Fits like a glove, actually a mask.

Then the CT scan...with contrast. I just offered the right hand. It was clear but the doc said yeah it does look easy but there is an artery under that. Hmm didn't know that so he went for another spot. No matter, I'm not going to look. It hurts less and it did.

The scan was as usual but I notice that here the contrast is electronically controlled ie the syringe was hooked to another machine and injected via remote (machine) control. Didn't matter, still felt the same, the hot flush feeling.

After it was finished I had a briefing about the radio therapy, where it was, side effects, schedule, etc.

Then the canulla was removed and out I go till Dec 7.

gp

I needed a referral for claiming, so I go to see a GP, general practitioner ie a doc at a clinic, any clinic.

Dr Moussa, I ask for a referral, done, check my phenytoin ok go next door.

Next door, give blood, I must be getting used to it, seems to be less painful now. Done.

OK, go home.

radio goo goo, radio gaa gaa

It's the radio appointment. I had a list of things to ask. I thought I had stuff to ask but I couldn't think of anything much. Strange.

We see Dr Melanie, not Dr Kuan.

My questions:
1) progression of symptoms if no treatment
Not really answered, blind right eye, tumor => not sure as the swelling may cause other areas of the brain to do unknown things, stroke, coma, hand coordination, etc

2) how effective radio
Not really answer, the radio may increase the size of the target area ie swell before shrinking and may be stopping it from growing.

3) side effects/risks
89% blind in right eye, 49% in left. The vision will not be black but possible just a massive blur. U can c light and dark but thats it. Skin burn, hair loss, and lots more.

"The risk may not be that important assuming you survive that long." Straight from the horse's mouth (but not in those exact words).

4) how long treatment
2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, 2 weeks on

5) when start
dec 7th

6) biopsy results
not available yet

7) imrt
yes but will not make much difference in my case.

Eventually Dr Kuan comes in for 2 minutes then out. I managed to ask 1-2 questions then he was gone. ???

While I was here I also had a face scan. This is to create a mask. Strange I thought as in KL I had the melted fish net pulled over my face. Here I need a face mask?

The laser scan is used to create a plaster model of my face.

It didn't take long but I had to remove my 'beard'. Convenient, I was in need of it.