On May 26th, 2020 Halina started her Radiation treatments. Although Radiation was not effective on the large tumor on the back of her tongue Radiation was used to kill any lingering cancer cells inside the mouth and along the nerves to ensure a fully cancer free operation.
In order to ensure the Radiation was directed at the specific areas Halina had to be fitted with a Radiation Mask, this consisted of her lying down while a layer of soft mesh was placed over her face. The technicians had to mold the mask around every angle and shape of her face and neck. The procedure took approx. 12 minutes and when completed the mask was ready to set.
On May 26th, Halina had her first of 30 treatments consisting of 6 weeks at 5 days per week driving to Kelowna’s Cancer Clinic. Upon arrival we were both screened for Covid symptoms and then scanned her card, which told the technicians we were there and continued to change into a robe and then into the waiting room.
The overall session was only about 15 mins but over the six week period Halina did notice her neck becoming red as if she had a sunburn. The Radiation also made the saliva in her mouth thicker which was a little easier for her to manage with the suction machine. Other side effects were tiredness, skin rash and weight loss.
At the end of Halina’s 30 sessions the Radiation effects continued for another few weeks which did give her some open wounds on both sides of her neck that were very painful.