In popular culture, the term “cancer” often conjures images of chemotherapy—depicting patients enduring significant hair loss and undergoing grueling intravenous treatments. However, for many individuals, including those in palliative care like myself, radiation therapy offers a viable alternative. This treatment approach aims to slow disease progression and alleviate pain with potentially fewer side effects. While radiation can also serve as a crucial component of curative treatments for various cancers, such as prostate and breast cancers, my experience with metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma revealed that while it wouldn’t eradicate the disease, it did help manage some discomfort with noticeably less strain than chemotherapy.
This article aims to shed light on my experience with radiation treatment. Throughout my journey, I have undergone three 10-day courses of radiation therapy, targeting various areas including a lung nodule, upper arm bones, and lesions in my pelvic bone. Each treatment session has involved meticulous planning and execution, reflecting the complexity and precision required in radiation oncology.
On treatment days, I arrive at Sibley Memorial Hospital’s radiation oncology department, where I check in by scanning my blue plastic patient card. The warm greetings from the scheduling staff make the experience more welcoming, as they manage a flurry of emails and calls while ensuring patients feel at ease. After checking in, I proceed to the locker room to change into a hospital gown—an uncomfortable but necessary part of the process. I often engage in light conversations with fellow patients or with Freddy Mancilla, a long-time staff member known for his kindness and dedication.
Once in the radiation room, I confirm my identity by reciting my name and birth date before disrobing as needed for the treatment area. Lying down, a skilled team of two or three therapists carefully positions me to ensure the radiation is directed precisely at the targeted tissues.
I have developed a deep appreciation for the radiology department at Sibley. The team's technical expertise, sensitivity, and seamless collaboration stand out. I have yet to witness any unprofessional behavior among the staff; instead, there is a palpable sense of camaraderie, characterized by light-hearted banter and laughter. The coordination of this intricate process is managed by Terelle Cook, the chief radiation therapist manager.
“How do you build a team like ours?” I asked Fung Mei Chiang, one of my regular therapists. Her response emphasized the importance of mutual respect, stating, “As much as we love our patients, we also take care of each other.”
Recent research highlights the positive impact of micro-interactions—those brief, casual exchanges that can significantly enhance overall well-being. For many patients, these small daily interactions with therapists help to ease the emotional burden of treatment. As the therapists adjust my positioning, we engage in friendly conversations about movies, restaurants, family, and the realities of life in healthcare.
One day, I inquired about how they maintain a balance between professional detachment and genuine human connection. They explained that while formal training is essential, personal experiences and empathy also shape their approach. Many of these dedicated professionals entered the field after caring for a loved one facing illness.
After ensuring I am properly aligned for treatment, the therapists exit the room to operate the equipment from a control desk nearby. As I lie on the treatment bed, surrounded by the humming machines and darting beams of light, I feel as though I’ve stepped into a mid-20th century science fiction film—both amusing and slightly surreal. The machines require a cool environment for optimal function, so patients often look forward to being covered with a warm blanket before treatment begins.
Throughout my radiation sessions, I have experienced minimal discomfort. While the procedure requires me to remain perfectly still, it is generally manageable. For the lung nodule treatment, I had to use a snorkel-like tube and hold my breath for a short period, but the rest of the treatments involved maintaining awkward positions to align the X-rays with the targeted cells. Once the session concludes, the therapists return to assist me, and we exchange good wishes before I leave the treatment room and return to the outside world—until the next session.
