Cancer is only for the Rich

Yesterday, I got measured up, tattooed and also was given a "payment plan". The fortnightly cost of my radiation will be more than half a Senior pension. That is the gap between the full cost and the Medicare contribution. Too bad if you don't have any extra income of any sort. I am lucky CSU still gives me a bit. I guess the very poor have radiation but no food for 6 weeks

Again, I found the whole thing emotionally upsetting. Firstly, I don't like going there. It takes every bit of self discipline to take my shaky legs into the building.  Secondly I was told that although they have the new machine for "Deep Breathing Radiation" (where they are able to dodge heart and lungs (only the lung part affects me), they are not using it yet. So, my radiation will slightly scar my lung. I felt a deep disapointment.

The "care" nurse I saw first was very nice to me - too nice - the tears almost came. Then the radiation nurse told me the news about "no new machine". Next,  the doctor came in  to check they had the right spots for the tattoos. He looked at me and said "you look like you need to say something to me but can't. You look like you are going to cry".  So of course, the tears started to flow.  I saw him later and he was very comforting - told me that they would do their best to miss as much of my lung as possible. He also said that many of his patients take valium to get in the door ever day. I am not on any medication at the moment - between antidepressants and no valium because I was driving. I tied the Bach Flower remedy but it was not powerful enough.

Kaye came with me for support and afterwards we had lunch and a much needed coffee. Then we booked our train tickets for our little holiday. That will be next week, so I will tell you about that later.

Last night, we had Jan and Grant for the night and they have just left. It was so lovely to have our loving friends here. So now it is Friday and I am ok. Think I will try to get on the ride on and cut those lawns again.