Currently it's at about a second degree sunburn stage. Radiation burns tend to lag about a week behind treatment, so it will contine to worsen and will peak next week. Near the bottom you can see the scar where they removed his tyroid. The burn is quite asymetrical too, a result of the tumor having crept up the side of his neck on one side. Although his skin should heal, it will always have a distinct look and texture. But for the most part it's covered by clothing.
This is the mask that A had to wear while receiving treatment. It's a hard plastic mesh that was form fitted to his face. The bolts around the edge were for bolding his head to the table to keep him from moving and misdirecting the radiation beam.
Today begins the waiting period until he can go back to work. He can reapply for a medical in 6 months, but any body scans won't show him as cancer free until a year from now (has to do with residual cells and ?). We aren't sure yet if the FAA will take his dr's word for it or insist on a scan. His dr. feels it's best to wait until 1 year if they request a scan. So we'll see how it goes.
In the meantime, we are all doing well and doing our best to keep tabs on the aviation ups and downs of late.
4 comments:
Glad to hear all is going well! I'm rooting for you both!
My husband's neck looked like that when he finished radiation for cancer in his neck.
Vitamine E solution intended for the skin at the health food store helped it feel better and seems to speed the healing.
He had lymph fluid accumulate. The nodes had been removed and/or damaged. He had difficulty swallowing, and had to sleep in a recliner due to the pressure.
We were told nothing could be done. Then we found www.lymphnotes.com and a therapist trained by the Dr. Vodder school, and his quality of life greatly improved. For the first time in 3 months he could sleep in bed. He could eat without fearing for his life. I'm glad to pass this on.
Wow, that mask gives me the shivers!!
How fantastic that treatment is over. I'm crossing my fingers for you.
It has been a while since i last popped by. I have my fingers crossed for the both of you.
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