A Gating Linear Accelerator

We know Mary is assigned to good ol' LA9. We now know why. It is a "gating" linear accelerator.

What, you ask, is that? Apparently, they put a small targeting box on Mary's sternum as part of the setup each time. It magically coordinates the xrays with Mary's breathing pattern to make sure they are hitting the very specific spot they want to hit.

Mary explained that the actual radiation treatment takes only a few minutes. The xray source is mounted on a robotic arm that moves to seven positions around her abdomen. It exposes for about 30 seconds in each position. Add a few seconds to move to each position plus the 'gating' to trigger the exposure with Mary's breathing and the whole thing takes about 5 minutes or so.

The long part of the set up is getting Mary into the exact position to assure the correct part of her abdomen is being zapped. Plus, any problems with the control computer and any other problems and the whole day runs late.

As for Mary's overall condition, she is still very tired and the nausea medicine seems to be doing its job. Her mornings tend to be good, radiation is noontime and she sleeps in the afternoon after the treatment. Tonight, for example, she helped me in the kitchen making dinner. However, she was in no condition to do that on Monday or Tuesday.

Mary has 10 sessions left! Two this week, five next and three the week after. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel!