As we prepare for Meghan's Proton Radiation, the first thing they need to do is to create an immobilization device. First Meghan is placed on a head and neck support.
Next, they place a warm piece of mesh over her face. Using their fingers they mold every part of the mesh to her face: Eyes, nostrils, ears.....the mold is an exact fit.
After drying time, the mold is an exact replica of her little face--steroid cheeks and all! (Yes, they will need to remake the device when she is tapered off those steroids.)
Now we head to the MRI machine. This is a nasty process for Meghan. It's two hours inside this claustrophobic machine that sounds similar to a jack-hammar. She must not move at all or the images would not be accurate. They use a helmet and pads to isolate her head.
Finally the CT scan. This is a much shorter procedure but much more confining. Using the immobilization device, her head is bolted to the board and her body is confined also. These images will be merged with the MRI images to get a 3 dimensional image of the tumor that they will map out the radiation beams. Accuracy is essential.
As we prepare for Meghan's Proton Radiation, the first thing they need to do is to create an immobilization device. First Meghan is placed on a head and neck support.
Next, they place a warm piece of mesh over her face. Using their fingers they mold every part of the mesh to her face: Eyes, nostrils, ears.....the mold is an exact fit.
After drying time, the mold is an exact replica of her little face--steroid cheeks and all! (Yes, they will need to remake the device when she is tapered off those steroids.)
Now we head to the MRI machine. This is a nasty process for Meghan. It's two hours inside this claustrophobic machine that sounds similar to a jack-hammar. She must not move at all or the images would not be accurate. They use a helmet and pads to isolate her head.
Finally the CT scan. This is a much shorter procedure but much more confining. Using the immobilization device, her head is bolted to the board and her body is confined also. These images will be merged with the MRI images to get a 3 dimensional image of the tumor that they will map out the radiation beams. Accuracy is essential.
We love you Meghan!!! Our prayers are with you all!
ReplyDeleteMeghan--What a trooper you are!! I love you girl and miss you soooo much!
ReplyDeleteMegs---If you rent the OR by the week do you get a discount?? Really now, I think enough is enough. No more operations! Let's just get this Proton machine up and running and you back here in Buffalo! You've had a long enough vacation. Buffalo is warming up so there is no need to avoid it anymore. We miss you and Mallory is getting quite impossible without you to control her. Our prayers and to have you with us again....SOON. "Bob" will just have to find another girlfriend. Love, Grandma Diane
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