I’ve nearly completed half of my radiation treatments and I know many of you have questions about how it is going.  So far the major side effects are a bit of tummy upset and having to get up every morning at 5:30 so I can be at the clinic at 7:00 am.  The other effect is mind numbing boredom.

Here is what I have been doing to beat the boredom:

On the way to the clinic I’ll travel in the freeway number 4 lane on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Tuesdays I’ll use the number 3 lane but on Friday’s I try to find a pickup truck to follow no matter what lane it is in.

At the clinic I purposely park in a different space everyday – even though that at 6:45 am I am the only car in the lot.  There are about 15 spaces and I don’t expect to repeat a space until late next week.

When I go to the dressing room I pick a different changing room each day.  There are four to pick from.  I’ve been thinking of bringing a four-sided die so I can make the choice truly random.

I turn getting undressed into a logic problem:  Each article of clothing must go into my bag one at a time.  When I dress after treatment I can only take out one item at a time and in reverse order – FILO (first in last out).  What is the most efficient way to undress and pack my bag? Sadly I’ve solved this problem.  The solution is: ring, watch and company ID badge go in first.  Next my coat.  Then pants followed by shirt with my jockey shorts on top.  Think about it.  I did, a lot.

While on the table in the radiation room I pretend to be somewhere else.  Monday I pretended to be on a beach in Maui perfectly lying still in the sun.  Tuesday I pretended to be on a beach in Kauai lying still in the sun.  Wednesday I pretended to be on a beach on Kona lying still in the sun.

Tomorrow we’re off to Jamaica…

And an update on the giraffe design problem:  It will be a recipe holder with a light. Materials include wood, wood veneer, brushed aluminum and clear plastic. I may include brass if mixing metals is still legal. I call it a giroaster.  Drawings to follow.