The machine

Just over a week ago I had the opportunity to attend one of Ruth's appointments with her as she was seeing her consultant after the radiotherapy session. Ruth asked the radiographers if I could have a look in the room to see how she gets the specially formed mask on. They said yes,

I went into the room where I am met by a small table in the room with this huge machine at one side. The put a mat on the table and Ruth got on to lie down. They had a knee support to keep her knees bent and then got this funny looking mask out of the cupboard which fits snuggly over her head. It is made from plastic with holes all over so she can breathe, but does look very tight and trapping. I could see why she is not keen being secured to the bed by it. They have lines marked on each side to make a cross and there green lasers on both sides of the room. They have to line both crosses either side with the green lasers to ensure the bed/table is in the correct position and that Ruth's head is in the right place. Ruth was then left on the bed as we exited the room where they closed a gate so no one could access and press the x rays in progress button.

I though that was interesting, I'll go and sit and wait for her to come out. They invited me into the control room to explain to me the whole process of what was happening when. They spend a few minutes scanning Ruth's head to ensure the machine scans match up with the MRI scans to ensure the machine is in the perfect spot to delivery the x ray treatment. They all had to agree it was all correct before proceeding (3 people). once in the right place they go ahead and start the x ray machine. Normally I think of an x-ray as just a simple photo of an area job done. not this machine. It worked for about 30 seconds with lots of black dots appearing on the screen and disappearing again. Every black dot was a shot of x ray. they were only aimed a tumour tissues so no x ray shot could damage the good stuff of the brain. like i said this lasted about 30 seconds and the treatment was complete. I was glad I could see it all as it has given me a greater understanding of what Ruth is facing each day.

I was totally amazed by the skill of the NHS to work this machine and the care they gave Ruth throughout the appointment. I was speaking to the radiographer who was from America and he was telling me, in America they don't even have this sort of stuff available to them. they are using kit Ipswich hospital got rid of 5 years ago. It is such a privilege to know we have this sort of technology available to us so close to home.

Ruth has done about 3 weeks of this treatment so far and the who rig moral of attending hospital daily to do this now becoming somewhat tiresome but we have a lovely list of helpers who are taking Ruth on a daily basis and ensuring she can get there and back be with her during the visit. it is much appreciated. 

The Chemotherapy tablets are also taking their toll. Ruth regularly feels nauseous and very tired. She is aiming to be positive on a daily basis, but as the energy is not in great supply it is hard. 

We know they wouldn't be doing this treatment if the end goal wasn't going to help. We still cling tight to our faith and knowing God has got this and we are trusting him and his provision of strength and endurance during this testing time.

Please keep Ruth in your prayers. it helps so much knowing we have so much support

Thanks Mark