Multileaf Collimators and Spotted Leaves

            Week two begins.  We had a quiet and restful weekend at home and spent a lot of time with Erik. We also got to share time with Cancer Buddy, Kellie J. We left Warner Robins this morning and returned to the Winship Cancer Center in time for my radiation treatment this afternoon.  I met with Dr. Higgins.  She said I’m doing remarkably well.  (Thank you all for all the prayers!!).

            Being ever inquisitive, I asked Dr. Higgins about how she prescribes the radiation for my treatments.  As I’ve mentioned before, the device in the treatment room is a linear accelerator which is a type of particle accelerator that greatly increases the velocity of charged subatomic particles or ions by subjecting the charged particles to a series of oscillating electric potentials along a linear beamline.  Here’s a picture of what one looks like:

So, on the head of the gantry (at least I think that’s what it’s called) is what known as a multileaf collimator.  Here’s a picture:

Gantry Head showing Collimator

Multileaf Collimator

           When I lay on the table, I look directly up into the small glass window measuring approximately 10 inches by 10 inches.  Behind the glass are the leaves.  I understand they may be made of tungsten.  The pattern that is prescribed by the radiation oncologist is constructed by means of the positioning of the leaves.  And that is the pattern of applied radiation that comprises my treatments.

            Pretty cool stuff huh?!?!

Now, here’s an example of the kind of thoughts that folks are sharing with me/us during this adventure.

            Sister-in-law Marcia was on a spiritual retreat with a group of ladies.  She had opportunity to go on a reflective walk, to see what God might have for her.  As she walked, she was considering how “perfect” everything around her was; the sun was shining brightly, the leaves provided a verdant backdrop, the breeze was gentle and she was alone with her thoughts.

            Then, out of nowhere, a leaf fell and touched her on the head.  She grabbed the leaf to study this little visitor to her perfect moment.  She noted that the leaf had spots all over it, perhaps disease of some sort and maybe that was why it fell. 

            The leave brought to her realization that “No, everything is not perfect!” At that moment she was reminded of me and the fact that I was sick.  So, she considered “no, where Ken is at is perfect”, (referring to the being here at the Hope Lodge and Winship Cancer Center).  So, she went on a search.

            She searched for two “perfect” leaves to represent Muggy and me when we are/will be in perfect health.  She sandwiched the sick leaf between the two healthy leaves to symbolize the coming healing for this time of sickness.

            Blessings to all!  Thanks for reading!