Fascinating biotechnology

  I love learning about the science, biology & technology of it all. I observe & try to figure things out as I am getting treated and then ask the techs about it too. I’ve learned some interesting things about how, why & where they map out the radiation waves. One is that different kinds (electron, proton, etc) have different strengths & “half life”(that’s not what they called it but that’s basically what it is) where the potency of their waves decreases. Therefore they do what’s called a “bolus” (totally different meaning than how we nurses use that word) where they put a mesh or rubber layer (mimicking a layer(s) of skin) of varying thicknesses to pull the full potency of the radiation closer to the surface. Another thing i learned is how they determine the angles. The radiation goes straight at my upper chest where they’re hitting the lymph nodes all the way through to my back because it doesn’t go through any vital organs. It’s kind of funny- I can actually clear lines on my back (it’s red & peeling now) where the radiation goes through! They hit the breast at an angle so it exits my armpit where they want to radiate anyways, avoiding my lungs & unwanted side effects there. (I’m so grateful it’s only on my right & now my left so my heart isn’t an issue to avoid!) I just find it all quite fascinating!